September 2022

It seems hard to believe that we have already completed the first full month of a new school year! It is truly joyful for the staff and I to have hear the sounds of giggles and enthusiasm filling the halls as we welcome students each day! Even our most unsure children seem to be wearing more smiles and having fewer tears at the start of the day.  I try to visit each class multiple times during the week and with each drop-in, I witness magically inspiring things that are not only teacher-initiated, but also student driven. If I go into a classroom towards the end of the day, it is not uncommon to see droopy eyes and even a few yawns; many of you might have heard me say that these are indications that we have had a good day at school.  Sometimes I tell new parents that if we don’t send a child home tired and dirty then we really haven’t done our job. After all, preschool is all about learning through play; play for a preschooler should be full of opportunities to engage full force by being hands-on and “all in” for everything that is done. Playing only “halfway” is not an option at preschool! 

I feel blessed that each day, I can witness children’s curiosity being sparked while special bonds are also being created as the classes develop into families which then naturally come together to create a larger school family. While our staff help lay the groundwork for fostering a sense of family by maintaining a safe, welcoming, and faith-filled environment grounded in respect, care, and kindness, we know that it is not only our doing. Each individual family adds to the formation of our greater school family. It is because of the strong relationships and in partnering together that our school family helps us make the year a successful one! 

One way that our school family is asked to come together early in the new school year is through our annual Harvest Moon Festival. Like many of our events and special activities that have historically been sources of fellowship and family engagement but were sidelined or downsized during the COVID pandemic, the Harvest Moon Festival brings so much to our school family. As our school’s main fundraiser and opportunity to connect with other families, we are excited to welcome this event back as it used to be. With that being said, we are in great need of volunteers, both for planning and execution of the event. Please consider lending a hand to this beloved event! Not only are we searching for volunteers, but also items for the silent auction portion of Harvest Moon. Please let us know if you have any good leads on items for the auction! In the meantime, please help us earn money for preschool by linking your Harris Teeter VIC card, signing up for Amazon Smile, or purchasing preschool spirit wear. 

We are also asking our school family to help us carry on an event that was begun last year. Our Community Safety Parade is a way for our students to not only experience the thrill of seeing an emergency vehicle on campus, but also to offer their appreciation for all that our first responders do. We are still seeking vehicles to participate so if you or someone you know is able to join us, please let us know. 

There will be many more opportunities next month to grow our school family spirit. Consider kicking off October by attending the parish-wide Francis Fest on October 2nd. Next week you might also collect acorns with your child and friends to add to those which will be gathered by each class. The acorns will be given to the pigs at Saving Grace. Not only do the pigs consider them a treat, but this small act allows our students to practice care of creation as our patron, Francis of Assisi, did. We will have many other opportunities throughout the month to come together in various ways as a school family. Please continue to watch Mini Bits, our weekly newsletter which is released each Sunday, for details!

In addition to Mini Bits, please be sure to continue to follow our preschool Facebook page to see pictures of all of the exciting happenings in the weeks ahead! Hopefully, this past week, you were able to view some of the ideas for ways to celebrate national T.A.C.O. (Take A Child Outside) week. To further make connections with other preschool families, don’t forget about our parent preschool Facebook page as well. 

The teachers, staff, and I will look forward to the next month of fun while getting to know each other more! Thank you for all of your support! 

With Joy,