Shabbat Shalom Y’all!
This has been a great week of reflection and gratitude. We had a chance to cozy up indoors when the cold weather blew in. There were a few friends who celebrated their last days of Shalom with us this week and it has been a truly emotional and gratifying experience to see these children grow in our midst.
Thank you for continuing to trust and support us by sharing your beautiful children with us each day.
Yesterday, we had a wonderful ice cream send off for our beloved, Lola Oswald. Lola is retiring after 21 years of hard work at Shalom Children’s Center. Next week will be her last week in the classroom, so please take an opportunity to stop by for a hug! Seeing Lola beam among her old and current students and their families was another opportunity to enjoy the special community of Shalom Children’s Center.
We were also able to appreciate the many blessings of our community with “You can make a difference day” celebrated at Camp Ruach today. This day is in honor of a former counselor, Seth Olson, who strived to live each day to the fullest and has passed on the inspiration for each of us to do the same. Many campers proudly accomplished community service today as the young children in our care watched them in admiration and awe. It won’t be too long until the children at Shalom are right there washing cars with the other campers!
As familiar faces may come and go, we also welcome new faces into the world. Mazel Tov to the Grossman and Wilson families on the birth of their daughters this week!
We are also celebrating our end of the year with potlucks, gatherings, and garden parties. Thanks to all of you who take time out of your busy schedules to come and participate in the classrooms- we couldn’t have done it without you!
Another positive reflection this week came with the arrival of our Environmental Rating Scales (ERS). We are proud to say that we came out with flying colors and achieved high scores in the areas that matter most, Interaction among staff and children, and Program Structure (how we schedule the day to best suit the needs of our children). As a staff, we reflected that it is important to take part in such assessments, but that also, we know by the constant feedback and pursuit of excellence that we are making a positive difference everyday and using best practice throughout the program. Way to go team!
Here are some special announcements and what not:
Childcare available during the teacher work-days (August 11-15)- A message from Jamie
Happy Summer everyone!
If you know anyone looking for some extra help during teacher work week, the fabulous Emily Adcock and I will be having a small fun mini-camp at the pool Monday, Tues and Wednesday afternoons. It will probably run from 12:30 to 5:30 but we will fine tune based on need. If there is need, I may get other helpers too or be available on Thurs and Friday.
Rochelle said we could use the garden and the pool areas…I know the inside of the J will be a busy place with teachers organizing and floors being done and trainings happening.
Kate will forward my number or email. I would prefer kiddies to be at least two but will consider younger kids if we have enough need and enough help.
However, there will be no place for kids to nap. 🙁
Miss you ALL!!
Fondly,
Jamie
JCC Kids will be offered the first week of school for rising Kindergarteners!
To Pre-K friends-
I have good news! Seth is going to be offering 4 full days of JCC Kids for incoming Kindergarten students during the first week of school for ACS.
The dates are August 19, 20, 21 & 22.
JCC Kids will be open to rising Kindergarteners from 8-6.
If you are not already enrolled in JCC Kids for the 2014-2015 school year, please see the JCC Kids Registraion Form on our website to sign up for these drop-in days.
You will also be able to have your child attend JCC Kids during snow days and Teacher Work Days under this schedule.
If you are already enrolled in JCC Kids for the 2014-2015 school year, please just let Neil or Seth know that your child will be attending these extra days in August as well.
If you have any questions, please email or call Seth or Neil.
Seth- seth@jccavldev.wpengine.com
828-253-0701 ext. 108
Neil- neil@jccavldev.wpengine.com
828-253-0701 ext. 112
PTO will change its format for next year:
Greetings. First, thank you for all you’ve done for our JCC PTO this year. It’s been an interesting year!
If you did not make it to our last meeting I’d like to fill you in on new developments. After much discussion the PTO will try taking a year off and see how everyone does with having two room parents per class rather than a PTO. The room parents’ main goal will be to foster a sense of community within the classroom, between kids, parents, teachers, and floaters. For example, a goal would be that by the end of the year all parents know each other and the other children (at least somewhat). The room parents would organize the class teachers’ birthdays and a few events (pot luck breakfasts, etc) depending on the wants and needs of the classroom. The room parents would also welcome new class families, etc., things that create a warm sense of community, and be in touch with their sister/brother room for some organized events. Rather than weekly meetings, room parents and staff would get together once a season (so about four times a year) to check in with each other.
We are moving in this direction because while the original reason for the PTO was to foster relationships in the classroom and between classes, it seems like fund raising took over and it became a bit too stressful for most involved.
We think this structure might work better than a PTO structure. We’ll give it a try. We can always go back to a PTO, or not. Let us know what you think. And of course, please let me or Kate know if you have any questions, cares, or concerns.
Save the Date for Orientation Night for new and returning families-
Friday, August 15th 3-4pm PK & HH / 4-5pm Shalom
We will have an opportunity for you to sign up for activity committees and special events- or you can sign up to be the room parent in your child’s class.
We appreciate all of the support we get from parents and caregivers like you who go above and beyond to enhance our community every day!
Special SHOUT OUT to the YAEL and the PTO for organizing and celebrating with us this year!
Thanks for sharing your children with us,
have a great weekend!
Ms. Kate
