What’s Happening in Preschool?
December is one of the most exciting months of the year here at the Kansas City, Kansas Early Childhood Center! We are so fortunate to have the most creative staff on the planet! They use every opportunity in December to provide exciting and meaningful learning opportunities. Most of our PLCs have used the holidays an opportunity to explore the themes of family, travel and shopping/store. There are many authentic learning experiences that can be woven into the learning. For instance, while learning about the pet store, we’ve invited our friends form the Humane Society to teach us about animal care and safety. Take a look in our gallery for more December fun!
What I Want for Christmas
Spotlight On K.C.K.: Health and Wellness Department of USD #500 and the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Public Utilities
We want to say thank you to the Wellness Department of the Kansas City, Kansas School District, headed up by Kate Foster. This department promotes healthy habits and wellness for both students and staff. They are always so generous with time and resources. In the past they’ve provided us with pedometers, water bottles, relaxation kits and much more. We’ve recently focused on promoting health and fitness through a building family night. Thank you to the Wellness Department for supplying information. Also, thank you to BPU for supplying bottled and water for staff and students at this event. You are the best!
Thanks For Your Support: Cereal Food Processors: Richard Beard, Tim S. Miller and Mary Costello
Each December our student’s receive a special visitor from the North Pole. That’s right—Santa Claus! Our “Santa” is actually Mr. Richard Beard, the father of one of our employees. Our part time Santa actually works full time at Cereal Food Processors. When his employers found out about his generous deed, they too got in the spirit. This year, Cereal Food Processors has supplied each of our students with a holiday stocking filled with goodies. Thank you so much to Cereal Food Processors, Richard Beard, Tim S. Miller and Mary Costello.
Our Santa and His Daughter, Miss Laura
Instructional Focus: Technology
Christmas came a bit early for all of teachers here at the Kansas City, Kansas Early Childhood Center! At a recent professional learning session each of our teachers received a Mac Book Air for use in the classroom. This up-to-date technology opens all sorts of doors for staff and students. Technology enables us to bring experiences to our students that would otherwise be impossible. With just a few clicks we can visit China or the San Diego Zoo. With a few more clicks, we can read “the Gingerbread Man” in three different languages. After the students have gone home, teachers can research ideas, edit lesson plans and connect with other educators. We are fortunate to be part of a district that recognizes the importance of technology in the 21st century.
Mac Book Air Roll Out
Website of the Month: www.havefunteaching.com
This website is an excellent resource for both educators and families. There are songs, videos and activities for young children, all free of charge. You can explore activities around fitness, colors, science and more. Take a few minutes and have fun exploring www.havefunteaching.com !
December at KCKECC…
December 2: Crazy Hair Day
December 12 and 13: Holiday Parties
December 15 and 16: Visit from Santa and R.I.F. book distribution
December 15: Foster Grandparent’s Holiday Luncheon
December 16: Staff Christmas Party
December 20: Pajama Day and Last Day Before Winter Break
December 25: Merry Christmas!
December 31: Happy New Year!
How You Can Help:
We appreciate all the donations of time and resources that we receive daily here at K.C.K.E.C.C. If you are interested in helping there are a few things we could always use: We are strong participants in the “Box Tops for Education” program! For every box top we collect we receive money that goes straight to our students. This might be to help fund a field trip, purchase classroom supplies or bring in special visitors. Please check your grocery store items (cereal, crackers, Kleenex, plastic bags, etc.) and consider donating your General Mills box tops to K.C.K.E.C.C. Best Choice UPC Codes: This is similar to the box top collection program, but it takes many more. For every 1,000 Best Choice UPC labels collected our school receives $30.00. The UPC label can be from any best choice product. Please remember us! We have an ongoing collection for the homeless. We can always use nonperishable food items and monetary donations to pass along to those in need. Thank you. In honor of a very special pre-k colleague, we have established the Baby Garrett and Jessica Love Fund. Baby Garrett and Jessica were two unforgettable individuals who passed on all too prematurely. To honor the memory of these individuals, KCKECC has set up a LOVE FUND to be used for expenses that directly relate to our early childhood program students…eyeglasses for a child who cannot afford them, scholarship events for any special events, funeral expenses if we were ever to suffer a loss. Your contribution is welcome. Contact us for further information (see the “Contact Us” link on our blog).
