Fall is upon us

 October is here! I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. With the beginning of fall comes some fun things and lots of changes at school and at home. Our study topic at this time is trees and unfortunately we have a lack of trees in the play yard but my goal is to find some fun tree related items for us to play with outside.

 Another thing that has changed is the weather. Its been a bit windy and chilly some mornings and this is the time of year when we need to start making some changes in the morning routine to include jackets in our wardrobe. When my daughter was a student we would send her to school each day rather she wanted it or not with a jacket either worn on her body or in her backpack. I would suggest you try to do the same. The weather can be a bit unpredictable at times and some days it's warm and sunny when you leave home but chilly and windy at school. Unless the winds are just way too high to manage or its below freezing we play outside every day and its best to be prepared. Also we will continue to have outdoor gooey and water bins. The same goes for parents working in the classrooms you never know when you may end up with an outdoor board. Also now is a good time to check your child's spare clothing inside the backpack to make sure its weather appropriate. We try our best to make sure everyone takes in their jackets or sweaters when they go in but sometimes I miss one or two please try to put your child's name or initials on their jackets.

 This week October 7th-11th is fire safety week. We will have our monthly fire drill and play some fun stop drop and roll games outside. I will also start making use of our larger sensory bins for some messy sensory items and fun.

 Our annual jubilee is Friday October 11th it will be a fun night with carnival style games, foods and fun. We look forward to seeing everyone. Breakfast with Ms. Tiffany is this week and that's your chance to sign up for work days in November, December and maybe January if I am correct. Remember if you don't sign up your work days will be assigned to you. Our first maintenance day is on October 12th and a big thank you in advance to those working I know there are a lot of various outdoor tasks to be done and I appreciate your time and efforts. October 30th and 31st are our in class harvest parties. I can't wait to see everyone dressed up this year our theme is zoo phonics characters! I bet you all can guess who I will be :) for a list of zoo phonics characters you can ask your child or any teacher we know all of our zoo phonics friends very well.

 If you see the teachers walking around with ipad's and taking lots of pictures and sound clips don't be alarmed we are now using a new portfolio system that uses the ipad's as a means of getting developmental milestones and making a comprehensive portfolio of your child's time with us at IPS. I have to say I am pretty excited to be learning this system and putting it to its full use and intention soon.

 I have a few requests for some up coming projects I am looking for toilet paper and paper towel cardboard rolls, and I would love to borrow a soccer goal for a week (the portable kind like they use at AYSO if you have one) I am also in need of some more hot wheels or matchbox cars (they seem to be getting taken home or buried deep in the sand) if you have an older child who has moved on from hot wheels ask them if they would be interested in donating them to the preschool I know they will get a lot of use!

 Have a great week everyone and I can't wait to see you at school!