We started our Specials classes this week! Many of our friends have already enjoyed Art and Music with Tr. Chris. Tr. Maria Elena began her Spanish classes today. Meanwhile, our Pre-K friends are getting a jump start on Language Arts with handwriting practice. |
|
|
|
|
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, September 7 – School closed for Labor Day holiday
Monday, September 14 – Goshen Parent Community (GPC) meeting, 8:15 pm via Zoom – see link in GPC section below
Tuesday, September 15 – Restaurant Night at Chipotle in West Chester, 4 to 8 pm (see more information below)
Tuesday, September 22 – Back to School Night for Froggies, Bumblebees – 7 pm (via Zoom)
Wednesday, September 23 – Back to School Night for Owls, Bears, Butterflies – 7 pm
(via Zoom)
|
|
Dear Goshen families,
It is week two and we are in a groove! We are all impressed with how quickly the children have fallen into their routines and really pleased to see them having so much fun!
As you know, we revised our face coverings policy this week in accordance with recent recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and requirements from the state departments of health and education. It was a relief to see the children transition to wearing their masks outdoors with relative ease. We gave them regular mask breaks and let them go mask-free during recess, snack and water play. I walked around and observed most children learning and playing as if they weren’t even wearing a face covering. We are still getting used to wearing masks more often, but I can honestly say that the first couple of days were much smoother than expected. Thanks to all of our families for your understanding of this new protocol and for supporting our efforts at home.
I hope you all are looking forward to a happy Labor Day weekend! So far, the weather looks pretty good. I am looking forward to spending the holiday with my family here at home, roasting marshmallows in our fire pit and playing croquet in the backyard.
Many “experts” are predicting a spike in cases as people go away or gather with friends to celebrate summer’s last hurrah. I would like to thank you in advance for being vigilant this weekend by continuing to protect yourselves and your family from Covid-19. Wear a mask, do not attend indoor gatherings, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently and avoid travel to hot spots. We appreciate everyone doing their part to help stop the spread and keep our school open.
Have a great week!
In Friendship,
Tr. Mimi
|
|
|
|
Thank you, Gardening Angels! |
On behalf of the entire Goshen community, the Admin team would like to give many thanks to two members of the school’s General Committee for teaming up to care for our raised beds this summer.
Irene Crichton, clerk (right in photo) and Sallie Welte (left in photo) - who is also a member of Goshen Monthly Meeting - have been at school every morning for nearly three months watering, removing pests and harvesting veggies. Since the beginning of August, Irene and Sallie have taken 84 lbs of peppers, tomatoes and green beans from our gardens to the West Chester Food Cupboard. (Goshen Preschoolers will dig up the potatoes this week!)
We are extremely grateful to these two wonderful friends for all they have done to maintain our school’s commitment to helping food-insecure neighbors in Chester County. Thank you, Irene and Sallie! We love you!!
|
|
|
|
Goshen Parent Community
This school year may look different, but our school’s parent organization, the Goshen Parent Community (GPC), is ready to roll up its collective sleeves and support our school community through fundraisers, special events (safety permitting!) and more. (See Restaurant Night below to get delicious details on our first fundraiser of the year!)
We have two ways for you to learn more about the GPC and how you can get involved:
2. Join us for our first meeting of the year, coming up Monday, September 14 at 8:15 pm via Zoom.
And just in case you encounter technical difficulties, we’ve included the meeting ID and password here:
Meeting ID: 741 908 0681
Passcode: 766915
Thanks for your interest in the GPC! We look forward to working with you!
|
|
|
|
The GPC’s first fundraiser of the year is the ever-popular Restaurant Night! Come to Chipotle on Turner Lane in West Chester between the hours of 4 and 8 pm on Tuesday, September 15, get take-out for the whole family and the school gets 33% of the proceeds!
Orders can be made either in person, online, or through the Chipotle mobile app. Please note: you MUST mention the Goshen Friends Fundraiser when ordering! If you order in person, present this flyer at check-out, either by hard copy or on your mobile phone.
Want to order online or through the Chipotle mobile app? Be sure to use this special promo code when placing your order: CVRM6HG.
Thank you for supporting our school!
|
|
|
 |
By My Side starts September 18!
Tr. Carolyn is looking forward to leading the fall session of By My Side beginning September 18. Held every Friday morning from 9:30 to 11 am, By My Side provides toddlers and their grown-ups with a gentle introduction to Preschool.
We have just a couple of openings in the class this year, which will be smaller due to new health and safety protocols. Do you have a friend who is interested in the program this year? Please have them contact Tr. Mimi at mimi.ackers@goshenfriends.org.
|
|
|
|
Extended Care:
Tr. Patrice and Tr. Carolyn are looking forward to hosting the Bears and the Butterflies for a special Lunch Bunch this week! We would love to see all of our friends for lunch after school! Look for special offers to try Lunch Bunch for free in the coming weeks. Want to sign up now? Please complete this form to let us know you’re interested. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
*Don’t forget to schedule a flu shot for your Goshen preschooler and your entire family! The CDC recommends getting your shot by the end of October – but not too early! “Getting vaccinated early (for example, in July or August) is likely to be associated with reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season, particularly among older adults,” says the CDC. Click here for more information.
*We know you are excited to see your Preschooler at the end of her day at school! But please help us prevent a traffic back-up on Route 352 by arriving for pick-up closer to 12 noon. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
