Newsletter for June 2015
June
June Notes and/or Reminders:
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Summer, Fall & Kindergarten Registrations for next year forms have been sent out.
We had requested these be in by Monday, April 27th, so if you have not had a chance,
please make sure you submit them to us.
Father’s Day BBQ:
o Toddler’s Dad’s Day Breakfast on Tuesday, June 16th
o Three’s and Kindergarten Classrooms on Wednesday, June 17th @ 11:30am
o Pre-K Classrooms on Thursday, June 18th @ 11:30am
Monthly Payments are due by June 5th. A late fee of $20 will be
charged if after this date. Also, a reminder to weekly charges are
due on Tuesdays.
Happy Birthday to our June Students:
Jordan C., Kaiyon G., Hunter B., Jake D., Joshua K., Jasmine R.,
Stella F., Dominic M., Tyler W., Steven P., John W. Cailin S.
Newsletter for June 2015
Infant ROOM Ms. Nanette
Everyday sensory play in preschool
by Deborah J. Stewart, M.Ed.
Sensory play is an important part of early childhood development. It lets children explore and
learn about their world through what they do best – play. We do lots of different kind of
sensory play in preschool and I thought I would show some of the materials we have used this
year so far…
As much as children love sensory play – adults tend to dread it. Sensory play can be messy
and a daunting task for adults to keep up with. So the key is to approach sensory play with the
right mindset. First, it is important to remember that children learn best when they can actually
touch, see, smell, taste, hear, and manipulate the materials in their world…
As children scoop up seeds or rice or other small items and fill up a container, they are
discovering how much that container can hold before it overflows.. Sensory play promotes
spacial awareness, mathematical thinking, and scientific exploration and discovery…
Newsletter for June 2015
Sometimes sensory play is simply a great way for children to relieve their stress. Sensory play
can be very soothing and relaxing to a young child…
Sensory play is also a great way to foster fine motor development. Rolling and cutting up play
dough or scooping and pouring water and beans all involve eye -hand coordination and fine
motor control. In the process of playing with these materials, children are building the skills
and muscles they will need for handwriting and other more formal educational processes down
the road…
Newsletter for June 2015
Sensory play can involved just about any kind of material you can think of from sticks and
leaves to water, playdough, goop, beans, rice, pasta, paper, straws, and the list goes on. If it can
be put in a tub along with a few tools for play and the freedom to explore and manipulate, then
it can be used for sensory play…
Adding tools for sensory play is always a must. We have an entire shelf of baskets filled with
cups, laundry lids, shovels, measuring spoons, tweezers, magnifiers, and other items. We rotate
the items frequently and the children use those items in the sensory tubs. It is more fun to scoop
up pasta and pour it from one container to another than just to have a container of pasta. Tools
for play help make sensory play more interesting and engaging…
We have some sort of sensory play out for the children just about every day. There is rarely a
day that we don’t have a sensory tub or some kind of sensory activity out for the children to
explore. On most days, we even have more than one kind of sensory activity for the children to
choose from…
Newsletter for June 2015
I set out materials and tools for sensory play in a variety of ways. Sometimes, I set the materials
out in trays and other times I use tubs. By giving the children a tray or tub, they have their
working space to explore…
I also have a water and sand table that we rotate items for sensory play in…
Just because you use a material once, doesn’t mean you can’t use it again. Children don’t mind
playing with the same materials many times over. Each time they use the materials, they will
invent new ideas for play and imagination…
Newsletter for June 2015
Toddler ROOM Ms. April & Ms. Brittany
Child Health 411
with Ari Brown, MD
http://blogs.webmd.com/child-health-411/2010/07/say-adios-to-sunburns.html
Say Adios to Sunburns
Most of us have suffered the wrath of a day of fun in the sun. But, it doesn’t have to be a rite of passage for your child this
summer. Here are a few tips to protect your child from the sun.
Q. Is it safe to apply sunblock to a baby under six months of age? The packages say, “Ask a doctor.”
Yes! Previously, we recommended applying sunblock to babies over six months because newborns have sensitive skin and might
be bothered by the lotions. However, one of the greatest risks of skin cancer is early sun exposure and skin damage. So, it’s more
important to protect the skin. If you use sunblock and your baby develops a rash, then you should chat with your doctor about
alternative products.
Q. What sunscreen is best?
Any sunblock with an SPF of 30 or greater. And, be sure to reapply it every two hours or after getting sweaty or swimming.
Q. Do I need to apply sunblock on cloudy days?
Yes. The sun rays still can be a risk to your child’s skin.
Q. Are there other ways to protect my child from sun damage?
Yes. Avoid the peak sun hours of 10am to 4 pm every day. And, if possible, have your child wear a hat and sunglasses. Kids are
more likely to do this if Mom and Dad are doing it as well. So, make a fashion statement and be a good role model!
Q. If my child has olive-toned or dark skin, do I need to worry about using sunblock?
YES! All humans who have skin should wear sunblock! It is true that people with darker pigmented skin are less likely to develop
skin cancer, but there is still a risk and prevention is easy.
Q. My child has been out in the sun this summer and he now has some white splotches on his face. Do I need to worry?
Probably not. If your child has eczema or has gotten a rash or two on his face this past year, that area of skin may not tan this
summer. But, the rest of the skin does — leaving white areas. After summer is over and that old skin sloughs off, his skin will be
even-toned again.
Q. What’s the best way to treat a sunburn?
Apply cool water or a cool pack to the area. Try a soothing gel, like aloe vera. If the area blisters up, do not pop it. That blister is
nature’s band-aid. If it does pop, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a non-stick dressing. I also
suggest lots of fluids and some TLC!
Newsletter for June 2015
Three’s ROOM Ms. Fannie & Ms. Kristine
Newsletter for June 2015
Pre-K ROOM Ms. Heather & Ms. Brenda
Fathers Day Recipes - 10 Minute Strawberry Pie
Kids Cooking Ideas for Dad
10 Minute Strawberry Pie
Ingredients:
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1 tbsp water
1 envelop unsweetened strawberry drink powder
1 tbsp strawberry ice cream topping
2 (3 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1 C confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 C of heavy whipping cream, whipped
1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust
Preparation:
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Place the water into a mixing bowl.
Add the drink powder and stir until completely dissolved.
Fold in the strawberry topping.
Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla to the bowl.
Pour the drink powder mixture over the top.
Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy.
Carefully stir in the whipping cream.
Spread the mixture evenly into the graham cracker crust.
Chill at least 1 hour or until the pie is set.
Makes 8 servings
Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Chilling Time: approximately 1 hour
Total Time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Newsletter for June 2015
Fathers Day Recipes - 10 Minute Strawberry Pie
Kids Cooking Ideas for Dad
We Love You Dad Pancakes
Ingredients:
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2 C of baking mix
2 tbsp instant chocolate drink mix
2 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1 C of milk
1/2 C of sour cream
1/4 C of miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Preparation:
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Place the baking mix into a large mixing bowl.
Add the chocolate drink mix and baking powder and toss to combine.
Carefully break the egg into a separate bowl.
Whisk in the milk and sour cream until well blended.
Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Grease a griddle or skillet well and place over medium heat.
When the griddle is hot, pour one quarter cupfuls of the batter onto the griddle.
Cook the pancakes for 4 minutes or until bubbles begin to appear around the edges.
Flip and continue cooking 3 minutes or until the bottom is nice and brown.
Serve with butter and maple syrup.
Makes 12 pancakes
Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 7 minutes per batch
Total Time: approximately 22 minutes per batch
Newsletter for June 2015
Kindergarten ROOM Ms. Darlene
http://www.travelhudsonvalley.com/upcoming-events/
Upcoming Events
There is so much to do in the Hudson Valley. Views, Art, Culture, Outdoors, Recreation,
Entertainment, History, Dining, Shopping and more. Each month we’ll give you new ideas for
how you can explore and take advantage of all the Hudson Valley has to offer.
Albany County
Park Playhouse: July – August 2015: Presenting two free musicals at the Washington Park
Lakehouse Amphitheater, Park Playhouse’s summer season is one of the greatest and most
attended events of the year. By providing free admission at their productions, Park
Playhouse makes theatre an all-inclusive art form, accessible to people from all walks of life
and socio-economic backgrounds. Visit this year to see Singin’ in the Rain and The Pajama
Game!
New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration: July 4, 2015: The annual holiday celebration
features live music and fun for the whole family including the best fireworks show in the
region. Each year, more than 30,000 people gather to enjoy the day at the Plaza, which includes
a naturalization ceremony, dozens of food and craft vendors, activities for kids, and an evening
of live entertainment leading up to the big pyrotechnics show.
Columbia County
Hudson Pride Festival June 19-21: Now in its sixth year, The Hudson Pride Festival is a
weekend of celebration with boat cruise, parade, tea dance, cabaret/dance party and so much
more. Various venues throughout the City of Hudson.
Dutchess County
Country Living Fair: June 5-7: Presented by Country Living Magazine, the Fair gives you
the chance to fully experience the Country Living lifestyle at the lovely Dutchess County
Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck! Great shopping & seminars! 845-889-8851.
Greene County
Hudson River Art Trail: June – October: Visit the magnificent nearby views that are
depicted in Thomas Cole’s paintings. Our guided hikes are offered each year from June to
October. During other times, you can pick up our guidebook or visit our free online guide at
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival: July 16-19: Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is a 4 day outdoor
music festival presenting the best in bluegrass & acoustic music, dancing, workshops, family
activities, camping, jam sessions, festive foods, crafts and thousands of fans.
Orange County
Tour the Replica Columbus Ships ‘Pinta’ and ‘Nina’ May 28-31: Take a self-guided tour on
Newsletter for June 2015
board the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’ replica ships while they’re in port at the Newburgh Waterfront
off Front Street. No reservations necessary. Admission. Ships arrive on Wednesday, May 27
and depart early Monday morning, June 1. Tours offered May 28, 29, 30, 31. 787-672-2152
Hoboken International Film Festival May 29-June 4: Showcases the world’s most cutting
edge filmmakers and movies. Celebrity jury including multiple film and TV stars. May 29th
Opening Night Party and ceremony includes numerous celebrity guests. Mingle with the stars
and selected filmmakers at a closed, elegant cocktail hour with complimentary fine hors
d’oeuvres/meals, deserts, and cocktails. Daily film screenings in the historic Paramount
Theater in Middletown. Tickets online or at the box office. 845-346-4195.
Putnam County
Relay For Life: Game on Cancer June 6: Family fun for all! A great day of giant games,
food, music, a silent auction, and more.
Rensselaer County
Rockin’ on the River, Troy June 10-August 12: Every Wednesday evening from June 10th
through August 12th the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District and the City of Troy,
present Rockin’ on the River! This free, outdoor concert series gives music fans a wonderful
excuse to stay out and about on a Wednesday night!
Summer Fest 2015, June 18-21: A True Summer Tradition with rides, live music, “Dad”
contests, great food and fireworks
Ulster County
Woodstock-NewPaltz Art & Crafts Fairs May 23-25 and September 5-7: The Hudson
Valley’s premier art & crafts show takes place every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend at
the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz, NY. A juried crafts fair with over 300 artists and
craftspeople including furniture, specialty foods and health care products. Exhibitions,
demonstrations, children’s center and entertainment. For more information:
Walkway Marathon June 13: The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park – a 19th
century railroad bridge transformed into the world’s longest linear park, hosts a weekend full of
running memories in New York State’s beautiful Mid-Hudson Valley. Runners of all abilities
are invited to take part in one of three flat, fast and scenic races, a marathon, half-marathon, and
a 5K. Each of which traverses the historic Hudson River via this 1.25 mile pedestrian
bridge. Participants will be wowed by jaw-dropping views of the majestic Hudson from atop
the 212-foot Walkway. For more information:
Westchester County
Get into the Game with the Westchester Knicks! Tickets on sale now: Basketball fans can
see up-and-coming NBA talent as the Westchester Knicks, the official NBA D-League Affiliate
of the New York Kicks play in White Plains. The expansion team, which is owned and
operated by Madison Square Garden, plays its home games at the Westchester County
Center. Visitors can be a part of the action as they bring entertaining brand of basketball that’s
Newsletter for June 2015
also a family-affordable night of sports to Westchester. Individual, season and group tickets
are on sale starting at $10.00 through ticketmaster via westchesterknicks.com or in person at
the Westchester Count Center box office located at 198 Central Avenue in White Plains. For a
full schedule, ticket package and group ticket information visit:
ARTSEE: A Festival of New Work: March Through July 2015: Featuring more than 70
arts events at more than 40 cultural venues throughout Westchester County. Packed with
dance, film, theatre art exhibitions, concerts, conferences, open studios, poetry readings and
more the festival will celebrat the creative spirt in Westchester. To kick off the ARTSEE
ArtsWestchester will host Crossing Borders: Memory and Heritage in an New America at its
gallery in White Plains on March 17. One of the opening exhibits and major part of the festival
Crossing Borders, highlights the work of new and first-generation American artists who use
their autobiographies and family history as an artistic tool to explore universal concerns of
memory, heritage and identity. ArtsWestchester is located at 31 Mamaroneck Ave in White
Plains.