SMOKY ROW CHILDREN’S CENTER

Parent Newsletter

December 2014/January 2015

Dear Parents,

Memories of childhood holidays are very special. Long after your children have forgotten what they received this year for Christmas or Hanukkah, they will remember how the holidays were celebrated. Traditions of all kinds are profoundly important to kids. Studies show that meaningful rituals can have a long-lasting impact on the psychological health of children. Each little act of decorating, baking, or gift giving might seem like a trifle on its own, but the sum of these moments is the season's ultimate gift.

Almost every family has some yearly tradition. Whenever possible, encourage your children to be part of the holiday preparation by allowing them to participate in activities they can easily handle. Remind your children often how important they are to you and how much their help is appreciated. What you do with your children now creates the memories they will have for years to come.

Parents' busy schedules may bring about a negative change in children's behavior. If possible try to keep things low-keyed. Many parents are simply overwhelmed by all they plan to make and bake and give and buy that they miss the joy of the holiday. Parents and children can develop unrealistic expectations for the holidays, which can ultimately result in disappointment and even some depression.

Children, often enticed via TV commercials, sometimes ask for things that are more extravagant than parents can reasonable afford. Be reminded that children can hear and accept a sentence such as "We'd really like to give you that, but that's something more expensive than we can afford". Working through a disappointment in that manner can be a healthy experience for both parents and children.

Take time to read together. Look for things to affirm. At the end of this holiday I hope you can look back and feel good about how this time was for you and your family. Then, together, you can share traditions and memories that will linger long after the holidays have ended.

Fondly,

JUDY CHOSY

OUR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE…

SUE SUNDRY, Teacher in the Infant Room.

Sue’s calm and gentle nature has helped to create an environment in which our youngest children learn from interactions with their teachers during feeding, diapering and care giving. While providing time for infants and toddlers to move freely in a safe place, teacher observations help promote an understanding of each child. This trusting and respectful relationship that develops between the children and their caregivers during the first years of life is of the utmost importance. Sue has been a beloved teacher in the Infant Room for TWENTY-THREE YEARS!!

Sue says, ”Watching babies grow and change so fast, working with supportive co-workers and administrators, plus our great families make my work enjoyable.”

Some facts about Sue:

  • Graduate of University of Michigan plus many training hours in Early Childhood Development,
  • Enjoys spending time with three grown sons and her granddaughter, reading, visiting the friendly and inspiring artists at Open Door Art Studio.

DANA CANEY, Program Coordinator

“I love watching your children grow, develop and transition through the different rooms at Smoky Row. It is rewarding to see children develop and master skills needed to become competent and independent. I feel very lucky that my children, Parker and Sydney, have been able to come with me to SRCC and spend their days learning and growing in our classrooms.” says Dana when asked what she likes about working here.

This is Dana’s FIFTEENTH YEAR at Smoky Row! Her professionalism, competence and willingness to do whatever it takes to make the Center a special place for families has made her a valuable asset to all and a good friend as well.

Some Facts about Dana:

  • Graduate of OSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development.
  • Married for 14 years to Jason, who works at Citi.
  • Has two children: Sydney (5) in Camp K and Parker (9) in 3rd grade.
  • Enjoys relaxing at the beach, hiking in the mountains and spending family time at their favorite place – Walt Disney World.

OUR TEACHERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE…

DENISE SIMPSON, Tree House Club

How lucky for us to have Denise in her SIXTH YEAR of teaching at SRCC. Denise attended Columbus State where she earned a Child Development Associates degree. We couldn’t be more pleased with Denise’s contributions to our teaching staff. She is a professional who has done a remarkable job of helping to make the Tree House an exciting, fun and educational place for the children.

When asked what she would like the parents to know about her, Denise replies, “I am passionate about teaching and I feel fortunate to be a team teacher with Taryn. Each time we introduce a topic to the children we find ways to integrate all the areas of our curriculum such as math, science, art, literacy and music in order to encourage the children to explore and express their ideas. Please know that I love working with your children and appreciate the opportunity to work with them and their parents!”

Some facts about Denise:

  • Married to husband Tim for 26 years. Parents of two sons, Chasen, and Austin.
  • In her spare time she enjoys working in the garden, reading and spending time with her family.

BETHANN SILVEY, Rainbow Room

“Since we know parents invest time and effort looking for a preschool that will meet their children’s needs, our devoted preschool team takes its responsibility very seriously. Our goal is to create an environment where children can grow, be successful and have a positive first school experience. We all work together like a big family to help your children become the best that they can be.” says Bethann when asked what she would like the parents to know about her.

We are fortunate to have Bethann at Smoky Row where she has been for

TWENTY YEARS! She is one of those rare people who is willing (and able) to do whatever needs to be done. In addition to that, she adds to the quality of the Center and is a dear friend to all of us.

Some facts about Bethann.

  • B.A. in Music Education from Ohio University
  • She and husband Steve have been married 35 years. They love being the grandparents of Eden, 13 months old. Oh, happy days!

KINDERGARTEN CLASS OF 2015

Since 1994, Smoky Row has offered a full-day kindergarten class that is chartered through the Ohio Department of Education. Class size is limited to 18 children. Over the years this program has become very popular and even though only children who attend preschool at Smoky Row are eligible to attend, a lottery for admission has become necessary. Several of you have asked how this works.

Here goes: In January, information will be sent to all families of children who will be five years old by September 30, 2015. These families will be asked to indicate interest in enrollment by mid February. To assist making this decision, a kindergarten observation is helpful. Please talk to Dana, Judy, Lora or Lisa ASAP to set up a morning observation in January. The Kindergarten program hours are 8:45 AM to 3 PM five days a week. Tuition for this year is $219per week or $920 per month for 41 weeks, which includes before and after school care. All those who indicate an interest will be in the lottery. Results of the lottery will be given to kindergarten eligible families later in February.

Smoky Row will be presenting its ninth annual parent meeting:

“Kindergarten: Ready or Not”

Sponsored by the Worthington Libraries on the following evenings:

  • January 20 at 7-8 pm Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Dr.
  • January 29 at 7-8pm Northwest Library, Hard Road.

Kindergarten teachers from various schools will answer your readiness questions

THANK YOU PARENTS…

Thanks again to all of you who helped us in various ways, such as participating in our Dance-a-Thon fundraiser, for sharing items that enrich our curriculum and for who helped by driving for field trips. As well those who have generously sent special snacks. Thank you too for all the “warm fuzzies” you have given us and for your constructive suggestions. We appreciate those who recommend SRCC to friends and neighbors. Thank youfor your well cared for, much-loved children who make our job so much easier. We look forward to additional happy experiences as we start a New Year with you and your children.

DATES TO REMEMBER….

December 24 & 25– The Center will be closed for Christmas Holiday.

December 31 – The Center will close at 4 pm for New Year’s Eve.

January 1 – The Center will be closed for New Year’s Holiday.

MAY THIS HOLIDAY SEASONBRING OUTTHE CHILD IN ALL OF US