At least during these three short years we have the opportunity to be an active participant in their first school experience.  We get to know their teachers closely, working side by side with them and the other parents!  Supporting each other, watching and caring for each others children inside and outside of the classroom. 

It isn't easy and it isn't for everyone . . . but I know that I love it.  I hope you do too!!!

Even with the best intentions, we let ourselves go a little lax and need a gentle reminder that we need to step up our game up . . . this is a snippet of that gentle reminder Teacher Correne sent this weekend. 

1. Arrive on time to work in class - Parents should be in the classroom ready to work at 9:15am or 12:30pm most days.

. Snack Parent/Large Motor Parent – The snack trays and lare motor need to be completely ready before 9:20am or 12:35pm and

3. When you are working at an activity table please use your best parent/teacher skills to engage the children and challenge their learning.

4. If you are not working, please stay and engage with your child until all three working parents are present.  Arrival closer to 9:30 or 12:45 allows the working parents time to get activity instructions so they are ready to work with the children.

5. The children are working hard to keep their hands/bodies to themselves, walking in the classrooms and hallways, use inside voices, and be effective listeners – parents please help monitor these positive behaviors and needed kindergarten skills all throughout the preschool day.

Thank you all for participating and going on this amazing journey with us!  

This weekend the Children’s Museum in Everett has a Take Apart and Look Inside - Mechanical Engineering Event - Saturday the 15th @ 11am – 2pm.  Checkout the website for more information.  
http://imaginecm.org/eventscalendar.html

Next weekend check out Paddington Bear’s First Concert at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.  It’s a 50 minute concert performed by the Cascade Symphony Orchestra and narrated by Dave Dolacky – Saturday the 22nd @ 3pm.  Checkout the website for more information. 
http://cascadesymphony.org/from-the-storybook-to-the-stage-paddington-bears-first-concert/

Have a fun and safe weekend!

For Valentines day pick up some red Kool Aid to get that bright red and fun scent or pull out your red food coloring!

Single Recipe (for preschool we triple the recipe)
2 Cups Flour
1 Cup Salt
¼ Cup Vegetable Oil
3 Teaspoons Cream of Tartar
2 Cups Boiling Water

Directions
Measure and combine first four ingredients in a large bowl: stir to mix dry ingredients well.
Quickly pour boiling water into dry ingredients and stir.  Turn out onto table surface and knead as soon as can be handled.  Store in an air-tight container for up to three months.

Change the color, add scent, and some sparkle  
Add a few drops of food coloring to the water before pouring into dry ingredients.
Add a small amount of liquid water color paint to the water.
Add a small amount of powdered tempura to the dry ingredients before adding water.
To make sparkly, add glitter to the dry ingredients before adding water.
To change scent, add a couple packets of Kool-aid non-sugared drink mix with the dry ingredients before adding water.
Add spice extracts or potpourri oils from the craft store.
Add dry spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients.
Replace ½ cup flour with dry cocoa powder.