The toddler and preschool groups will be having their valentine exchange and party on Tuesday, February 14th. The teachers will provide more information regarding their classroom parties closer to Valentine’s Day. Please see Kathy if this is not a scheduled day for your child and you would like them to have the opportunity to participate in the Valentine activities. In accordance with our Celebrations/Treats Policy, we will not be allowing any candy or sweets. Thank you!

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “father of black history” initiated the celebration of Negro History Week to coincide with Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. In 1976, 50 years later, President Gerald Ford officially recognized and expanded it to Black History Month. He called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history”. Every Republican and Democratic president since has endorsed the theme and focus each year.

The theme for Black History Month 2023 is: Black Resistance.

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 pear or apple, peeled, cored and chopped

1 stalk celery, diced

8 cups chicken or vegetable broth

3 cups butternut squash, cubed

1 russet potato, cut in pieces

1 head cauliflower, roughly cut into florets

2 teaspoons (or more) sweet curry powder

Sour cream and parsley for garnish (optional)

Sauté onion, celery and chopped pear/apple in the olive oil over medium heat for 4minutes.

Add curry powder and stir for 1 minute.

Pour in 6 cups broth and bring to a boil.

Add squash, potato and cauliflower.

Bring back to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetablesare soft.

Puree while hot with a hand-held immersion blender (preferred) or cool slightly and pureein batches in a blender.

Reheat. Thin if desired with more broth, up to 2 cups.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Garnish with sour cream and parsley.