WELCOME LETTER FROM MISS SHANNON TO HUMMINGBIRD FAMILIES
August 30th, 2010
Dear Stone Soup “Hummingbird” Families,
The school year is upon us and I am so thrilled to welcome you! Our first day of school is Wednesday, September 8 from 9 am to 1 pm. We will have an orientation on Tuesday, September 7 from 10 am to 12 noon which we hope all the Hummingbirds and their families will be able to make. (The Blue Jays’ orientation is from 1 to 3.) This will be a time for the children, families and teachers and to meet each other, ask and answer questions, tour the school, and for the children to, hopefully, feel a little more comfortable with the fall transition.
My name is Shannon Clery and I will be the teacher for the Hummingbirds, holding the rhythm of the group and leading our circle time and activities. Dave will be co-teaching with me and Paula will be cooking our hot meals and with us some as well. The Hummingbirds and Janis’s Blue Jays will be doing a lot together too. I am really looking forward to their mentorship, while the children will also benefit from their presence and experience.
I have a background in outdoor and science education, and since having children myself 5 ½ years ago have immersed myself in learning more about the needs of young children and the Waldorf way of nurturing their growing bodies and minds. I have participated in a Waldorf parent-tot group for over a year and attended an early childhood workshop to further my learning as well. My younger son, Kieran, is excited to share his mama at his new school and I am confident his easy going personality is a great fit for this!
Clothing and what to bring to school
Please bring to orientation and leave at school:
a full change of clothing in a cloth bag labeled with your child’s name
a pair of slippers or comfortable inside shoes that are easy to slip on but not off
(returning children, you may have a pair already here?)
rain jacket, rain pants, rain boots and a sun hat
a box of tissues or band aids to contribute to our year supply
Stone Soup is a place of active play so please dress your child in comfortable clothing that can get messy at times. We recommend soft, natural fibers clothing built for movement and without characters or logos to distract children. Comfortable shoes and dressing warmly for outside play are also a must. Wool or silk long underwear is wonderful for the colder winter months.
Our year will feature seasonal themes in our classroom, stories, activities, and celebrations. And we will embrace the following rhythms to hold us in our weeks and days.
Our Weekly Rhythm
Monday: Painting
Tuesday: Baking
Wednesday: Seasonal Craft/Handwork
Thursday: Drawing and making Stone Soup (bring a vegetable)
Friday: Farm Day (with Miss Amy)
Our Daily Rhythm
9 :00 children arrive, outside play
9:25 good morning verse
9:35 snack on cozy porch, head inside
10:00 story time
10:20 free inside play and daily activity
11:05 red rug time and clean up
11:15 circle time
11:45 lunch
12:15 outside play
1:00 goodbye
Drop off and Pick Up
The school day starts at 9 and ends at 1 and we ask that you help make these times go more smoothly for your child by arriving on time. We will begin our day outside in the back, so please dress your child appropriately and bring them to the red gate (right side of school) to say goodbye. We end our day outside as well, and will come to the front yard for dismissal.
The main goal I have for this year is welcoming each child so they feel loved and cared for and can really blossom, grow, play and be their best. I am so excited to be joining the Stone Soup family and look forward to getting to know you all better!
Feel free to contact me by e-mail at spruce@jeffnet.org or by phone at 541-890-1717.
Thank you so much and I look forward to a wonderful year with you all!
Shannon