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St. Brendan’s

Preschool

Family Handbook 2017-2018

4633 Shiloh Road

Cumming, Georgia 30040 770-205-7969

www.stbrendansatl.com

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Table of Contents

Page

3-4 Welcome letters

5 SBPS Mission/Philosophy & Office contacts

6-10 Staff Introductions

11 Enrollment Policy/Registration Procedures

12 Financial Policies/ tuition/ fees

13-14 School Day

15-19 Arrival, dismissal and carpool procedures

18 Carpool Map

20 Inclement Weather Procedure

20-21 Safety and Security

21-22 Health Policies

23 Discipline Procedures

24 Communication

24 Celebrations

25-28 Curriculum Overview

29 SBP 2017-18 Calendar

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Dear Parents of St. Brendan Preschool,

Welcome to a new school year after a beautiful summer. Your children must be excited about

going to school. Our teachers, staff, as well as our clergy can’t wait to see them. We love to

watch them learn and discover the great world God has made for us.

I had the opportunity this past year to meet many of you as well as your children and look

forward to seeing you again during this school year as you pick up and drop off your

children, attend special events and help with activities. I try to visit during class time to give

the kids a little surprise as well as to see their energy and excitement for their class activities,

and I particularly enjoy the occasions when I have the opportunity to offer them “Father’s

Ice Cream”.

I know that your work as parents, builds the future and I want to do everything I can to help

you. I also appreciate the extra effort you make to help in the advancement of the school and

your children.

As a Pastor, I see the great importance of what St. Brendan’s can do for children through our

pre-school programs and what you add to our Parish by the mere presence of youth with all

their energy and excitement. They are the future and we want to help you give them a good

start.

Be assured of my prayers for your families and my regards!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Matthew Van Smoorenburg, L C

Pastor

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Dear Families,

The staff of St. Brendan’s Preschool welcomes you and your child to our program. We look

forward to working with you to make this a special and meaningful year for your child. This

handbook was written to provide you with the details of our everyday routines. The policies

are in place to ensure a safe, enjoyable day for your child. Please take the time to read this

handbook carefully. We ask that you keep it in a convenient place at home so you can refer

to it when necessary.

Your child’s day will consist of teacher-directed and child-selected activities in the areas of

art, music, Spanish, emergent literacy, math, science, social studies, religion and interest area

play. Specific and developmentally appropriate objectives are established for each age group

that provide a strong foundation to build on each successful year. Our preschool curriculum

encompasses the following areas: Cognitive, physical, social-emotional, language, fine

motor skills, gross motor skills, spiritual lessons and emergent literacy.

At St. Brendan’s Preschool, we are committed to each child’s growth and wellbeing. We

believe that all children are unique and develop and learn in different ways. Our primary

goal is to provide a program that is rich in opportunities for children to explore, discover and

learn in a safe Christ centered environment. Our teachers love working with children, they

are CPR certified, they attend at least ten hours of age-specific continuing education each

year. Please see our teacher bios for more information on our well-qualified staff. We

welcome and invite families to be actively involved in their child’s preschool experience.

Please know that the preschool office is always open to parents and we invite you to stop in

to say hello, offer suggestions or ask a question any time. Thank you for the privilege of

working with you and your child this year. We look forward to a wonderful school year.

Sincerely,

Julie Lahey Lori DeRoche Kerry Zicheck

Director Assistant Director Office Administrator

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Our Mission The mission of St. Brendan Catholic Community Preschool is to provide an educational program for children in a warm, loving, Christ-centered environment, which brings together gifted teachers and enjoyable experiences to promote spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth.

Our Philosophy Children aged 16 months to 5 years learn and play in an atmosphere, which is rich in opportunities to explore. We believe that children are unique and special beings that develop in their own time and pace. The staff at SBPS is committed to the child's growth and well-being. Our teachers are highly qualified and plan age-appropriate, developmentally sound learning opportunities in a creative, stimulating, and nurturing environment. Their knowledge and experience combine to make a successful preschool experience for all children.

Preschool Administrative Staff 770-205-7969

Julie Lahey (EXT 19) - M-F 8:00-2:00- jlahey@stbrendansatl.com (Director)

Lori DeRoche (EXT 29)- M-F 8:30-1:00 -lderoche@stbrendansatl.com (Assistant Director)

Kerry Zicheck (EXT 46) –M-Th 8:30-1:00 -kzicheck@stbrendansatl.com (Office Administrator)

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St. Brendan’s Preschool Staff

We would like to introduce you to you the staff of St. Brendan’s Preschool program:

Julie Lahey Director

Julie earned her bachelor’s degree in ECE from UGA and her Master’s degree in ECE (Reading specialty) from Georgia State University. She has taught over 17 years in both public and private schools, including 10 years of pre-K. Julie has been a St. Brendan’s parish member since 1999. Julie is married and has four children. She is looking forward to her 4th year as director.

Lori DeRoche Assistant Director

Lori is starting her 4th year at SBP. She has worked as a program manager for a foster care agency as well as in children’s mental health as a behavior specialist and therapist. She also has experience in the classroom working for Ga Pre-k and Headstart. Lori has a master’s degree in child development and looks forward to continuing her work with children and families at St. Brendan’s.

Kerry Zicheck Office Admin.

Kerry is beginning her 18th year at St. Brendan’s Preschool. She taught the older twos for nine years, worked in the nursery, the ones class and 2 years with the 4 year olds. This is Kerry’s 5th year as the Office Administrative. Kerry is married with two boys who are current college students.

Melvin Rogers Maintenance

This is Melvin’s 9th year working with the preschool at St. Brendan’s. Melvin is married with 4 children. Melvin is looking forward to another great year maintaining the building and safety of SBP.

Niki Adams Teacher

This will be Niki’s 7th year teaching at St. Brendan’s Preschool and is looking forward to teaching the 3 year olds this year. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work/sociology from Appalachian State University and has worked as a medical social worker in the past. Niki has three boys who are all St. Brendan’s graduates.

Maureen Aikins Teacher

Maureen is a native of New York, but spent most of her life in North Carolina. She attended North Carolina State University and graduated with a BS in Zoology. Animals, plants, and the natural world are her favorite things to learn about and explore in life. After several years in a corporate job, she became a full time Mom to her three children: Katherine, a sophomore at UGA, Caroline, a senior at Lambert High School, and Jack, a freshman at West High School. Her most recent career has been as a Field Trip Naturalist at the Chattahoochee Nature Center where she gets to teach kids about nature. She is so excited to be a part of St. Brendan’s preschool and to share her sense of curiosity, wonder, and fun with her classroom.

Vickie Bennett Teacher

This will be Vickie’s 12th year being part of the SBP program. She has worked with every age group in the school. This year she is excited to be teaching the 4 day 4’s program. Vickie is a mother of two and grandmother of two.

Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from Western Carolina University. She also attended North Ga to earn her Health and PE certification. Lisa is married with two daughters, one attending UGA and the other attending UNG. She is very excited to be

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Michele Bond Teacher

This will be Michelle’s 7th year teaching the little ones at St. Brendan’s. She is married with 3 children. Her youngest goes to North Forsyth High and keeps her busy with volleyball. Her 2 oldest have given her 4 beautiful grandsons, 3 of which moved to Germany; she is looking forward to visiting them soon.

Suzy Cassidy Teacher

This will be Suzy’s 4th year in St. Brendan's Mothers Morning Out program with the Tuesday/Thursday ones. She has three children who all attended St. Brendan's Preschool and she missed it so much she loves being back! She is a parish member and has volunteered as a Catechist for Kindergarten, first, and third grade. Suzy has a degree in Science, Technology, and Culture from Georgia Tech.

Shannon Dunn Teacher

Shannon received her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Georgia State University, Atlanta. She is a Nanny with experience caring for children from infancy to age ten for nine years. This will be her 4th year teaching at St. Brendan's Preschool with previous substitute experience. She is married with a daughter who attended SBP and a son who is in the 4-year-old program. She is a parish member at St. Brendan's Catholic Church and has been volunteering for the Faith Formation Summer Session for two years. Shannon will be teaching the M/W/F two’s class and is looking forward to a wonderful year!

Magdalena Flores Teacher

Magdalena is our Spanish teacher for ages twos - fives. This will be her 8th year at SBPS. Previously, Magdalena worked with the St. Brendan’s “Our Family Ministry” caring for the preschool aged children.

Barbara Gehring Teacher

Barbara attended Florida Atlantic University where she majored in elementary education. Barbara has extensive experience in the preschool setting and is in her 18th year of teaching at St. Brendan’s Preschool. She teaches a M-F fours class. Barbara is married and has two children who are current college students.

Jeannine Green Teacher

Sherri Hauser Teacher

Sherri is excited to be starting her 2nd year at SBP and her 7th year teaching preschool. She will be teaching a five day fours class. She is married with 3 children and an active member of St. Brendan Catholic Church.

Genie Hafner Teacher

This will be Genie’s 17th year at St. Brendan’s Preschool and she is excited to be teaching the Fabulous Fives this year. Genie is the mother of two children and nana of four.

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Kim Hanna Teacher

This is Kim's 4th year teaching at St. Brendan's Preschool. She will teaching the T-F 3 year olds. She attended University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a B.S. degree in Exercise Science. She is a native to Georgia. She has 3 children that have attended St. Brendan's since 2010.

Mariela Hansen Teacher

Mariela received her bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University. This will be her 3rd year teaching at SBPS. She will teach the MWF two-year olds. She is married with two daughters who are both recent St. Brendan's graduates. Mariela has been a parishioner at St. Brendan's since 2011.

Colleen Kelly Teacher

Colleen will be starting her 8th year at SBPS. Previously, Colleen taught our music & movement program. Colleen is looking forward another year teaching the 5 day 4’s this year. Colleen earned a bachelor’s degree from Brenau University in Early Childhood Education. She has three children.

Megan Kolacinski Teacher

Megan earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Illinois State University. She is the mother of three girls, all of whom attended St. Brendan's. She is very excited and looking forward to starting her 3rd year with the 2 year olds!

Liz Larsen Teacher

This will be Liz's 3rd year teaching at SBPS. She will be teaching the Tu/Th three-year olds. Liz moved to the area three years ago from Philadelphia with her husband Michael and their four children. Liz's youngest daughter is a graduate of SBPS.

Melissa Linne Teacher

Melissa is excited to begin her first year of teaching at SBP. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at the College of New Jersey and her Juris Doctor degree at Seton Hall University School of Law. She has 4 children and 2 stepchildren and spent many years being a part of St. Brendan's pre-school family while her children attended school here. Melissa cannot wait to begin teaching in the M/W Mom's Morning Out Program.

Colleen Mills Teacher

This is Colleen's 1st year teaching in our preschool after having subbed for us last year. Colleen holds both a Bachelors and a Master’s degree in Education. Colleen teaches Kindergarten Faith Formation here at St. Brendan's and she and her family are members of the parish as well. She is married with two children. Colleen is super excited to teach the M-Th fours class!

Diane Nixon Teacher

Diane is a native of England. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wales. Diane worked for 20 years in the educational system in England. She has taught children ages 3–11. Diane is starting her 17th year at St. Brendan’s. She is excited to be teaching the Fabulous Fives this year.

Mariela Paz Teacher

Mariela Paz has been a child educator for the past 12 years at a private school in Florida. She has a CDA and experience teaching 3 and 4 year olds. She recently relocated from South Florida with her family. Mariela is married and has two children ages 15 and 17. She is very excited to start her 3nd year at St. Brendan’s teaching the 5 day 3 year old class.

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Julie Quinnelly Teacher

This will be Julie’s 7th year at St. Brendan’s Preschool. Before leading our religion program, Julie worked with all ages in the preschool. She will be teaching our religion program for her fourth year. Julie attended Georgia State University. She is the mother of five children. Her youngest attended SBPS and is now with her siblings at Holy Redeemer Catholic School this year. Julie is an active parishioner at Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering for the Atlanta Humane Society and for CURE childhood cancer.

Kelly Ricci Teacher

Kelly is excited to start her 4th year teaching our Mother’s Morning Out class on

Tuesday/Thursday, and her 2nd year teaching our Monday/Wednesday/Friday twos. She earned her BS degree in Marketing from the College of Mount St. Vincent in New York. Kelly and her husband Steve are active members of St. Brendan’s and their three children all started preschool in the St. Brendan’s MMO program.

Francesca Sichenze-Bryant Teacher

Francesca attended North Carolina State University and studied anthropology/sociology. She, her husband, and daughter have been in the Atlanta area since 2001. Francesca is an active member of St. Brendan Catholic Church and is starting her 13th year teaching at SBPS. She has taught in both 3 and 4 year old classes. She is excited to kick off another great year teaching in a M-F fours class.

Silvia Smith Teacher

This is Silvia’s 2nd year teaching at SBP. She brings experience from substituting and working as a teacher’s aide at Holy Spirit Prep School. She is married with 3 sons who all attended SBP. Silvia is looking forward to working with our MWF two year olds this year.

Nikki Spier Teacher

Nikki was a substitute at SBP last year and has 17 years of preschool experience and a degree in Human Services. She moved here from Rochester, NY with her husband, Peter and daughter, Madison. She is a member of St. Brendan’s. Nikki is excited to be starting her 1st year at St. Brendan’s Preschool as a 5 day 3 year old teacher.

Stephanie Stevens

Stephanie was a substitute teacher last year at SBP and will be returning as a teacher in the three yr. M,W,F class. She moved here three years ago from Texas with her husband, Rick and has been active as a volunteer in St. Brendan’s Respect Life, Faith Formation and Children’s Liturgy of the Word programs. Stephanie graduated from West Virginia University with a B.S. in Child Development and Family Studies. While raising three daughters, she remained active in child care in some respect, whether it was in a volunteer or professional setting. Now that her daughters are grown, Stephanie looks forward to joining the SBP family.

Hillary Stidham Teacher

Hilary has a bachelor's degree in Education from Birmingham-Southern College. She has taught preschool for 6 years, along with elementary school and high school. Hilary is married and has twin daughters that will be going into first grade. This will be her 2nd year at St. Brendan's, and she is excited to return to the 4 year olds.

Meghan Sutton Teacher

Meghan is excited to be starting her 2nd year teaching at St. Brendan’s. Before teaching here, Meghan taught special education for 13 years. She earned both her undergraduate and master’s degree in special education from Ohio University. Meghan and her husband have 3 children. One, a recent SBP recent graduate and 2 who are currently attending SBP.

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Erin Tarantino Teacher

Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Georgia State University. Erin and her husband, Joe are members of St. Brendan’s parish and they have a son who is a recent graduate from SBP and a daughter who will be in the 4’s. Erin is excited to be starting her second year working with the 2 year olds.

Tiffany Tokich Teacher

This is Tiffany’s 7th year teaching with us and her 15th year teaching preschool. She will be teaching in the MWF 3’s class and the Tu/Th 2’s class. Tiffany has a B.F.A. from Youngstown State University. Tiffany has twin daughters who are seniors at Georgia Southern University.

Andie Toll Teacher

This will be Andie’s 8th year at SBPS. She will continue teaching three year olds in our T-F class. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in early childhood education and intervention. Andie taught preschool for children with developmental delays and disabilities and has taught first grade. She has two children.

Ines Tryzbiak Teacher

Ines was born in Bogota-Colombia. She moved to the US in 2001 to study English. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She has been married for 13 years and has two boys; 6 and 8 years old. She is very excited to be starting her 2nd year teaching the 2 year olds.

Rossmary Wagner Teacher

This will be Rossmary’s 4th year teaching at St. Brendan’s Preschool. She will be teaching one of our Tu/Th 3’s classes. She attended both Valencia College and the University of Central Florida with a focus on early childhood education. Rossmary and her family reside here in Cumming. Her 2 daughters attended preschool here for the 3 & 4 year old programs. She is very excited and looking forward to another year working with the 3 year olds.

Nicole Wight Teacher

Nicole attended Florida State University where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Marketing and Multinational Business Operations. She has 4 boys. Her twins will be starting kindergarten and her younger two will be in the 4s and 2s. Nicole is excited for her first year teaching the MWF 2s at SBPS.

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Enrollment Policy

St. Brendan’s Preschool programs are open to all children in the community beginning with the age of 16 months through 5 years by September 1. Priority placement is given to St. Brendan parishioners during early registration. After this group has had an opportunity to register, registration will be opened to the community in general. Children are admitted regardless of race, creed, gender, national origin, or religion.

Registration Procedures

Registration forms are available online and in the preschool office. In order to enroll in the program, each child must have a completed set of forms on file, including but not limited to: A registration form with medical authorization A Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) A signed Financial Policy Form A signed Parent Handbook Receipt A signed Signature Page If space is available, the child is placed in a class based on his age on September 1. If the desired class is full, the child is placed on a waiting list for that class. Parents who do not get their first choice may enroll their child in another class and place their child on the desired class waitlist. Registration fees are charged only when a child is placed in a class. Parents of children on wait lists are notified if/when a space becomes available. Parents have 24 hours to accept the space with payment of registration fees. Waiting lists do not carry over from year to year. If enrollment in a class is too low to fund an offered class, parents will be notified of that possibility by July 1st. If the class is closed and a child is current with all fees paid all monies paid toward the closed class will be refunded or transferred to a suitable option. This is the only situation where registration fees or activity fees are refunded. It is our policy not to accept parent requests for specific teachers. Registration and activity fees are non-refundable.

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Financial Policies/ Tuition and Fees for 2017-2018

All children enrolling in SBPS classes are charged a non-refundable registration fee of $100 (active parish member)/$150 (non-parishioner) per child due, at registration. There is an additional non-refundable activity/supplies fee due June 1st. This is once yearly fee is based on number of days a class meets per week: 2-day- $65.00, 3-day-$75.00, 4-day-$80.00, 5-day- $90.00, Fab 5’s- $120.00 The yearly tuition can be paid in 9 monthly installments. Each payment is due

on the 1st of the month. The first payment is collected August 1st and payments 2-9 are collected from September – April. Checks should be made payable to St. Brendan’s Preschool (SBP). Payments should be sent through the tuition envelope or through the mail. You can have your bank send the SBP payment directly to Saint Brendan’s Catholic Church. If you are sending directly to the church, please make check payable to St. Brendan’s Preschool and list your child’s name as the account number.

There is a $10 late fee for any payment received after the 10th of the month. Repeated failure to pay tuition in a timely manner may result in your child’s dismissal from the program. All returned checks will be assessed a $25 returned check charge. Due to budget considerations, there will be no adjustment of tuition for illness, inclement weather, school holidays, extended vacations or other absences. If you find that you must withdraw from our program for any reason, the following procedure MUST be followed:

Notify the director in writing of your intention to remove your child from the program. Any tuition due within 30 days of notice will be expected to be paid in full.

Any parent who withdraws their child from the program on or after January 1, 2017, will be responsible for tuition for the remainder of the school year.

(Each family received and signed the Financial Policies Form which is kept on file.)

Prorated Tuition A full year of tuition/fees is charged to all students enrolling before October 1. After

October 1st, a prorated tuition is calculated and charged.

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School Day Backpack: Please provide your child with a backpack for school that is large enough to contain a complete change of clothing, diapers, artwork, lunchbox and the Communication Folder(will provided to you by the school). No roller backpacks please. Please label the bag and all clothing with your child’s name. Each day, be sure to check the Communication Folder for notes from the staff. If you need to send notes to school, please place them in the communication folder and we will check them each day. SBP teachers and staff approve any items sent home in backpacks. Refillable/non spill cup: This cup can be filled with juice or water and will be refilled with water if your child finishes it during the day. This cup will be used for lunch as well as during the school day as needed. Lunch- Children are to bring their lunch each day in a labeled lunch box. Please pack healthy items that the children can easily feed themselves; primarily finger foods. If you send a small dessert, teachers will offer to your child after they eat their healthy food items. Please do not send candy or soda. Suggestions include: Sandwiches cut into four pieces Fruits & veggies cut into bite sized pieces(smaller than a penny) Raisins or nuts(older kids) Cereal bars Cheese Lunchmeat cut into bite sized pieces Crackers, Gold Fish, rice cakes For convenience, safety and health reasons,

please cut finger foods into small pieces (smaller than the size of a penny)

fruit cups must be the plastic style- no metal cans

No canned or bottled sugar drinks

Plastic utensils only

There is no classroom access to refrigeration. If you pack something that must be kept cold, please include an ice pack.

Please label all items that need to be sent back home.

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Please do not send in class treats or sweets unless it is approved by the teacher. This should be limited to special occasions and birthday celebrations.

Clothing choices for preschool days We recommend that children wear play clothes that are practical, comfortable, washable and easy to get on and off. Please remember we do many projects that include glue, paint, glitter, and markers and spills do occur. PLEASE do not let your child wear clothes that you will be upset if there is an accidental stain. Please do not dress your child in onesies with the snap bottoms once they are potty trained. If your child is wearing a dress or skirt, please wear biker shorts/bloomers under them. We recommend closed toe shoes as the mulch on the playground may irritate their feet. Shoes need to be worn at all times during the school day. Please save makeup for dress up time at home.

Change of Clothes- We ask that you send a complete change of clothes, label each item and place them in a labeled Ziploc bag. This bag is kept in the bottom of their backpack. Please be sure that these clothes are seasonal and sized correctly.

Field Trips- All preschool field trips are held on site and are paid for using the activity fee.

Volunteers- Parent volunteers are always welcome and appreciated. Please consider volunteering your time at our preschool. There is a training required by AoA that all volunteers must attend if they will be working with the children without the teacher in the classroom.

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Arrival Time and Procedure

Arrival time: 9:00 AM Arrival Procedure/sign-in In the morning, please arrive at school around 8:55. You may park in any lot. Please do not use the handicap spots- even at drop off. SBPS staff will monitor the main entrance door (by the flagpoles) from 8:55- 9:10 each morning. On rainy days, we will also monitor the social hall door. Teachers will open their classroom doors by 9:00 to welcome the children into their room. Each classroom has a sign-in sheet which MUST be completed EACH DAY. Arrival/sign-in is from 9:00 and 9:10. Planned morning activities begin by 9:10. It is important that your child is in their classroom no later 9:10 whenever possible. Children who arrive late can disrupt the routine and miss fun/important learning activities.

Late Arrival-

If you arrive after 9:15 and the entrance door is closed, please ring the doorbell. You will need to sign-in your child at the office and a staff member will walk them to their classroom.

Early Sign-Out- You may sign your child out anytime before 12:00. All early sign-outs (except emergencies) must be done in the preschool office by 12:00. Please take your driver’s license to the office to sign-out your child. A member of the office staff will get your child from their classroom and bring him/her to you. There will be NO signing-out after 12:00. After 12:00 we ask everyone (except MMO) to use the carpool.

Dismissal and Carpool procedures

Dismissal time-12:25 PM Early release dismissal time-11:00 AM

Mother’s Morning Out – daily dismissal procedure- same procedure all year For insurance reasons, children in the MMO program cannot use carpool. Sign-out is from 12:25-12:30 for MMO. Children in our MMO must be signed-out each day. Please use the main entrance door and arrive between 12:25-12:30. The pink parking area is for you to park during dismissal time.(see diagram) Please display your pink card in the windshield while signing your child out from preschool. The door will be unlocked right before carpool begins. Once we have the rest of the preschool in the social hall we will open the door. If you need your child before 12:25, please follow the early sign-out procedure.

Dismissal procedure for when there is no carpool-

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(Use this procedure during the first 3 weeks of school as well as when carpool is cancelled) Parents sign-out their child from their child’s classroom when there is no carpool. The main entrance door (by the flagpoles) will be opened at 12:20. Dismissal from the classroom begins at 12:25. Please do not enter the classroom before or during dismissal. The teachers are often having a special end of day circle time and/or activity with the children. As soon as one child leaves, it is difficult to keep the attention of the group. You can peek through the window to see what they are doing The teacher will open the door and send the children out one at a time, according to whom is signed out, starting at 12:25. If you arrive after 12:35 your child may need to be signed out from the preschool office. Please call Kerry in the preschool office if you are running late. You may not sign your child out from their classroom when carpool is offered. If you choose not to use carpool you should use the walker procedure.

Walker Procedure- If you choose not to use carpool, you are referred to as a walker. As a walker, please park in the “walker” area and wait along the sidewalk that leads to the social hall with your official carpool tag visible before 12:25. Walkers are dismissed before we start carpool. After you receive your child, immediately walk your child directly to your vehicle. If you arrive after 12:25 and carpool has begun, please wait at the cement picnic benches until the end of carpool. Please do not come to the social hall during carpool. It is distracting to the teachers who have to be 100% attentive to the children during carpool.

Carpool Procedure-

We encourage all families to utilize the carpool. It is the safest and quickest way to get all the children in cars. Teachers are able to have class until 12:20 without interruption when we use a carpool system. Please be in the carpool line no later than 12:30. Afternoon carpool begins at 12:25 and continues through at least 12:35. If you arrive at the school after carpool is over, you are considered late and may pick your child up from the preschool office. Carpool is scheduled to begin Monday, September 11, 2017. This date is postponed if it is not an optimal day for carpool. Please read and follow the instructions below: Carpool begins at 12:25 and ends at 12:35. On early release days, carpool begins at

11:00 and ends at 11:10. If you arrive after carpool has ended, you must come to the office to pick up your child (see Late Afternoon Pickup).

Enter the carpool line no later than 12:30.

­ Enter onto the small paved road using the entrance south of the gravel lot unless

cars are backed up to Shiloh Road. (see diagram)

­ If cars are backed up to Shiloh Road, use the entrance north of the gravel lot and drive through the gravel lot to get to the small paved road. (see diagram)

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­ Once cars start driving through the gravel lot, all others should follow that same procedure to avoid confusion.

DRIVE SLOWLY! Never, ever speed in the parking lot. The posted speed limit is 5 mph. Keep in mind the tragedy that could take place if you are speeding where children are loading and unloading! NO PHONE ZONE! For the safety of everyone, cell phone usage, including Bluetooth in the carpool line is prohibited after 12:25. You must have an official yellow St. Brendan’s Preschool carpool sign (generated by the preschool office) with your child’s name and class on it. Without this sign, driver may be asked to park and go into the office to verify identity. Keep your carpool sign visible to the staff from the start of carpool until your child is placed into your car. Once you stop in the loading zone, place your car in park. Keep the car in park until the front of the line director motions everyone to move forward. Vehicles must be in park for the teacher to walk toward your car with your child. Unless asked to do so, never get out of your car while in the carpool line. Preschool staff may only place children in the rear, left side of the vehicle. Please make arrangements so that this is possible. There must be a car seat for each child being transported in your car. Staff members cannot buckle the children into the car seat but must be able to see that there is a car seat. Never pull around or pass other cars in the carpool. If someone seems to be dozing or distracted, a little beep should do the trick Please be patient and wait. Once the children are in the cars and the doors are closed, the front of carpool director will wave drivers forward. At this time, please pull to the upper church parking lot (near Shiloh Road) before stopping to assist with buckling children into their car seats. (see diagram) 1st offense of the following guidelines = written or verbal warning 2nd offense of the following guidelines = carpool privileges revoked- must use walker procedures

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Enter here if cars are not

backed up to Shiloh Road

Enter here when cars are backed up to Shiloh Road

Pull to upper lot to

buckle up

Loading positions:

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

No stopping/parking

Afternoon Carpool Pickup Procedure

Preschool cars should NEVER be stopped on Shiloh Road!!

Ma

in E

ntr

an

ce

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Cancelling Carpool- We will have carpool as often as possible. If we do not have carpool we will communicate this through e-mail and/or it will be on the calendar (if we know ahead of time). If carpool is cancelled, please use the “Dismissal procedure when there is no carpool”.(p.16) We have to cancel carpool for the following reasons:

Heavy rain and/or lightning in the area

Social hall being used by the church (usually a funeral reception, or Food market days)

Some party days

Cars are parked in the lot in front of the social hall

Temperatures below 30’

Early Release Days Dismissal Procedure-

Carpool starts at 11:00 on Early Release Days /No early sign-outs after 10:30

MMO sign-out from 11:00-11:05.

Late to pick up- If you arrive for pickup after 12:35, you are late. On early release days,

if you arrive after 11:05, you are late and billed a late fee. There will be no charge for the first occurrence, however, for each additional occurrence; you will be billed $5.00 for the first 5 minutes and $1.00 for each additional minute. Unpaid late fees can be cause for your child’s removal from the preschool program.

Inclement Weather- Procedure

If the Forsyth County schools are closed for inclement weather, we will be closed as well. If they have delayed opening beyond 9:30, we will be closed that day. We will e-mail and use the remind app to inform parents of these closings. If the Forsyth County Schools close early due to inclement weather, we will also close as early release at 11:00. On questionable days, please check your e-mail often as that is our first form of communication. *There are no make-up days for school closings.

Safety and Security Building Security- The preschool remains locked during the school day from 9:00-12:30. Our intent is not to keep you out, but to keep the children safe and to know who is in the building at all times during the school day. We welcome you into the school at any time. There is a bell at the main entrance door to alert the office of a visitor. Please ring the bell at this location to enter the school. A preschool staff person will open the door for you to enter. Teachers are not permitted to open the door to a stranger or if they do not have time to escort you to the office for visitor sign-in.

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Visiting During the School Day- Please use the main entrance to enter the preschool. Ring the doorbell. When a staff member opens the door please identify yourself to the staff member tell them where you are going. For example, “I’m Kendra and I’m here to get Ben from Miss Kerry and Miss Julie’s class.” If you are visiting a classroom, you will need to sign-in in the office and receive a visitor badge. If you are dropping off something for your child, the staff member will take the item to your child’s class for you. Please understand that teachers will usually not open the door unless they are able to take the time to assist you.

Emergency and Safety Procedures- - Emergency exit procedures are posted in each classroom. - Emergency procedures are in place for natural disasters and threats to the building.

All staff is trained on these procedures and we practice our lockdown and severe weather drills quarterly and our fire drills monthly.

- Children are not left unattended - In the event of an accident, injury, or illness that requires immediate medical

attention, 911 is called to transport your child to a hospital. You will be notified immediately so you can meet your child and a staff member there. Please be sure your Emergency Contact Form is accurate at all times.

- Small scrapes and minor bumps will be iced, washed and bandaged. No ointments will be used. An accident report will be sent home detailing the nature of minor accidents or injuries that require primarily TLC. In cases that an injury is are more serious or involves a bump to the head will receive a phone call home as well as the accident report.

Authorized Pick-Up- We are extremely careful about only allowing your child to leave our care to someone we know. We will not release your child to another individual without your expressed permission. On the Emergency Contact Form you are asked to list individuals who are authorized to pick up your child from school. If unfamiliar, authorized individuals will be asked to show their driver’s license/id to an SBP staff member. If you plan to have your child picked up by an unfamiliar adult, please notify the office and teacher in writing and verify the person is on your Emergency Contact Form. As stated above in the Carpool Guidelines, anyone picking up a child via carpool line must have an official yellow St. Brendan’s Preschool carpool tag (generated by the preschool office) with your child’s name and class on it. If you need extras or lose yours, please e-mail Kerry or come to the office to have another printed.

Custodial Rights Policy-

In the event that there are custody arrangements involving a court order, one or both of the following conditions must be presented to the preschool office and remain on file:

Legal court documentation establishing the custodial rights of the parent or guardian.

Legal court documentation denying custodial rights to a parent.

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Social Media- The Archdiocese of Atlanta has adopted a social media policy for employees and volunteers. Refer to the Archdiocese of Atlanta website to review the complete Social Media Policy.

Business flyers and charity drives- While we love to support your business, we are not able to send business flyers home in the children’s folders or via email blast. We also cannot elicit money for charities outside of the two for which we are committed at this time. We do special days to support CURE for childhood cancer and we collect for our St. Joseph Food Pantry. We also have “exposure days” where we wear colors or ribbons to show support and bring awareness of diseases/conditions to the public.

Mandated Reporters- All SBP staff are mandated reporters and required by law to report any suspected child abuse, neglect, exploitation, or deprivation of a child to the Department of Children and Family Services.

Health Policies

Illness- In order to maintain the health and wellbeing of all the children, we ask that you

please keep your child home when they are ill. Every effort is made to observe good health practices at school. If your child shows any signs of illness (elevated temperature, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent cough, rash, etc), please do not bring him/her to school. It is often the early symptoms where they are most contagious. Children will be sent home with a temperature of 100.4’ or higher and may not return until they are fever free for 24hours without fever reducing medication. A child may be sent home for a combination of symptoms including; elevated temperature 99’-100.3’, persistent runny nose, cough or sneezing, not them self in behavior and disposition. If they have chronic allergies, please provide a doctor’s note for your child’s file. Any child with an unidentified rash must not attend school until the rash is identified and treated. Any child that has been vomiting or has diarrhea should be kept home until 24 hours after the last episode. Children with diarrhea should be kept home until they have a solid stool. If your child becomes ill at preschool, we will separate your child from the group and provide care until parents arrive. We do not have the facilities to care for sleeping or sick children, please come and pick your child up immediately when contacted. If your child develops a communicable disease or illness, please notify the preschool immediately. We reserve the right to request a written note from your doctor prior to returning to school, if your child has had a long or severe contagious illness. Parents are informed by office staff when an outbreak has occurred in their child’s class.

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Please call or e-mail the preschool when your child is home sick.

Medications-It is the policy of St. Brendan’s Preschool not to administer over the counter

or prescription medication to any child. This includes, along with all other over the counter and prescription medications, diaper rash creams, ointments, sunscreens etc. If your child suffers from asthma, allergies, or other medical condition, an emergency action plan must be submitted. This form is kept in the office with the medication. The form must be filled out and signed by a doctor in order for SBP to administer any medication. In the case of an emergency, the medication is dispensed according to the instructions on the release forms and the parent will be called immediately to supervise any additional medical treatment. *IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU REPORT ANY CHANGE IN ALLERGY INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY AND IN WRITING!

Immunization Forms- All children attending Catholic parish preschools must meet Georgia state standards for immunization. A current, unexpired, signed 3231 vaccination form must remain on file at all times while attending SBPS.

Religious Exemption

Catholic doctrine does not support an exemption from immunization based upon a matter of conscience/religious exemption. For this reason, religious exemptions are not accepted in parish preschool programs.

Medical Exemption

The medical exemption is applicable when a child has a long-term condition that contraindicates immunization. * Parents requesting exemption from immunization must provide a detailed explanation of the child’s condition as documented by his pediatrician. The Archdiocese of Atlanta reserves the right to obtain a second opinion. The medical exemption must be renewed annually.

Delayed/Alternative Vaccination Schedules

Parents whose children are on a delayed or alternative vaccination schedule must submit documentation from child’s pediatrician indicating the reason for the delayed/alternative schedule and the vaccination schedule that will be followed.

Epidemic, Outbreak, Exposure

In the event of a contagious disease epidemic, outbreak or exposure, children with medical exemptions or delayed/alternative vaccination schedules will be required to remain at home until their health and safety is no longer at risk.

Head Lice Policy- It is important to remember that head lice can be a difficult issue. If your child or another member of your family has head lice, it is imperative that they are treated with appropriate products immediately. Additionally, if the case is severe, please treat your home, its contents, and your car. A child should not return to school until they are nit free.

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Discipline Procedure with Positive Guidance We will allow the children the opportunity to resolve conflicts with as little adult direction as possible. The staff will use positive guidance techniques for behavior management. We give the children the opportunity for choice and control whenever possible. When the need arises, we will use these strategies: 1. Discipline the behavior, not the child 2. Redirection 3. Choices –green choices (make us and friends feel happy) and red choices (make us

and friends feel sad) 4. Discussion with the children involved (in instances of getting along with others) 5. Time in: The child sits close to an adult who can easily monitor their behavior. 6. Use the When – Then rule: “When you finish your painting, then you may get your

coat.” 7. Whole class and individual positive reinforcement 8. Parent involvement for “incentive plans”. The use of corporal punishment or isolation is never permitted!

Biting and aggressive behavior

We have a “Three Strikes You’re Out” policy concerning biting or aggressive physical behavior (with intent). Parents are notified and child goes home after occurrence #1 and #2. If there is a 3rd occurrence, the child is removed from the program for a minimum of 2 months. Bullying

Bullying is defined as repeated, aggressive behavior intended to make another child feel inferior. Any incidents of bullying will require a conference with parents, teachers and directors. Bullying at parish preschools will not be tolerated.

Removal from Program

St. Brendan’s Preschool and MMO will make every effort to make each child in the program feel loved and secure. However, situations may arise which will result in a child being dis enrolled from the program. Listed below are reasons that may require dismissal from the school: 1. Failure of the parent to comply with preschool policies and procedures 2. When the program can no longer meet the physical, academic, behavioral or emotional

needs of the child without effecting the program for the other children enrolled. 3. When the child’s behavior repeatedly presents a physical danger to the staff or other

children in the program. 4. When a child in the three year old (or older) program is not potty trained by the start of

school. 5. When a child in the MMO (or older) program is not able to walk, drink from a sippy cup

or feed themselves by the start of school. The director and teachers will discuss with the parent any potential dismissal.

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Communication SBP Newsletter-SBP will send a newsletter bi-weekly, which includes school wide events, reflections and reminders as well as any updates to the school calendar. We send this correspondence to each email address on file. We also upload them to St. Brendan’s Preschool website- stbrendansatl.com\preschool. You may request a hard copy anytime.

Class Newsletter/picture sharing- Teachers will also communicate individual class

information, reminders and updates using a class e-mail. They will also communicate through the communication folder.

Behavior and Progress- Questions, concerns and information regarding a child’s

behavior and/or progress is communicated through the communication folder or in a pre-arranged conference. Progress reports go home with children in our 3’s, 4’s and 5’s programs in January.

Bulletin Board- Outside of the main office is a bulletin board that has an up to date

calendar and other resources and information.

After hours- If you have a question or concern that needs addressed after school hours,

but before the next school day, please e-mail Julie Lahey at jlahey@stbrendansatl.com.

Celebrations

Birthdays-

Birthdays are a fun time at school. We encourage opportunities for the children to celebrate their growth. These celebrations are scheduled with your child’s teachers to determine if there are any food allergies involved and to make arrangements. We strongly encourage a simple snack/treat to share with the class as their dessert that day. If a parent wants to bring pizza, this must be scheduled as the last event of the day and start no earlier than 11:45. Please do not bring gifts, goody bags, balloons or favors. If you are hosting a party at home, teachers would be happy to put party invitations in the children’s folders if you are inviting everyone in the class. If there is an allergy in the classroom, the treat must adhere to the allergy needs of the child. All SBP students will receive a crown on the school day closest to their birthday. We celebrate summer birthdays together on a uniform date in May.

Class parties-

We have 4 scheduled parties each year. These include Halloween, Thanksgiving Feast, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Parties are planned and implemented by up to 3 parents per party. Each parent should plan to help with at least one party per year. Parties are from 11:15- 12:15 and usually include a healthy lunch, dessert, and a craft, game or activity. Teachers approve all goody bags and treats sent with the children. No latex balloons may enter the building. Mylar balloons may be used for celebrating but must be handed to a parent if being sent home.

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St. Brendan’s Preschool Curriculum and Learning Goals

We believe that all children are unique and develop and learn in different ways and at different paces. Children in our program will play and learn in an atmosphere which is rich in opportunities to explore and discover things with many hand-on and student directed activities. The staff at SBPS is committed each child’s growth and wellbeing. At SBP we combine the Georgia Early Learning Development Standards (GELDS), Georgia Pre-K Learning Goals(Archdiocese of Atlanta) and the Forsyth County Public Curriculum Guidelines to create our theme based curriculum standards, scope and sequence. These guidelines are our minimum goals and expectations of growth in our students and incorporate all areas of learning. We pull from a variety of resources, including but not limited to Frontline Phonics, Handwriting without Tears, Teacherspayteachers, Spanish Champs, Touch Math, Get set for School as well as other on-line resources. Our MMO and two-year-old teachers create opportunities for the children social/emotional as well as cognitive growth. The learning atmosphere promotes achievement in developmental milestones, fosters creativity and exercises their fine and gross motor skills on a daily basis through both free play and planned lessons/activities.The following is an example of the specific areas of development the teachers will focus on at St. Brendan’s Preschool.

Mathematical Development: 1. Children will classify or sequence objects or events by using one

attribute at a time.

Children will manipulate objects through play to identify similarities and differences.

Children will sort and classify materials in more than one way.

Children will classify, sort, and sequence objects using their own criteria.

Children will be able to explain their classifying, sorting, or sequencing strategy.

2. Children will identify and create patterns.

Children will recognize copy, extend, and create patterns with objects and in drawings.

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Children will participate in activities using materials with a variety of properties in identifying, extending, and creating patterns.

3. Children will develop an understanding of numbers.

Children will participate in activities related to number sequencing and counting.

Children will manipulate a variety of objects and describe their observations about quantity and comparative relationships (more, less, same)

Children will participate in activities that attach numeral names, in order, to a series of objects in a group.

Children will participate in activities that associate numbers with objects.

4. Children will develop an awareness of simple time concepts.

Children will recall past experiences

Children will start/stop an action on signal

Children will use terms such as before, after, yesterday, tomorrow, morning, afternoon, day and night appropriately

Children will experience/describe different rates of speed such as fast and slow

Children will participate in activities using a variety of time instruments.

Spiritual Development

1. Children will become familiar with some of the catechism of the Catholic Church as well as the virtues of a Catholic Christian person.

Children will be introduced to vocabulary that is used during mass and in the Bible.

Children will be exposed to prayer and encouraged to pray.

Children will be exposed to the miracles of Our Savior and learn that He is their friend.

Children will hear stories that confirm that The Holy Trinity is with us every day.

Children will listen to Bible Stories and relate the lesson to their life.

Children will sing and say the “Our Father” and “Hail Mary” prayers and be exposed many other prayers.

Children will visit our church and learn of its importance in our life. Scientific Development:

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1. Children will actively explore their environment.

Children will observe, compare, classify, measure, predict, hypothesize, and infer

Children will have opportunities to explore the world and materials around them, and share their findings with others through discussions, charts, graphs, etc.

Children will participate in a variety of science experiences utilizing age appropriate scientific equipment and collections of materials

Creative Development:

1. Children will express their individuality through many types of representation including music, movement, drama, and art.

Children will participate in activities using objects as symbols for other things, such as a scarf to represent bird wings or a hoop to represent their house.-

Children will engage freely in dramatic play 2. Children will have opportunities to share what they have learned

through drawings, constructions, discussions, making charts, etc.

Children will talk about their work with teachers and other children

As the year progresses, children will be involved in increasingly complex activities

3. Children will develop confidence and a positive self-concept as they engage in the creative process.

Children will display pride in their own creative work, and respect for the creative work of others.

Children will have daily opportunities to use different types of symbolic representation (art, print, drama, dance, construction) to express their own ideas

4. Children will acquire knowledge about the arts and artists.

Children will be exposed to a variety of art, music, literature and drama

Physical Development:

1. Children will gain coordination through participation in physical activities.

Children will participate in activities that develop strength and endurance.

Children will participate in movement activities involving balance, weight transference and large muscle development (running,

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galloping, climbing stairs, throwing, catching, kicking, dancing, bending, etc.)

2. Children will participate in activities that foster fine motor development and use small muscles to improve a variety of fine motor skills.

Children will use manipulative materials such as lacing boards, scissors, eating utensils, puzzles, construction toys, that vary in size and skill requirement.

Children will strengthen the fine motor muscles using play dough, tweezers, screw tops, zip bags so their hands are strong enough for writing.

Children will have opportunities to use a variety of drawing and printing materials

Social and Emotional Development:

1. Children will develop self-help skills.

Children will develop or enhance their ability to complete common tasks independently

2. Children will develop social awareness.

Children will show an awareness of and respect for desires of others.

Children will show concern for fairness and what happens to other children

3. Children will freely participate in a supportive classroom community.

Children will share equipment/materials and take turns in activities

Children will participate in group activities where their contributions are accepted and recognized

4. Children will develop self-discipline and follow established rules.

Children will adhere to reasonable classroom rules and routines

Children will take responsibility for their choices 5. Children will have exposure to the Catholic Faith and begin to make

decisions based on solid Catholic principles Each age group has a scope and sequence for a systematic implementation of lessons to achieve the specific goals in all areas of development. A copy of these age specific goals and scope and sequence is available upon request. The preschool retains the right to amend any policy or procedure in this handbook as needed. Parents of children in the program are notified of any changes to this handbook after July 1, 2017 and will be sent an updated PDF. Hard copies of the Family Handbook are available at Meet & Greet in August and throughout the year in the Preschool Office.

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St. Brendan’s 2017– 2018 Preschool Calendar St. Brendan’s Preschool begins August 21, 2017 and the last day of school will be May 18, 2018 (which is our Family Picnic). Parents are informed of changes to this calendar.

AUGUST JANUARY(Cont)

17 Meet & Greet Tu/Th, M-Th, T/W/Th classes 9:30-11:30

15 No School - MLK

18 Meet& Greet T-F ,MWF, MW, M-F, classes 9:30-11:30

16&17 Mr. Clay visits with his guitar

21 1st day of school for MW, MWF, M-F & M-TH classes

24/25 3,4 & 5 year progress reports go home

22 1st day of school for T/TH & T-F classes 31 Mass at 11:30- 4’s & 5’s attend Mass

30 Early Release- School ends at 11:00 FEBRUARY

SEPTEMBER 1 Current student and sibling registration forms and fees are due

4 Labor Day- No School 3 (Saturday)

Preschool registration opens to community 10:00am-12:00pm

6&7 Parent Info & socials at 9:15 in the social hall 6 &7 Dentist visits

11 Carpool Begins 13 Valentine Parties

13 Audobon - 4 &5 year olds attend program 14 Ash Wednesday & Valentine Party

19 Picture day 16-20 No School- Forsyth county student holiday

20 Picture Day 28 Stranger Danger- children in 4’s and 5’s attend

20 Mass at 11:30- 4’s & 5’s attend Mass MARCH

25-29 Fall Break- No School 6&7 Spring Picture Days (inside & class pictures)

OCTOBER 9 Early Release – Carpool 11:00

2 & 5 Fire Truck visits 13,14,15 Donuts with Dad- teachers will give actual date

11&12 Magic pumpkins grow!! 20,21 Train Visits

18-19 Early Release- Carpool at 11:00 28 Mass at 11:30- 4’s & 5’s attend Mass

20 No School- (forsyth co. prof dev day) 30 Good Friday- No School

25 Mass at 11:30- 4’s & 5’s attend Mass APRIL

30&31 Halloween parties 1 Easter Sunday

NOVEMBER 2-6 Spring Break-No School

11 Cap & Gown pics for 4’s and 5’s

1 All Saints Day 18 Teacher Appreciation lunch at 12:45 – hosted by parents

15 Pow-Wow 18 Barnyard friends visit

16 Pow-wow 19 Barnyard friends visit

15-17 Feasts – your child’s feast will be on your child’s last day before the break

25 Mass – 4’s & 5’s attend Mass -blessing of the medals

20-24 No School- Thanksgiving Break MAY

DECEMBER 1,2 Mother’s Day Tea- actual time and date TBA

14 Christmas Program - 7pm in the church-3’s,4’s,5’s

9 SOAR – Forsyth County Transportation

20,21 Christmas parties – party will be on the last day your child has school before the break

16 End of year programs and classroom celebrations

22-31 Christmas Break- no school 17 End of year programs & Moving on Ceremonies

JANUARY 18 Whole School Family Picnic- 10:30-12:30

1-5 Continued Christmas Break-No School

8 School Resumes