The Family Network Center e-Newsletter: September 2016

Welcome to the first monthly e-newsletter from the Montclair Community Pre-K's Family Network Center (MCPK's FNC). We take the COMMUNITY part of our name very seriously, and the FNC works to create a community out of the individual families who attend the school, while also connecting the school to the larger Montclair community... more

FOUR THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS IN OCTOBER...

1. Make this pumpkin parmesan pasta bake or attend the Montclair Culinary Academy's Children's Homemade Pasta Class on Saturday, October 8.

2. Go to the Montclair Art Museum's Family Art Adventure on Saturday, October 15 then check out their current exhibits, including

their renowned Native American art collection.

3. Check out The Little Read on October 22, the eighth annual read-aloud marathon, bringing Montclair community leaders and citizens together in a celebration of literacy and community.

4. Sign up for the "Bats All Around Us" class on October 26, part of the Garden Discoveries series at the Van Vleck House and Gardens, then stay and explore the grounds. This local gem is open to the public from dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, all year long .

...AND ONE WAY TO KEEP YOURSELF SANE!

With so many activities to try, endless soccer games to attend and transitions such as going back to school, even the best sleep habits can fall apart. Here are some tips to get them back on track.

FAMILY STEAM ACTIVITIES

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. The world needs kids who understand science, who can adapt to the latest technology, and who can creatively engineer and design new solutions to solve problems of all sizes. STEAM is all around us and creates inventors, innovators, artists and leaders. Hands-on STEAM activities are the best way to get kids involved and loving it!

As we return to school and cooler weather, it is the perfect time to be outdoors with your little one. You can take them on an outdoor scavenger hunt around town, make shadow art or check out these star-gazing apps.
If it happens to be raining, you can stay inside and explore the biology of baking, create rainy day rainbow art or challenge your child to create a rain shelter for their favorite toy.
Create this portable tinkering kit so kids can play and learn on the go.

GET INVOLVED: MONTCLAIR COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN (MCCYC)

The MCCYC wants to engage the community in supporting Montclair's young children and families, and help to develop parent leaders. The first meeting of this group will be held on Tuesday, October 4 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the United Way of Northern New Jersey (60 South Fullerton Ave., Montclair). RSVP to amorcos@programsforparents.org or 973-297-1114 ext. 4064.