Dear Parents,

It’s hard to believe, but this is the last Busy Bee newsletter of the year!  I hope that you all enjoyed the program and art gallery last week.  The children were very proud of themselves, and several were still talking about it on Tuesday!

This week we have had a fun week reading some classic stories.  On Tuesday we read Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  Our dramatic play area of the room was transformed into the bear’s house, which made for some fun and imaginative play.

Thursday we read some rhymes from a Mother Goose book.  This was also our last Bible story with Mr. Jack.  We had a great time singing and dancing to some of our favorite songs!  Have a great weekend!

BIKE DAY

Next Tuesday is our bike day!  Please bring a bike, trike, or scooter for your child to ride.  We will do this rain or shine.  If the weather is nice, we may have a bike wash available, so please dress your child accordingly!

PICNIC

Next Thursday will be our end of the year picnic.  All preschool families are invited to meet at Kyle Park (the shelter and playgrounds on the right) from 10:30-12:00.  Please bring a lunch for your family and any outdoor activities you would like to share.  Dessert will be provided.  This has been a fun way to celebrate in years past.  I hope you can join us!

Melissa Tarzinski

Three Bears and Porridge

The Curious Cubs have enjoyed exploring the folk tale of Goldilocks and the three bears this week. We have read several versions, including one of an Inuit girl who snooped around the igloo of 3 polar bears by Jan Brett. We also read Somebody and the Three Blairs which is about a cub who snoops in the Blairs’ home. Then we read the story Goldilocks Returns about when Goldi is an old woman and returns to the deep, dark woods.

We made porridge on Tuesday and added our own toppings. We talked about how porridge is an old word for dried grains or legumes cooked with water. Now we use the words “cooked cereal” or “soup” instead of porridge. We made oat porridge (better known to the kids as oatmeal). Everyone tried some porridge, although some ate more than others!

We learned the nursery rhyme “Peas Porridge Hot” and learned peas porridge is soup made from dried split peas. We decided not to keep any of our porridge in the pot for 9 days, but one nameless student informed us that the father in that house does let food in a pot for several days!

The children discovered faux fur pieces and various sizes of chairs and bowls in the Dramatic Play area. They have enjoyed playing the story of the 3 bears.

Beach Day

Remember to wear any beach clothes to school on Tuesday. Hopefully the weather will cooperate for some water fun outside.

Last Week

Unfortunately next week is the last week of school! What a wonderful year this has been. I must say this class has been the most delightful class I have ever taught. Thank you for sharing them with me each week. Wednesday will be our last day in the classroom.

Picnic at the Park

Meet all the other Main Street friends at Kyle Park on Thursday morning after 10:30. Bring your own lunch and drink.

Three Bears and Porridge

The Awesome Acorns have enjoyed exploring the folk tale of Goldilocks and the three bears this week. We have read several versions, including one of an Inuit girl who snooped around the igloo of 3 polar bears by Jan Brett. We also read Somebody and the Three Blairs which is about a cub who snoops in the Blairs’ home. Then we started the story Goldilocks Returns about when Goldi is an old woman and returns to the deep, dark woods. We will find out how it ends on Monday!

We made porridge today and added our own toppings. We talked about how porridge is an old word for dried grains or legumes cooked with water. Now we use the words “cooked cereal” or “soup” instead of porridge. We made oat porridge (better known to the kids as oatmeal). Everyone tried some porridge, although some ate more than others!

We learned the nursery rhyme “Peas Porridge Hot” and learned peas porridge is soup made from dried split peas.

The children discovered faux fur pieces and various sizes of chairs and bowls in the Dramatic Play area. They have enjoyed playing the story of the 3 bears. They also have been playing with various woodland animal puppets and making up their own story land for the animals.

Bike Day

Remember to bring a bike, trike or scooter to school on Monday. Hopefully it will be a day we can ride outside on the blocked off parking lot!

Last Week

Unfortunately next week is the last week of school! What a great year this has been. Thank you for sharing them with me each week. Wednesday will be our last day in the classroom. (No school on Friday.)

Picnic at the Park

Meet all the other Main Street friends at Kyle Park on Thursday morning after 10:30. Bring your own lunch and drink.

Dear Parents,

Spring program week is a busy one here at the preschool.  The Busy Bees have been working hard on their art for the art gallery and practicing their songs for the show.  They can’t wait to show you all that they have done on Friday!

This week, in honor of Mother’s Day, we have also been talking about mothers.  We read Eric Carle’s Do Kangaroos Have Mothers Too? This is a great repetitive book that preschoolers enjoy reading along with.  I hope you enjoy the program, and I will see you next week!

Melissa Tarzinski

PROGRAM THIS FRIDAY

Please have your child downstairs (by the preschool kitchen) at 10:15.  A slideshow of the children will start shortly after in the Great Hall.

END OF YEAR PICNIC

May 20, 10:30, will be our end of the year celebration at Kyle Park.  Bring a lunch for your family and any outdoor toys you would like to share.  Dessert will be provided.  See you there!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Happenings-

This week Miss Julie came to Main Street Preschool for our last story time of the year.  She read us a very funny book about a boy named Porker who found a chair.  A reminder note about the summer reading program at the Tipp city Library went home on Wednesday.  The Shining Stars all seemed excited to sign up.  We celebrated Jon’s 6^th Birthday this week!  Our chefs this week were Emma, Josie, and Alexa.  The Shining Stars all loved the yummy snacks that our friends made for us.

Spring Program-

Our program is Friday, May 7 at 10:30.  Please bring your child to the choir room at 10:15.  There will be a picture presentation followed by a brief program and the Art Gallery.  The children have been working very hard on their pieces for the gallery and are excited to show off their work.  Hope to see you all there.

Upcoming Dates-

Friday, May 7 no school, Spring Program

Wednesday May 12 & Thursday May 13 – lunch bunch

Thursday, May 20- picnic at Kyle Park (10:30-12:00)

Dear Parents,

This week the Busy Bees have been learning about caterpillars and butterflies!  On Tuesday we read one of my favorite books, Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Since several of the children were familiar with the book, they enjoyed “reading along” with me.  We also made caterpillars to display during the spring program.

On Thursday, we enjoyed our Bible story time with the Shining Stars and Mr. Jack.  We also had fun doing some painting activities and working on our songs for our program!  Have a great weekend!

Melissa Tarzinski

SPRING PROGRAM AND ART GALLERY

Be sure to mark Friday, May 7 at 10:30 on your calendar.  The children of Main Street Preschool will be performing some of our favorite songs from this year and displaying some art that they have been working on.  There will also be a brief DVD presentation of the children.  Feel free to invite friends and family to this exciting event!

END OF THE YEAR…

It’s hard to believe that school is almost over!  We will be celebrating a great school year on May 20 at Kyle Park with a picnic for all of our preschool families.  More information to follow!

The wonderful weather as well as the great employees of Brukner Nature Preserve greeted the youngsters this morning. The Awesome Acorns and the Shining Stars got to touch a salamander and learn where they live. The children also learned why turtles have shells, why the lake is green (hint: quack, quack) and where to find ants and insects. The fascinating journey allowed the children to seek out unique colors in nature, find differences in water animals and land animals as well as understand why some animals are seen in the daytime and others only at night.

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If any parents want to post the photos they shot, please email them to us. Thanks!

Be sure to contact us with any questions, concerns or comments at 669-4707 or email mainstreetpreschool@tippcityumc.org.  We want to help you help your child succeed.

MAINSTREET is now Main Street.  The logo has changed and that’s not all !   We’re updating our website.  It’s “work in progress.”  View the changes along the way!  Encourage your friends to do the same.  Visit www.mainstreetpreschool.com

APRIL 15 & 16 – CONFERENCES Bees, Tots, Stars

NO SCHOOL for ALL CLASSES

• A sign-up sheet is now available in the Waiting Areas.
• Child care in the Studio for preschool child only.
• Meet with teacher in the classroom.

CONFERENCE Schedule for Mrs. Jans’ Classes: Due to Mrs. Jans’ absence during the week of Conferences, she will hold her conferences on April 20 for Cubs and April 21 for Acorns.  The children will have class on these days.  More information & sign up sheets will be available from Mrs. Jans as the time gets closer.

For Those Who Registered for Next Year:

• Preschool Packets will be sent home at your Conference appointment.
• Preschool Packets should be returned by Friday, May 7.
• Preschool Visit and Parent Meeting in August will give you an opportunity to update your contact & emergency information.
• Tuition #1 payment and $55 Supply Fee Due by August 5.

EXTENDED DAY:  With the popularity of this new after-school offering, we’re planning to schedule Extended Day on a regular basis next year to allow families to make plans to use that time for appointments, shopping, etc.     Our next EXTENDED DAY is TUESDAY, APRIL 27.

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF PRESCHOOLERS: During Bible Story one day, the story was about Jesus’ baptism.  The teacher didn’t know what kind of reaction she would get, especially since some may not attend a church and have no background experience with a baptism. (Even if they attend church regularly, they may not have any reference for baptism in a river as the story stated.)  After the story, time was allowed for the group to wonder about what they had just heard.  A student shared that his favorite (or maybe the most important) part was when Jesus was hypnotized!  It took all for the teacher to contain composure and a straight face to say, “You liked when Jesus was baptized?”   They are learning….

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM is taking shape.  Walk by the fenced outdoor area on a nice spring day. You can hear the joyous sounds of children.  You will see children running, climbing on fallen logs, hopping from stump to stump building balance and strengthening muscles.  You will see children “nesting” in cozy areas, or building structures with pieces of branches and logs and using their creativity and imagination.  You will see children digging in the dirt and mulch, finding worms and wondering about what will happen if they plant a found pinecone.  You will see children turning over stumps to discover what is underneath.  You will see children engaged with God’s natural world and loving every minute of it.

FUTURE DATES

April 7    Library Trip for Acorns and Stars

14   Brukner Field Trip for Acorns and Stars (last of series)

15-16  Conferences for Bees, Stars, Tots   NO CLASSES

20  Conferences for Cubs – Cubs will have class

21  Conferences for Acorns – Acorns will have class

20  Story Lady

20-21   Lunch Bunch

26   ACORNS to Bair Dairy Farm  (more info later)

27   EXTENDED DAY between 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

28   STARS to Bair Dairy Farm  (more info later)

28   CUBS to Studebaker Nursery (more info later)

May 5   Library Trip for Acorns and Stars

5-6   Lunch Bunch

7   Spring Program & Art Gallery  10:30

17-18-19   Last Day of Classes in the Classrooms

20   PICNIC AT KYLE PARK -  Last Day of Preschool for 09-10 Year!

Aug 5    #1 Tuition Payment & $55 Supply Fee Due

-    Preschool Visits Scheduled by Teachers  (more details to follow)

-    Parent Meeting at Preschool – Upstairs Wesley Room (more details to follow)

From time to time we like to remind our preschool families that Main Street Preschool’s  SCHOLARSHIP FUND is a self-supporting fund for preschool families who may need financial aid for a month or few.  There are gold-colored brochures available in the Waiting Areas and the Office if you would like to contribute toward a preschooler’s experience for next school year.  Our KROGER program and ongoing contributions from the church congregation has made this effort possible so far.

Please join our KROGER “Reward” program.  For $5, you receive a Kroger Card that has $5 on it, and you add money to it at a Kroger Service Desk.   MAINSTREET receives 4% each time Kroger Cards are used for purchases, including gas.  It’s easy to join!  Call the preschool office at 669-4707 or the church office at 667-2318 for your Kroger card.  We’d love your help as we increase our program offerings and our Scholarship Fund.

HOME-SCHOOL CONNECTION:  Set a consistent bedtime routine when the child is very young: perhaps a bath, a story or song, a cuddle and a goodnight kiss.

Tippecanoe Farmers’ Market will kick off its 4th season…. See next page for full article.  Thanks Diana Featherstone (daughter Maddie is a Cub this year)  for the info!

Tipp City, OH - The Tippecanoe Farmers’ Market will kick off its 4th season on June 12, 2010! Each Saturday, the Market provides hundreds of eager shoppers with a dynamic place to purchase the best products from local vendors – fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables, delectable baked goods and freshly prepared food items, beautiful garden plants and fresh cut flowers, amazing handmade products and more!

The Market, located in the heart of downtown Tipp City on Third at Main Street, is a great place to see your neighbors, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a beautiful Saturday morning.  Plus, there will be a variety of special events happening throughout the market season.

The Market will be open on Saturdays, June 12th through September 18th, from 9 am to 12:30 pm.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor or volunteering at the Market, please call 667-0883 or email info@tippecanoefarmersmarket.com. Or, for more information about the Tippecanoe Farmers’ Market, check out our website: www.tippecanoefarmersmarket.com.

The Tippecanoe Farmers’ Market is presented by Cincinnati Bell.
Contact Us

937.667.0883
www.tippecanoefarmersmarket.com

I hope you enjoyed a nice spring break and Easter with your families.  The Busy Bees were excited to tell each other all about the things they did while they were apart and what surprises they enjoyed on Easter.  It sounds like candy and chocolates were a favorite from the Easter bunny (or “Easter man” as one child called him)!

This week we have been talking about spring.  We read a book called Puddles, and then talked about how important the spring rain is for the plants.  To get a better idea, we decided to go check out some of the plants growing in and around our play garden.  We will continue to keep an eye on these, and we will also get a chance to do some planting of our own!

CONFERENCES

The Busy Bees will not have school on Thursday, April 15 due to our spring conferences.  Sign-up sheets are now posted, so be sure to choose a time that would work best for you.  Child care will be available for your preschooler in the studio with Mrs. Wyant.

CUTTING

We are continuing to work on our cutting skills at school.  This week several of the children chose to make spring umbrellas, and they all did an amazing job cutting them out!  The improvements some have made are outstanding, but practicing is the only way to keep up on this skill.  Please be sure to allow your child to use scissors at home under your supervision.  Your child could help you clip coupons, cut pictures out of magazines, or snip away at some play dough!  Have fun!

I will be out of town next week attending a conference for curriculum writers. Mrs. Wyant and Mrs. Tarzinski will be in to sub on Monday and Wednesday. (No school next Friday.) Sign up for a parent teacher conference for Wednesday, April 21 while your child has class.

It is good to be back from spring break.  The children have enjoyed being back at school and being together again.

Library Visit

We enjoyed our time with Ms. Julie Wednesday, hearing books and finger plays about chickens and ducks.

Outdoors

We have enjoyed our time outside this week—walking to the library and playing in the Play Garden. The children have really enjoyed digging for worms and building ships out of the logs. The children have also enjoyed the new garden tools that appeared this week.

Bible Story

We are now learning about Jesus’ ministry.  Friday’s story will be Jesus blessing the children.

Spring

We have been reading books about spring and looking for all the changes outside.  We have noticed many new changes since our snow storm two weeks ago!

Field Trips

Next Wednesday we will meet at the school at 9:10 and then leave for a trip to Brukner Nature Center.  Please dress for the weather.  We will be back to school by 11:40.  We still need drivers.  Let me know if you can drive.

Monday, April 26 we will take a field trip to the Bair Dairy Farm east of Tipp.  For the safety of your child around the large animals and historic barn, we need an adult to accompany your child to the farm. We have visited the farm for several years, and always enjoy the experience of a real working farm!

KINDERGARTEN READINESS

Enjoy nursery rhymes together. Pick up a book of nursery rhymes and enjoy reading them together so often your child learns them by heart.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Field Trip to Brukner, Wed., April 14 (drivers needed)

No School Friday, April  16 (Preschool closed for conferences)

Sign up for conferences on Wed., April 21—sign-up sheet in waiting area

Wed., April 21—Lunch Bunch

Mon., April 26—Field Trip to Bair Dairy Farm outside of Tipp; each child will need an adult to accompany her/him to the farm

Fri., May 7—Spring program and art gallery, 10:30 AM