Rochel Kalmanson: Rochel@JDiscovery.com
June 1, 2012
It’s hard to believe it’s the end of the school year already! When I look in the window at the 3-6 classrooms and see such grown up and independent three year olds, it seems like only yesterday that they were just wandering around watching the older students. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, Lag B’Omer, Shavout…….we have done so much celebrating at Chai Tots! And I hope that some of our learning and traditions have come home with your child, as well.
But the fun is not over yet! Fire station field trip and Alef Bais party water day. And we still have our end of year celebration, including a special musical performance by all the classes on Tuesday evening June 5, 5:30-7:00pm at Heritage Oak Park in Mason. Come one, come all and enjoy a BBQ dinner along with activities.
Winding up the school year and sending our students home for some fun in the sun with friends and families, is always a little bittersweet. There’s just that one more work we’d like a child to master or a budding new friendship that could use another few weeks to grow. But there is always next year, and we are excited to continue planning more ways to make Chai Tots an even better experience for your child and your family.
Thank you again to those who participated in the feedback survey a few of weeks ago. We can create the best environment for your child as we all work together. From the survey, we were pleased to hear that all feel their child is nurtured and getting a great education in both academics and Jewish studies. The parking situation continues to be a concern and some parents would like a little more regular information about their child’s progress outside the two conferences and monthly newsletters. We plan to address these matters before the fall.
Also for the fall, we are looking forward to an expansion project to give us more space, enlarging the playground area, some new teachers and staff, a resource room, a more active PACT program, more adult education, social community activities, and much more. It’s very exciting to feel the momentum of a growing school and Jewish community in Mason!
We will be around the school facility abbreviated hours throughout the summer, so you are welcome to stop by or leave us a message and we will return your call.
Enrollment has been heating up for the fall season. We have very limited space available in our classrooms, so please help us achieve our goal to provide Jewish education for every Jewish child, by spreading the word. Please let your friends and neighbors know. Refer a friend who enrolls and you receive a month free of tuition.
Have a safe and joyous summer!
May 1, 2012
It’s wonderful feeling the warm sunshine on our faces this week, but it just makes us breathe in and ask “where did the school year go?!” Only five weeks left......!
You may have noticed all the little footprints on the hallway walls. The students are counting the 49 days that the Torah tells us it took our ancestors to go from Egypt to the base of Mt. Sinai. Along the way, they will be learning about two Jewish holidays.
The first is Lag BaOmer, May 10, the 33rd day after the first day of Passover ending a Jewish national period of morning. See www.jdiscovery.com/lagbomer for more details. Our children will celebrate this joyous occasion with an outdoor sports day. The teachers have planned a fun morning of outdoor activities along with a special snack.
The students will then continue the count, right up to the 50th day and celebrate Shavout - the festival of the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Traditionally, there is at least one dairy meal during this festival. We will be having a Torah reading followed by a Shavout dairy buffet at Chai Tots on Sunday May 27 at 11:30am. All families are invited to join for a fun morning and kids program.
Conference sign ups are posted. Families with more than one child need to sign up early so that you can get back to back spots. Conference day is Sunday, May 20.
And finally, GRADUATION! This year we will be sending our Kindergarteners off with a BBQ dinner in the park on Tuesday evening, June 5 from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Details to follow.
Enjoy the nice weather !
April 2, 2012
It’s hard to believe another month has gone by and it’s almost Pesach! Just a reminder, the last day of school is Wednesday, April 4 and we return on Monday, April 16.
Our students have been very busy learning about, and preparing for, Pesach. They have been fascinated by the story of Moses upbringing, the Jews in slavery, the awful plagues, and their eventual flight to freedom despite the Egyptians right on their heels. Besides just hearing the story, many of their works have illustrated it as well. They’ve learned songs and how to set a table for the Seder. Each student is preparing their very own Haggada.
Model Matzah Bakery came to Chai Tots to show the students how Matzah is made and everyone participated in a model Seder. You are going to have lots of help and direction celebrating Pesach at your house this year!
Pesach is also a time to remember our friends and neighbors who may not be as fortunate. We are grateful to those of you who participated in our food drive. Because of our collective effort, more than 400 needy families will be able to have a Pesach dinner and celebration.
We hope you found our Parent Education Night on Language and Sensorial curriculum and the philosophy of the three year cycle to be worthwhile and informative. If you missed it, we have some articles available that may be of interest. And there will be another opportunity in the fall. If there are any specific things that you would like covered, let us know or just come with all your questions!
Have a joyous and liberating Pesach with your family. We look forward to seeing you back on the 16th!
March 7, 2012
March is here, the sun is shining, daffodils are up and Purim is in the air! Already you can hear the sounds of the Purim songs as you enter our Shushan town hallway. Tomorrow, Thursday, we have a fun Purim day planned for you and your children. Everyone will enjoy carnival booths, Purim treats, Megillah reading with fun slide show and of course a dress up contest. We’ll start promptly at 9:00am and be done by 11:30am. Please come (kids in costume) and celebrate!
I hope your calendar is marked for Parent Education night on March 15. We will be discussing language and sensorial curriculums, as well as philosophy behind the three year cycle and staying for the kindergarten year. Our 3-6 teachers will be presenting, but this would be great for toddler parents, too. There is so much depth and breadth to the Montessori philosophy, that it takes quite a while to fully understand how it works and how beautifully it works in integrating our Jewish studies, as well.
Have you heard a new name from your 3-6 child.......Mushkie? Mushkie Kaplan, an intern from Israel, has joined Chai Tots for the remainder of this year. She brings many gifts and talents to our team and the children have been quite drawn to her. One of her roles while here will be to join Hilary in planning and teaching Judaics to our 3-6 classrooms. We are very excited to have Mushkie with us. Please introduce yourself and say hello when you see her.
From Purim we head right into our Pesach (Passover) preparations. The children have all grown their own herbs that they will be bringing home. We have a Matzo Bakery presentation and the children will experience a model Seder. Parents are invited to participate in the Seders which will be Monday April 2 and Tuesday April 3, in the morning.
Classes are filling up for next year - please get your enrollment forms in to the office! If you have any questions or concerns about next year, please fee free to come in and talk with me.
February 3, 2012
Hi Parents,
Wow! It’s February . . . January FLEW by!
January was a quiet, but educational and exciting month at Chai Tots!
I want to personally thank each of you who attended the P.A.C.T. meeting. Each parent’s involvement is really the key to achieving and ensuring success as a family. If you were unable to attend the most recent meeting — no worries, your room mom will be emailing you about upcoming events.
The Gimmel and Daled Classes ventured to the Drake Planetarium. The trip was a wonderful finale to the Solar System Unit!
Tae Kwon Do began this month. And, it is certainly very cute see everyone in their uniforms! Did you see the pics posted on our Facebook page? (www.Facebook.com/JewishMason)
Also, I hope that all the Grandmas, Grandpas, Bubbies, and Zaydies enjoyed Grandparents’ Day. It was a very special day for both the grandparents and the grandchildren!
Next month is Tu B’Shvat, which is the “birthday of the trees.” Our students will have the unique opportunity to learn about and experience the special fruits of Israel (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates). Thank you to Alena LaBella for graciously volunteering to plant with the students!
We had an unannounced licensing inspection this month and passed with flying colors (well, of course, they always find one or two minor things....) ! Notably, the supervisor, who visits all preschools in the Cincinnati area, said she was “very impressed with the level of care and respect she observed between the teachers and children at Chai Tots. It is one of the best I have ever visited.” Kudos to our teachers!
Important Notes:
- We have placed in-boxes outside each class. If you have anything to give the teachers, please place in the inbox. Teachers will check them regularly.
- To address inquiries: Please note that the door used for noon dismissal is locked at all times. It is only opened for the 5 minutes before and after dismissal, while being monitored.
- With the limited amount of parking spaces in front of the school, parking can be a challenge at drop off and pick up. Please know that our first priority is the safety of every child. When you park next to the curbs, instead of in designated spots, visibility and maneuverability become difficult and traffic backs up. At times, the entrance to the building even gets blocked. For the benefit and safety of all, please wait in line until a parking spot opens up in front of our building, or park in a designated spot further out and walk your child in.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the photos on the Chai Tot’s website (www.ChaiTots.com)!
Looking forward to a wonderful February!
January 9, 2012
Hi Parents,
Welcome back! We hope that you and your family had a wonderful Chanukah and a restful winter vacation! The children and teachers are excited to be back at school, and the students are settling back into the routine beautifully.
Morah Kara is expecting a baby boy in February and is now on maternity leave. Morah Karen has joined Morah Tina in the Daled Classroom, and is filling Morah Kara’s shoes wonderfully. Also, please join the Chai Tots family in celebrating the soon-to-be newest member of the Yuskewich family — the baby shower will be on January 15, at 10:30 am, at the Jewish Discovery Center.
Additionally, please note that two (2) handicapped parking spaces are available in the Chai Tots/Jewish Discovery Center parking lot. These parking spaces are reserved only for individuals who: (a) possess a state-issued handicapped license plate; (b) possess a state-issued temporary handicapped parking permit; or (c) otherwise necessitate, due to physical impairment, a parking space located near the school entrance. Although the handicapped parking spaces may be more convenient, please refrain from parking your vehicle in these spaces if not lawfully permitted.
On inclement weather days, you will be able to call the school at 513.234.0600 ext. 411. The same information will also be available on our website: www.JDiscovery.com/weather. We will also be sending out an early morning text. If you do not text or choose not to be on our text list, please let the office know.
If you have any questions please call me at 513.234.0600 or in the evenings at 513.659.2850.
It is winter and, weather permitted, we will continue to go outside for recess. Accordingly, please send your children to school with both hat and gloves, as well as a weather-appropriate coat. Moreover, please exercise caution when walking in the parking lot and on the sidewalk — the surfaces are salted, but may become slippery.
Upcoming Events:
- P.A.C.T. will meet January 11 at 9:00 am in the Multipurpose Room.
- Martial Arts classes will begin this upcoming Thursday, January 12.
- Gimmel and Daled Classrooms will be going to the planetarium on January 24. A school bus will transport the children and teachers to the planetarium, and will return the children and teachers to Chai Tots. While we very much appreciate the offers of parents to chaperone on field trips, we have a sufficient number of teachers attending and will not need parent chaperons.
December 2, 2011
I hope you’ve had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. The kids enjoyed their Thanksgiving lunch here at school. The 3-6 class were really excited about their special musical performance with Miss Joanie. Check the video on The Jewish Discovery’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/JewishMason. Be sure to LIKE the page when you are there.
I can’t believe its already December. Chanukah is right around the corner (Dec. 20). Here are a few things we have coming up this month.
As you have noticed our Chanukah and Jewish Book Fair is here.
Parent Education Night - Toddlers
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7:30pm
Dr. Karen Kissell will be speaking on toddler development and the Montessori philosophy. Afterward, in the classroom, Morah P.J. will describe exactly how the environment is prepared, discuss the curriculum, and demonstrate some of the materials. There will be plenty of time for your questions and to chat with other parents.
Portrait Viewings
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 12-1:30pm and 3:30-5:30pm.
This will be your chance to view your child's portraits and to purchase pre-printed sheets at special discounted pricing. A portrait consultant will be on hand throughout this time, to answer any questions and to manage all of your portrait purchase needs. For your convenience, Teddy Bear Portraits accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, personal checks, and cash.
Olive Oil Press
Tuesday, Dec 20
This workshop demonstrates the process used by the Maccabees to refine olive oil for the Temple Menorah
Come out and show your Jewish Pride! Join us for the first time ever in Mason. The
lighting of a giant Menorahat Deerfield Towne Center. This special event will take place on December 20, 5:30pm. Mason’s Mayor will participate along with City Council members. Donuts, Hot Chocolate, Latkes, Chocolate Chanukah Gelt, Pictures with Judah the Maccabee, Live Music, and more. Participating stores will offer special discounts to participants.
Please keep in mind that the weather is getting chilly and your child should come to school with a hat and gloves. Also, if you haven’t done so, please switch out all extra clothing for warm clothing.
On inclement weather days, you will be able to call the school at 513.234.0600 ext. 411 for up to date delays and closings. The same information will also be available on our website: www.JDiscovery.com/weather. We will also be sending out an early morning text. If you do not text or choose not to be on our text list, please let the office know.
If you have any questions please call me at 234.0600 or in the evenings at 659.2850.
Thank you for your cooperation.
PLEASE NOTE: Birthdays: Parents need to schedule with teachers at least a week in advance. Especially if they plan to celebrate on a Friday, so that your child receives the attention s/he deserves.
Happy Chanukah!
Novemeber 1, 2011
We are back from the month of holidays and are excited to get back in the swing. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. It is so nice to see all the smiling faces back in school. We have a busy and exciting month ahead of us! We highly encourage parent involvement, so please be sure to mark these dates on your calendar. You can also download our calendar from our website (www.ChaiTots.com) via iCal, so that it integrates with your electronic calendar (compatible with Android, Blackberry, Google, Yahoo, Outlook, etc).
Pizza Wednesdays begins this week. Thanks to all the volunteers who are assisting with that. Webby Dance has begun and takes place every Thursday afternoon.
Next Tuesday evening,
November 8
Parent Education Night. I encourage every Gimmel and Daled class parents to join us for a night of exploring the Montessori Philosophy and materials. This will be an excellent chance for you to:
- get your hands on the materials that your child is using every day,
- learn fun and easy ways to extend their learning at home,
- find out what it is that makes this approach to early learning so effective, and
- spend some time getting to know teachers and parents.
The teachers have worked hard to put together a wonderful presentation. Please make every effort to join us. Parents of Toddler students: please stay tuned for the date of your Parent Education Night.
Wednesdays,
November 9 and 16
Martial Arts. The Gimmel and Daled classrooms will get to experience a fun martial arts class with the visit from DOJO Martial Arts. This half hour session is not only a great opportunity for children to have fun and be active, but it also teaches self-confidence, focus, and self discipline. We are hoping to have enough interest to be able to start a class here at Chai Tots. If you are interested, please contact Patti in the office.
Monday & Tuesday,
November 14 - 15
Parents Day. We invite all parents to join us in the classroom on one of these days. It will be a fun opportunity for your children to:
- show you how they spend their days,
- introduce you to some of their favorite works, and
- enjoy a morning of quality time with you.
We look forward to having you!
Sunday,
November 20
Parent-Teacher Conferences. Please be sure to sign up!
Tuesday,
November 22
Teddy Bear Portraits. Taking portraits of all Chai Tots students. Please have your permission slip turned into Patti in the office.
Wednesday,
November 23
Thanksgiving Lunch. 11:30 until 12:00, the entire school will participate. Each class will prepare a dish with their teachers.
It’s getting colder time to think about winter and snow. Our school policy is that we follow the decisions of Mason City Public Schools. When Mason is closed our morning program is closed as well. We are typically open for full-time students and day care. You will be able to call the school for information. Please mark this number for automated updated schedules: 513.234.0600 ext. 411
