Dear Parents,
SMOKE SIGNALS
Parent Newsletter
Fall 2014
Welcome to Smoky Row’s 32nd year!
For some children this is their first experience of being away from parents or first time being in a
group. These are large steps for children to take and we are so proud of them. For those who are
in preschool for the second year or more, it is heartwarming to observe them helping their new
friends fit into their routines. All are obvious in the delight at making new friends and
participating in all the activities.
Good news! The teaching staff, administration and families of SRCC are all to be congratulated
for being one of the first programs in the country to earn the mark of quality represented by the
reinvented and significantly strengthened NAEYC Accreditation System. To achieve
Accreditation, a program must meet at least 80% of the criteria on which it is assessed. There
are 10 standards. Please forgive me if I boast. SRCC’s highest score was 100% on 9 standards
and 95% on 1 standard. Of the classrooms observed, at least 70% of assessed criteria must be
met. Our lowest score was 98% and highest 99%. It is a huge effort and yes, we may be overachievers.
A bit about our program: We are child centered and developmentally appropriate. The curriculum
includes literacy, science, math, social studies, art, dramatic play, small and large motor activities
and some exposure to Spanish Language and American Sign Language. Research suggests that
children learn best through play and hands-on learning experiences and that’s just what we do.
“Group time” provides time for children to learn in a teacher led environment. “Free play” gives
children much time and many choices for working in the numerous leaning centers. We strongly
encourage parental involvement. You are more than welcome to come and join us at any time.
Speaking about over-achievers, we are overwhelmed by our parents’ generous support of the
Center’s fund-raiser, THANK YOU!
Besides new children and new parents this fall, we are pleased to welcome OSU Interns
Jillian Rosen; Butterfly Room, Kristina Gonzales; Super Stars; Samantha Oergel; Camp K
(Kindergarten). And in the Tree House Club, working on her Field Placement, please welcome
Elizabeth Coleman from Columbus State Community College .
We hope that your children are comfortable and happy at Smoky Row. The teachers,
administrators and I look forward to a wonderfully exciting school year with your family.
Fondly,
Judy Chosy,
Director
HIGHLIGHTING OUR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS
MINDY POWELL, Teacher, Teddy Bear Room
When asked what she enjoys about working at Smoky Row, Mindy said, Smoky Row is the best
place I’ve ever worked! I appreciate being with high quality teaches and administrators who
put the children first. Many centers claim “Educational Care” but our teachers show their
devotion to the children beginning with the administration to every person on the staff. The
kiddos love being here and I love my job! Our team, Danielle, Karen and I, work hard to see
that our children receive a wonderful preschool experience. We enjoy being a witness as
children’s skills increase. I love being part of the positive outcomes I see. By the way, I also
baby-sit and tutor children, so if you are in need, let me know. Thank you parents for sharing
your awesome children with us.”
Mindy joined our full-time teaching staff in July of 2013. She was not new to us having
worked with us each summer while she attended college. Her timing in returning to SRCC
in 2013 was like a prayer answered as we were interviewing for a team teacher at that
time. Danielle, Dana and Judy knew that hiring Mindy was a no-brainer and she has not let
us down.
Some facts about Mindy:
 Bachelors and Masters degrees from Kent State University.
 Lived in Worthington, attended Kilbourn High School. Her parents are still in Worthington.
Currently lives in Grandview with two roommates who love tailgating Buckeye games.
JANNIE HOWARD, Infant Room
Jannie joined our staff FIVE YEARS AGO and she has won everyone’s heart with her
friendliness and southern charm. Her hard work and love of children was evident right from
the start. We appreciate all she does to make the Infant Room such a loving and wonderful
place for babies, her team teachers and the babies’ parents.
“Smoky Row is a great place to work. We have a wonderful staff who I consider my friends.
I enjoy getting to meet the families. I know that they are grateful for what we do and that
makes me want to work even harder”, says Jannie when asked what she enjoys about working at
SRCC.
Some
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facts about Jannie:
Married to Russell and has two sons, David and Erick.
Enjoys her two grandchildren Mason and baby Zoey.
In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, walking and spending time with family.
HIGHLIGHTING OUR STAFF AND ADMINISTRATORS
LORA ACKERMAN, Principal of the East Building and More
“What I most enjoy about working at Smoky Row is the positive and fun-loving environment
that is created in each classroom. Everything we do here is done with the best interest of the
children in mind. We have parents, teachers and administrators working together for the same
goal. Just walk in the door and you can feel the joy. As a result we have busy, happy, healthy
children,” says Lora.
Some facts about Lora:
 Spent summers during high school and college as an assistant teacher at SRCC.
Has officially been on the full-time staff for FIFTHTEEN YEARS.
 Earned an Educational degree from Bowling Green, Masters in Curriculum and
Instruction from Ashland U. and earned a Masters in Early Childhood Administration
from National-Louis University.
 Taught in Worthington Public Schools for seven years.
 She and husband Darren live in Worthington. They are the parents of Bailey, age 17, and
Thomas, age 14, who also are the grandchildren of Judy and Bob Chosy.
 Films and edits the popular classroom videos shown at each class annual fall parent
meetings.
 Helped get the Center into the 21st Century by putting the Center on FACEBOOK. If
you haven’t yet, check it out and please don’t forget to “like” us. THANKS.
TARYN WHEATON, Teacher, Tree House Club
How lucky for us to have Taryn in her SIXTH YEAR of teaching at SRCC! She came to us
after graduating from OSU with a degree in Human Ecology with a focus on Early Childhood
Education and with two years of teaching preschool. Taryn is always positive with the children
as she encourages them to solve problems, make appropriate choices and enjoy learning. It is
evident that she enjoys working with children by the care and respects she demonstrates each
day.
When asked why she enjoys teaching, Taryn says, “SRCC is a positive and friendly place to
be! This Center is like a village where every one of the teachers and administrators show
care and appreciation of each child and parent. The atmosphere is one where we all have
the same goal, which is to provide a wonderful early education for all of our children.
Thank you parents for sharing your children with us and for your support”.
Some facts about Taryn:
 Married to husband Steve for 8 years. They are the parents of two sons, Quintin,
3 years and Landon, 4 months. Our family includes our dog, Brutus.
 In their spare time, the family enjoys being outside walking and taking the children
to the park or zoo.
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS - 2014 & 2015
October/ November/December – Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences
Information will be posted on the Parent Boards outside classrooms.
October 7 - 10 – Book Fair, East Bldg. Mon. & Tues. 6-8 pm
& West Bldg. Wed. & Thur. 6-8 pm
November 27 & 28 – The Center will be closed for Thanksgiving Holiday.
December 3rd & 4th – Columbus Speech & Hearing, testing at parent’s request
December 24 & 25 – The Center will be closed for Christmas Holiday.
December 31 – The Center will close at 4 pm for New Year’s Eve.
January 1 – The Center will be closed for New Year’s Holiday.
January 20– 7-8pm Worthington Park Library, “Kindergarten: Ready or Not”.
Kindergarten teachers will answer readiness questions/concerns
January 29 – 7-8 pm Northwest Library, “Kindergarten: Ready or Not”. A panel of
Kindergarten teachers will answer readiness questions/concerns
February 9 & 10 – Creative Images, group & individual photos taken – East Bldg
February 11 & 13 – Creative Images, group & individual Photos taken – West Bldg
March /April/May – Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
May 11-15 – Teacher Appreciation Week. SMOKY ROW TEACHERS ROCK!
May 25 - The Center will be closed for Memorial Day
May 27 - Kindergarten graduation, 7-8 pm
June 1 – Summer session begins.
SPECIAL EVENTS ARE PLANNED IN EACH CLASSROOM THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.