Dear Parents,

    We have such a wonderful group of children this summer! A new mix of children always invigorates us with the possibilities of fresh interests, talents, and friendships. 

    We are excited as we plan for the upcoming summer months. Teachers enjoy the change in the curriculum format for the summer, as we move from Small Groups to Centers. This style makes it easier for children to come in and out of activities without feeling like they missed something when they are away for vacations.  Preparing activity centers for in-depth exploration based on common interests presents opportunities for new creative energy and limitless ideas. 

    If you have not heard yet, we have begun our summer as milliners preparing exquisite headwear. In other words we are making hats!! This hat making process is quite a feat! First the willing subject must sit still as three pieces of newspaper drape over their heads (and yes, they cannot see.) The papers are then held down and masking tape is wound around and around to secure the proper head size. Then -pop!- off comes the hat! The edges are curled up and secured; the hats are then painted an array of colors;  and final embellishments are added to express each wearers creativity and style.

    Yesterday and today the hats were modeled. They were admired by an audience who asked questions about the creative process, as the wearer walked the runway turning this way and that to display their hats. Of course the paparazzi were on site! Photos coming soon!

    That was STEP 1. Next is STEP 2. Beginning next week the children will start making musical instruments from recycled materials. If you haven’t heard about this part yet many children are already planning what they want to play! STEP 3. Combine the gorgeous hats with the melodious instruments and march around the neighborhood in a glorious Summer Parade! PHEW! The completion of this 3 step project will be a lot of rewarding work!

    Fridays will be “STUDIO Discovery Lite” as we enjoy various outdoor experiences. Last Friday we kicked things off with an obstacle course. It proved to be great fun for all! We will continue to put together a series of different types of obstacle courses for the next few Fridays.

It is always exciting to watch and see how doing one thing sparks an idea or suggestion for something else.  We will continue to watch and listen to see what other interests children are talking about during their play that might guide us on our adventures and explorations this summer.   

We hope to all share a wonderful Summer together!

~ Jane, Janet, Katey & Kate

Tornado Emergency Plans

We have used the monthly tornado siren test as a reminder about tornado safety.  Should there be a tornado warning, where we are asked to seek shelter, we will take the children downstairs to our cellar where we have blankets, flashlights, water and stuffed animals.  You might need to have our cell phone numbers in case of such an emergency. Please ask us if you don’t have them.

Vacation Schedules

If you haven’t already, please let us know your vacation schedules. This will help us let children know when their special friends will return to school!

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IMPORTANT DATES


 Thursday, July 4th Closed for Holiday 

AUGUST 15/16            Last days of Summer Session 

AUGUST 19 - 23          Friends ‘n Fun closed for cleaning, sprucing, prep and  
                             planning for new school year.

AUGUST 26               Beginning of Fall Session
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