News + Notes November 2017

Happy November from Ashley!

Though it seems impossible to believe, November is in full swing! The leaves are turning beautiful shades of fall colors, the squirrels are stockpiling acorns, and the children are settling into their routines throughout the school. Each day we are carefully observing the changes taking place in the natural world and within ourselves and our friends. We are wondering, exploring, and growing as individuals and as a school community. November brings a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect and take stock of all the good fortune in our lives. Here at Leila Day, there is certainly much to be grateful for.

"Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."       -Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Core Value #3: We believe in creating a safe environment.

Young children learn by observing, experimenting and experiencing. They are critical thinkers whose motivations and understandings develop through their interactions with their environments. Children learn best when they feel safe in their relationships and secure in their environment. When encouraged to question and explore their surroundings, children can challenge themselves and the status quo. They will make discoveries that help them build connections and form ideas, leading to deeper understanding about themselves and their place in the world. Our learning environments are thoughtfully constructed with great intention so that children can challenge themselves to grow emotionally, intellectually, and physically. At Leila Day, both indoor and outdoor spaces are safe places for risk taking and adventure.

• Flu Shots

The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood requires an annual flu shot for all children in preschool programs (ages 6 months to 4 years; this does not include kindergarten). Children must receive the flu vaccination before December 31st. Please provide documentation of your child's immunization to Sheila. Thank you.

• Follow Our Adventures on Instagram

We are a capturing the Leila Day experience each day and sharing our adventures on Instagram! See what we're up to by following us: @leiladay

• A Look Ahead at Leila Day

Though the year has just begun, we know that families are beginning to explore schooling options for 2018-2019. The community bulletin board in the Educational Wing is filled with information from area schools. Open houses, tours, and visits happen throughout the fall and winter; we encourage families who will be moving on to think about exploring options for life after Leila Day. Also, please take advantage of our parent-to-parent contact list. Many families are delighted to share their experiences. Parent perspectives are a wonderful tool throughout this process.

If you are thinking about the best fit for child here at Leila Day next year, please talk with your teachers or with Ashley or Sheila. You may be considering moving from three days to five days, from part day to full day, or you may have questions about our kindergarten. Please reach out; we are here to help you make a decision that feels right for your child and family.

• Original Works

Thank you to East Class parent, Jackie Lanno for helping us with Original Works. We had excellent participation in this fundraiser that turns children's art into everyday products and thank you all for taking part. We can't wait to see the products once they arrive!

• Class Reps

Our first parent meeting of the year was a great success. Reps from each class came together to begin building community and discussing opportunities for engagement, community service, and fund raising. Some great and new ideas were proposed. We're looking forward to a wonderful year ahead! 

A Closing Thought

Fall conferences have begun and will continue throughout November. Conferences at Leila Day are very special. Our teachers prepare for these meetings with great thought and care. Class teaching teams are continually meeting to dive deep into each child's strengths and talents, passions and interests, relationships and friendships, and growth areas and goals. As a result, the narrative progress reports our teachers prepare reflect each child's development and are a wonderful springboard into discussion between parents and teachers. Conferences are a special time for teachers and parents to come together. These conversations are wonderful opportunities to learn more about the best ways we can all support our children.

Warmly,

Ashley