Cushman Scott Children's Center

Friday, February 09, 2007

Winter Newsletter

Cushman News

January 2007

www.cushmanscott.org






Happy Winter!!!

While it hasn’t felt much like winter this year, it clearly is by the level of energy in the school. Our outside time is often limited because of the cold and the teachers are working hard at challenging the children during their time in the building. Recent investigations have included:

South Room- Colors and light exploration
North Room- Social skill development, Emotional awareness and storytelling/picture creating
Upstairs- Color mixing exploration


Building Committee Updates

North Room Improvement Fund-
Cushman is currently seeking donations from families towards improvements in our wonderful North Room. Those of you who have been involved with this classroom might already be aware of the poor acoustics. In investigating the reasons for this, we have identified several culprits, foremost of which-the tin ceiling tiles. Additionally, the high ceilings contribute to the echo.

Having identified the major cause of all the noise, the Building Committee has done research regarding the expense for improvements. We estimate this amount to be approximately $1,000.00 for prep supplies, adhesive and tiles. Our hope is to be able to install the tiles during a work day in March.

We are asking families to consider a donation to the fund for North Room improvements. While we are aware that each family contributes to the school in many ways, we are hoping that the amount of contributions we receive will eliminate the need for additional fundraising towards this project and will expedite our ability to begin these improvements.

Please consider a contribution towards these improvements. Any amount received above what we need will be used towards a window seat, drapes, paint, a loft and other specialty items in that room. A folder is on the studio door for contributions. Thank you.


Board of Directors

As always, the Board is hard at work keeping Cushman running smoothly and looking at program improvements and changes for next year. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please speak to one of its members:

Meg Oakes- President- Upstairs Parent
Sherri Lawrence- Treasurer- Former Upstairs Parent
Amy Coulthard- Secretary- SR Parent
Sue Kelly- SR Parent
Michelle Tracey- Aftercare Teacher
Zoy Soulis- NR/Upstairs Parent
Matt Wells- Upstairs Parent
Jessica Carlson-Belanger- SR/Upstairs Parent
Aethena Enzer-Mahler- Upstairs Teacher
Amy Mae Silvia- SR Teacher
Odelle Kinder-Wells- Upstairs Parent/ Director
Kris Nelson- NR Parent


Fundraising 2006

Thank you fundraising committee for coordinating our Friends of Cushman campaign in December. To date we have raised $1475.00.

The committee will be meeting again on February 5th to discuss further fundraising efforts for this year. Anyone interested in participating can contact a committee member:

Aethena Enzer-Mahler- Upstairs Teacher
Zoy Soulis- NR/Upstairs Parent
Amy Coulthard- SR Parent
Odelle Kinder-Wells- Upstairs Parent/Director
Deborah Bazer-Upstairs Parent


Accreditation is Underway!

Cushman is currently seeking accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC recognizes exemplary programs for their commitment to educating young children. The process is lengthy and will include a self study, a parent input component and an accreditation visit from a NAEYC representative.


Parent-Teacher Committee

Winter Family Event-

The Parent-Teacher committee has a meeting scheduled for Monday, January 5th at 6:30 at the Cushman Café. This committee, which is primarily responsible for the social events at Cushman, will be planning our Winter Family Event. Past efforts have included a Family Contra Dance and a Family Variety Show. Anyone interested in helping is welcome to attend the meeting or to contact one of the committee members:

Amy Coulthard- SR Parent
Amy Mae Silvia- SR Teacher
Jenny Hebert- Upstairs Assistant Teacher
Zoy Soulis- NR/Upstairs Parent
Michelle Tracey- Aftercare Teacher

Scholastic Orders Come to Cushman

Scholastic book order forms are now available on the North Room door. This is an inexpensive way to get quality books for your child. In addition, Cushman receives credit for every order placed. There are many books available on a variety of subjects. Please see Kiah with any questions. Orders can be placed in the folder on the studio door.


Comings and Goings

Welcome to:

Melody and Ananda Martinez(NR Family); Eve, Cade, Jayce, Nyssa and Joe Lazanfame(NR/Upstairs Family);

And Jane, Anne and Aren Scanlon-Emigh (SR Family).

Goodbye to Beverly (NR/SR Assistant) whose last day is February 2.

Hello again to Lexy (Aftercare Teacher) who will now also be our North Room Assistant Teacher.

And finally…a see you in the Summer for the Ash family, who are on a grand adventure in Hungary until July….We will miss Rafi and the gang!

Upcoming Events:
Fundraising Committee- February 5 @ 5:30
Parent/Teacher Committee- February 5@ 6:30 (both at Cushman Café)
Nurtured Heart Series Continues- February 6, 13 and 27
Board Meeting – February 26th
Closures – Monday, February 19 for President’s Day