Dear Families,

We had a busy week in preschool learning about St. Francis and his special love for animals. We learned about the letter Dd; learned some new phrases and words in Spanish, and learned about spiders! We also kept busy creating Halloween pushpins, playing and building, and making crafts and books about squirrels!

We look forward to seeing some of you on Monday for our traditional Fall walk in the neighborhood. Thank you for your support! It will be a fun day!

 

This week we will focus on the following:

 

Monday: Fall Walk and Craft

Tuesday: Religion

We will learn the story of Creation. We will learn what God created on each of the seven days.

Wednesday: STEM

Last week was our Spider unit. We learned about the parts of a spider and that they have 8 legs and many have 8 eyes! This week will be another Fall unit involving leaves.

 Thursday: Second Step

Unit 3: Empathy

Children will learn how to recognize and name strong feelings like anger or feeling frustrated. They will also learn ways to calm down, and how to communicate these feelings.

Friday: P.E.

Click here to watch a video of the kids during their P.E. Class

 REMINDERS AND NOTES

 Preschool Conferences

The link to sign up for conferences is now available. Please be sure and sign up as soon as possible. Thank you.

 Halloween

The AM and PM preschool class will be celebrating Halloween on Thursday, October 31st. On this day, the middle school classes will be hosting a Halloween carnival from 1-1:45pm in our school gym. The children may wear simple and comfortable costumes to school. Please be sure costumes are easy enough for the children to take care of at restroom time on their own. Also, please no pretend weapons or any kind of accessories. Thank you! All AM children are invited to attend the carnival with a parent or other adult that afternoon. More information will follow.

Music

We sing many songs in preschool. One song is about coughing and sneezing into our elbows! It goes like this:  (Tune is the abc song)

“If you have to cough or sneeze do it in your elbow please!”

“Take a tissue wipe your snout, wash your hands and toss it out.”

“If you have to cough or sneeze do it in your elbow please!”

It’s that time of year! Please keep your child home if they are experiencing a constant cough, or runny nose. There is a Washington state health policy that a child must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. If you have any questions please refer to the St. John Handbook or contact the school office.

 Our Weekly Schedule: Just for your information!

We follow this weekly schedule unless there is a special event happening.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

 Monday: New material is introduced as well as our letter of the week.

Tuesday: Religion

Wednesday: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Thursday: Library for AM Class and Spanish or Second Step

Friday: Library for PM Class and PE for both classes.

Thank you for your continued support!

Dear Families,

We had another successful week in Preschool! Lots of playing and learning!

We look forward to our Nature Walk on Monday, October 14^th in the neighborhood! Permission slips have gone home. Please return these no later than Wednesday, October 9th. Children will not be able to walk without a slip.  We will complete a nature craft following the walk. Remember to dress according to the weather. We will go rain or shine! J

As a general reminder, please practice sounds a, b, and c, with your children. Make it fun! Look for objects that begin with a certain sound, or play a game of “I spy.” Count how many words you come up with. Practice counting too!

 Parent-Teacher Conferences

We are looking forward to the Parent Teacher Conferences on Oct 28^th and November 8^th. More information on signing up will follow soon. Getting to know you helps us know your child better! We want all to sign up. More information will follow soon.

 Language

This week we will learn the sound “Dd” and will make a sound craft.

 Religion

Saturday, Oct. 5 was the Blessing of the Animals at Church.  In addition we will learn about the life of Saint Francis and his love of everything God made.  He called all of God’s creatures his brothers and sisters.

STEM

This week our STEM lesson will include Spiders!

Spanish

Will review greetings, counting and colors and will learn:

 Como te llamas? (What is your name?)

Me llamo ________ (My name is______)

Rapido: Fast

Lento: slow

Grande: Big

Pequeno: Small

Did you know?

We practice making the Sign of the Cross everyday when we say our prayer before snack. Help your child practice at home. The prayer is as follows:

Sign of the Cross:

In the name of the Father

And of the Son

And of the Holy Spirit

Amen

Prayer:

Dear Jesus we thank you for the food we are about to receive,

We thank you especially for  (Student name) and his/her family for providing it.

REMINDERS

• Please notify preschool when your child will be absent due to illness or a planned absence. You must also notify the main school office either by calling, 206-783-0337 or reporting the absence online.
• Book orders are due Monday, October 7^th.

 Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

 Your Preschool Staff

Preschool Press

September 27^th, 2019

Hello Preschool Families. We had a busy week in preschool learning about the letter “Bb”, painting shoeboxes and learning that Jesus is Our Shepherd and will always protect and watch over us. We also learned some new phrases in Spanish, played, and explored why some objects sink and others float. WOW!

The scholastic book order form will be coming home this week. To order, go to https://orders.scholastic.com. Under the parent tab, use the activation code: LKWQ8 to set up your account. Oct. 7^th will be the last day to submit your order.

This week the children will focus on the sound of “Cc” and create a sound craft using cotton.

RELIGION

We will tour inside St. John’s Church and will explore areas of our church and pray the Guardian Angel prayer:

Angel of God my guardian dear to whom God’s love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side to light and guard to rule and guide.

Amen

SECOND STEP

Unit 1.

In order to learn empathy the children will learn how to recognize and name feelings by observing body language and face expressions in others.

A good activity at home is cutting out faces from magazines and creating their own feelings book. Learning to talk about their feelings is a very important skill that will help them develop socially.

STEM

Each day we talk about the weather during our morning gathering. For our STEM lesson this week we will explore clouds and where rain comes from. We will make our own rain cloud in a jar!

IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS

• Tuesday, Oct. 1^st – Safe Environment Training, Egan Hall 6:30pm – 9:00pm – If you intend to volunteer for the school or parish this is a requirement! Thank you!
• Friday, October 4^th Parent Association Meeting – 8:30 am in the Administration Building. All are welcome to attend.
• Sunday, October 6^th Endowment Dinner
• Friday, October 11^th – NO SCHOOL Teacher In-Service Day
• Preschool will be taking a Fall walk in the neighborhood in October. More information and a permission slip will follow soon!

Please reach out with any questions or concerns! Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Preschool

Dear Families,

The Jog – a – Thon was a success! Thank you for participating, volunteering, and donating to this important fundraiser for our school. The children had a great time. We continue to enjoy getting to know your families and feel so blessed to have such wonderful students this year.

Click here to watch this video

This coming week we will focus on the following skills:

LANGUAGE ARTS

We will learn the sound of the letter Bb and create a Bb sound craft.

 SPANISH

We will learn how to greet each other in Spanish and how to say our name. We will also do some counting and colors in Spanish.

Hola como estas? Hello how are you?

Como te llamas? What is your name?

Me llamo ___________. My name is ____________.

Rojo                                               Negro

Azul                                               Blanco

Amarillo                                         Rosado

Café                                              Verde

Morado

Naranja

RELIGION

We will hear the story of “The Good Shepherd.” God looks after each of us and cares about our well being much the same way that a shepherd protects his flock.

STEM

This week we will learn why some objects sink and others float. Using various materials we will make predictions as to whether we think they will float or sink!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

 PLEASE REMEMBER TO LABEL ALL OUTDOOR WEAR ANDBACKPACKS.

 Please send in an extra set of clothes in a labeled plastic bag.

This is in case your child has anaccident or spills.  Send back extra clothes quickly if your child has anaccident.  Please avoidusing belts when possible to hold uppants…it can be tricky when they need to use the toilet quickly.

Please send in your child’s Comfort Kit.

IF YOUR CHILD ATTENDS XDC PLEASE CHECK THEIR FOLDERIN THE FILE BOX FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND WORK COMPLETED IN PRESCHOOL.

 WE STILL NEED 8 SHOEBOXES. If you have any extra we would greatly appreciate it, as we plan to paint these this week.

 On Friday, preschoolers need to wear gym appropriate shoes toschool.  REMEMBER TO HAVE YOUR CHILD WEAR STURDY SHOES.  WE PLAY OUTSIDE, RUNNING AND CLIMBING EVERY DAY!

 SNACK – Calendars were sent home and are posted outside of the preschool door. If you have questions please let us know.  

Snack time is a wonderful time for developing language and

social skills.  Children have the opportunity to visit with

peers and practice manners while getting a quick re-fueling.

The children look forward to snack in their routine.

Both classes, morning and afternoon, will be asked to provide snack monthly. The snack provided will be for one day only.  No juice or water is needed. Preschool will provide this for the children.

AM Class—28 students.

PM Class— 20 students.

Please send healthy snacks. Suggestions include:

Fruits and Veggies. Please be sure these are washed and cut at home.

Fruit leather

Crackers—Graham, Goldfish, Ritz, Wheat Thins

Cheese—String, cheese slices

Yogurt/Applesauce—squeezable only

Mini muffins, granola bars, rice crispy treats

**PLEASE READ ALL LABELS. DO NOT SEND ITEMS

THAT CONTAIN NUT PRODUCTS OR ITEMS MADE

ON MACHINERY WHERE NUTS ARE USED.

 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

We enjoy celebrating each child’s birthday (or 1/2 birthday if their birthday is in the summer.) The children make a birthday book for their peers, and a special birthday circle is formed where we sing Happy Birthday! Sending special treats for your child’s birthday is fine. We do request no large cupcakes or decorated cakes. We have found them too much for a preschooler. A cookie, mini cupcake or muffin, or other simple treat is just great.

ENDOWMENT DINNER OCTOBER 6^th

This dinner helps support our school endowment fund. This year it is being held at Cortina Restaurant from 5pm -9pm. It is sure to be a fun filled evening! Please check the St. John School website for more information.

 Have a wonderful week!  As always, please let us know if you have questions or concerns. Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

PRESCHOOL STAFF

 

 

 

Dear Families,

Congratulations!  Your children have had a successful beginning in preschool. They are eager learners and so delightful! They are learning many new routines, songs, and making new friends. We are looking forward to getting to know them and you as well. This coming week will be a busy one as we focus on the following.

LANGUAGE ARTS

We will learn the sound of the letter Aa and will do a sound craft.

 SECOND STEP

The children will learn about the importance of following directions in school, how to make friends, and being kind to one another.

RELIGION

This week we will learn about our school theme, “Be Kind.” We will talk about God’s love for us and discuss how we can practice love, kindness and good deeds towards others.

STEM 

We will explore the differences and similarities in various types of apples, and will do a simple lesson with graphing.

 IMPORTANT REMINDERS

The morning class is need of a Room Parent. If you are interested we would love to talk with you more about this exciting opportunity! It doesn’t require much of your time, and is a great way to meet other parents. Thank you for considering!

Please remember to label all your child’s belongings. If you haven’t yet done so, please bring in a labeled zip lock bag with a set of extra clothes as soon as possible. This is in case your child has anaccident or spills.  Please avoid using belts when possible to hold up It can be tricky when they need to use the toilet quickly.

Please send in your child’s Comfort Kit. This is for an emergency and should only include: A small flashlight, a warm hat, an extra pair of socks, a small container of wipes, and a letter with a picture to comfort your child.

• IF YOUR CHILD ATTENDS XDC PLEASE CHECK THEIR FOLDER IN THE FILE BOX FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND WORK COMPLETED IN PRESCHOOL.

 We still need a shoebox for each child.  The children make many small books in preschool.  They will decorate the box and bring it home and will keep the books they make in the “My Own Books” It is fun to bring the books out and read through the books from time to time.  They reinforce what your child is learning in school.

On Friday, preschoolers need to wear gym appropriate shoes to school.

REMEMBER TO HAVE YOUR CHILD WEAR STURDY SHOES.  WE PLAY OUTSIDE, RUNNING AND CLIMBING EVERY DAY!

 SNACK

Snack time is a wonderful time for developing language and Social skills. The children have the opportunity to visit with peers and practice manners while getting a quick re-fueling.

Both classes, morning and afternoon, will be asked to provide snack. The snack provided will be for one day only.  No juice or water is needed. Preschool will provide this for the children.

AM Class—28 students.

PM Class— 20 students.

Please send healthy snacks. Suggestions include:

Fruits and Veggies. Please be sure these are washed and cut at home.

Fruit leather

Crackers—Graham, Goldfish, Ritz, Wheat Thins

Cheese—String, cheese slices

Yogurt/Applesauce—squeezable only

Mini muffins, granola bars, rice crispy treats

*A Snack Calendar for the remainder of September will be sent home next week. If the date you are assigned does not work for you, please trade dates with another family.

**PLEASE READ ALL LABELS.  DO NOT SEND ITEMS THAT CONTAIN NUT PRODUCTS OR ITEMS MADE ON MACHINERY WHERE NUTS ARE USED.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

We enjoy celebrating each child’s birthday (or 1/2 birthday if their birthday is in the summer) The children make a birthday book for their peers, and a special birthday circle is formed where we sing Happy Birthday! Sending special treats for your child’s birthday is fine. We do request no large cupcakes or decorated cakes. We have found them too much for a preschooler. A cookie, mini cupcake or muffin, or other simple treat is just great.

JOG-A-THON

Our Jog-a-thon will be next Friday, September 20th. On this day you may come to run with your child or to just support our students and cheer!

Times for the preschool:

AM Class runs from 10:00 to 10:30 am

PM Class runs 1:00 to 1:30 pm

This is a RAIN OR SHINE event, and one of our biggest fundraisers. Your participation is very much appreciated!

 PARKING REMINDER

Please do not park in the yellow zone of 79th St. during AM drop-off and PM pick-up.

Please share this request with your nannies, grandparents, etc.

This is especially important between 8:00am-8:30am and 2:45pm-3:15pm. Thank you so much!

VOLUNTEERING

In order to volunteer at St. John, you must complete a “Safe Environment Training” class.  This class will be held on October 1^stat 6:30pm in Egan Hall. Please contact the parish office with questions.

We thank you for your support! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Your Preschool Staff

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESCHOOL PRESS

 

PLEASE NOTE: THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR ALL PRESCHOOL CLASSES IS TUESDAY, JUNE 18^TH

 

 

 

June 14^th, 2019

 

Dear Families,

 

Our successful year in preschool has come to an end. We have enjoyed working with your children and watching them grow and develop!

For all the preschoolers who are moving on, we will miss you dearly!  For all of you returning, we can’t wait to see you in September. Have a wonderful, restful, fun-filled summer!

 

 

RELIGION

This week we will discuss how Jesus is with us today. He is in our smiles, our love, our forgiveness, and our helping hands. We are sending home pages from our Jesus story program for you to read and enjoy with your child. Be sure to check out the activities on the back page of each pamphlet.

 

END OF THE YEAR PICNIC

On Wednesday, June 18^that 11:00am,we will be having our end of the year picnic! This special picnic will take place at Sandal Park and all parents are invited. You can bring a sack lunch for you and your child to enjoy.  This will be a fun way to end the year. We hope you can make it! Please note that the picnic will be cancelled if it’s raining.

 

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Many parents have asked us about activities your child can do during the summer. Here are some suggestions:

• Give your child the recycling bin and let them cut pictures, letters, and words to make collages. It is important that they practice cutting, which is the best pre-writing exercise for their fine motor skills.
• Play abc games on your road trips and have them read the signs they see on the road.
• Fun activity books such as dot to dot with numbers or letters, mazes, fill in the letters, etc are very good.
• If your child already knows his sounds, have him cut out letters from the newspaper, cereal boxes, and magazines, and put letters together to create words.
• If your child uses the computer, have him play on starfall.com. This is a free website and excellent for reviewing letter sounds, and even for reading. There are many activities that are printable.

 

Thank you for all your support this year, may God bless your families and have a wonderful and safe summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preschool Press

 

 

 

 

June 10^th, 2019

 

Dear Families,

 

The final full week of school is upon us, and it will be busy! On Monday we will be visiting the Habitat displays created by the 1^stgrade, and on Tuesday, we will have a special lunch with our 4^thgrade buddies.

 

Wednesday, June 19^this the preschool picnic. It will be at Sandel Park beginning at 11:00am. The park is located at 90^thand 2^ndAve. N W. All children are welcome to come with their parents or special friends. Pack a lunch and enjoy a final farewell with your friends and teachers!

 

 

LANGUAGE ARTS:

 

We will continue to review and practice all letters and sounds.

 

SPANISH:

 

This week will be our final Spanish lesson. We will review all we have learned and practice our summer words.

 

STEM:

 

Last week we learned about our heart and lungs. This week we will learn about our stomach and liver.

 

 

REMINDERS

 

• Last day of preschool is June 18^th.
• All school BBQ is Saturday June 15^thfrom 6-9pm on the playground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 3^rd, 2019

 

Dear Families,

 

Happy June! It’s hard to believe that our school year is quickly coming to an end. We will remain busy in preschool these final weeks! The children planted Scarlet Runner Beans last week, and will be taking them home soon. They will need a pole or string to climb, and when planted in the ground they can climb to 12 feet or more.

 

RELIGION:

After hearing the story of Joseph’s Amazing Coat we will discuss how God forgives us when we do something wrong and how we can also forgive others. We will also talk about being happy with the things we have.

 

SECOND STEP:

Our puppet friends Bob and Sally will help us review manners, kindness, and Kindergarten readiness skills.

 

STEM:(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

The final weeks of school will be spent learning about our organs and how they help us grow, stay healthy, and be strong! The focus will be on the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

 

REMINDERS

 

• Last day of preschool is June 18^th.
• Preschool picnic is June 19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 27th, 2019

 

Dear Families,

 

We finished the alphabet! Please continue to review all of the sounds and letters with your children. A great summer idea is to have your child practice the letters in their names, both upper and lower case.

 

 

RELIGION:

This week we will hear the story Jonah and the Whale. We will learn how Jonah tried to hide from God and that we can’t hide anything from God. When we do something wrong, God wants us to tell him about it and ask for forgiveness.

 

SPANISH:

We will review greetings, colors, numbers, shapes, and learn

Summer words!

1. Sun =sol
2. Hot= caliente
3. Beach= playa
4. Sand =arena
5. Sunglasses= anteojos de sol
6. Vacation=vacaciones
7. Airplane= avion
8. Sandals=sandalias
9. Hat=sombrero
10. Towel=toalla
11. Pool=piscina
12. Swimsuit=traje de baño

 

 

STEM:(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

The final weeks of school will be spent learning about our organs and how they help us grow, stay healthy, and be strong! The focus will be on the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

 

REMINDERS

 

• Last day of preschool is June 18^th.
• Preschool picnic is June 19

 

Enjoy the long weekend! See you on Tuesday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 20th, 2019

Dear Families,

We had a busy week in preschool! Thank you for your continued support as we work hard these final weeks of school.

LANGUAGE ARTS:

This week we will focus on the letter “Zz” and make Zebra Zach. Continue to practice all of the sounds and letter names (in random order) with your child, and challenge them to find objects that begin with the sound of “Zz”.

 

RELIGION:

 

The children will hear the story “The Sower.” The story compares the sowing of seeds to the word of God. Jesus says to be kind, caring, and open to God’s love like the seeds that grow in good earth. (Next week we will plant seeds in preschool.)

SECOND STEP:

We have arrived to our final unit: Learning in Kindergarten, where we are going to review important skills such as listening during circle time, focusing attention, practice independence, and self talk. These skills are going to help your child have a successful transition into kindergarten or the next year of preschool.

STEM:

Our STEM activity this week will be one involving seeds. We will classify and sort various types and learn what they need to grow!

REMINDERS

• Last day of preschool is June 18^th.
• Preschool Picnic is June 19^th. (More info to follow)