Dear Joyful Beginnings Bluebirds Families,

Earlier last week, the children relished the opportunity to play in the rain, enjoying the warmer temperatures. The rain nourished the land, allowing the children to dig deeper into the earth. Making beeswax candles was our weekly highlight. The children carefully observed the demonstration and patiently rolled up their beeswax sheets. Their candles turned out beautifully, with wax stars as decorations. 

Storytelling is a valuable time to help children develop their imaginative thinking, and our last story of this semester was The Sleepy Bear. As the weather became cooler, a large, fluffy bear went through the forest in search of a place to rest. On his nature walk, he came across many woodland creatures. Eventually, he ascended to the highest cliff to gaze upon his surroundings and discovered a perfect cave to sleep in during the chilly winter months. As snow began to fall outside, the bear cuddled up in his cave and fell asleep. Making up a story at bedtime or telling one you are familiar with helps support emerging creative thinking and imagery at home and creates a special time together, too. 

Throughout the semester, children worked on their fine motor skills by chopping, kneading homemade playdough, lacing, and painting. They have created numerous wonderful projects. This week, children will assemble their winter hanging decorations by linking wooden beads with dried orange peel shapes. During circle time, we will read and share the children's favorite books with the entire class.

Time flies, and we can't believe this semester has come to an end. The fall semester was packed with remarkable encounters. We feel happy and proud to see how much the children have matured. Thank you so much for your ongoing support and understanding. We wish you all a prosperous new year. Happy Holidays!

Announcements and Reminders for Bluebirds:

• You can access all the songs we have learned in fall circles here.

• 12/18-12/19: We will serve fun snacks on these two days at school. You don’t need to bring a vegetable or a fruit the last week of the fall semester. 

• Wednesday, 12/18: Festively shaped pretzels with apple fruit spread and raisins.

• Thursday, 12/19: Freeze-dried strawberries and rice cracker stars (gluten-free, sweet & salty)

• If you prefer that your children not have these snacks, please let us know in advance. Thank you!

• 12/20: Grades Assembly-11:15 a.m. (All Families are welcome to attend).

• 12/20: Last Day of Fall Semester, Half Day/Early Release.

• 12/22-01/06: Winter Break (No School)

• 01/07:  First Day of Spring Semester

• When it rains excessively during pick-up, we will wait at the picnic tables. Please park your vehicles and come to pick up your children with an umbrella. Please keep in mind that Kindergarten carpool runs from 12:15-12:30. Thank you!

• The break is a great time to check your child’s boots and other gear and ensure they fit your child properly; young children grow quickly! Please be sure to send them back to school with all the needed Garden School layers and gear.

Thank you for sharing your lovely children with us, and thank you for your support.

Warmly,

Ki Siyu and Ki Cecilia