Sensory Tables

What is happening in our sensory tables this week?

We are enjoying a wide variety of materials and explorations from Infants through Pre-K. Whether it is sifting sand, filling cups of water, or scooping snow- the children's senses are engaged and brain connections are growing stronger and stronger!

Lou's Pet Shop

We love when Lou's Pet Shop comes to visit! Last Tuesday, children gathered in the gym for the opportunity to meet a variety of animals. They were able to talk to a parrot and pet a snake! Mr. Donnie shared interesting facts about what each creature ate, and their habitat. The children asked curious questions and were delighted to learn about each animal.

Thank you Lou's Pet Shop!

Lottery Drawing

This morning was the Lottery Drawing for the 2016-2017 school year! All names have been pulled and we are starting to contact families for placement. Please remember you have 48 hours to accept or refuse placement. At the time of placement acceptance, your non-refundable registration fee will be due. (Fees vary based on program.)

We want to send a big thank you to Chief Jensen for pulling the lottery names this year! 

Kindness Week

Our school is participating in The Great Kindness Challenge this week! Here are a few ideas of ways you and your child can spread kindness:

• Leave flowers on someone's doorstep
• Make a Thank You card for someone
• Donate to a food bank
• Paint a picture and give it to someone
• Smile at someone
• Recycle your trash

Click here for more information on the The Great Kindness Challenge. 

Winter Play

Winter is here! Children at the Barnes Early Childhood Center will continue to play outside as long as the weather is 20 degrees or above, including the wind chill. Please send in boots, snow pants, hats and gloves labeled with your child's name. Outdoor play provides benefits for children year round! In the winter months, germs and bacteria can grow in the stale indoor air. Getting outside provides a refreshing break for our bodies and our immune systems. The winter also provides for outdoor play activities which are not available in the summer.

Physical activity and having fun is always in season!!

Happy New Year

We are excited to be back in session and starting a brand new year! 

Preparations have begun for the 2016-2017 school year. Please visit the GPPSS Child Development and Preschool Program website for detailed information about our expanded program offerings. Applications are being accepted now through Feb. 4th, 2016. 

Representatives from our program will be at the GP Library Preschool Fair on Wednesday Feb. 3, 2016 from 6:00pm-8:00pm to answer questions. We hope to see you there! 

Winter News

Things are looking festive around the Barnes Early Childhood Center and 'Jingle Bells' can be heard throughout the halls as children sing with excitement. On Friday December 18th, families will come together for the Annual Barnes Holiday Gathering featuring music from North High School's Jazz Band, pictures with Santa, and a pancake breakfast! It is always a great time to celebrate the season with our school family.

Our programs at Barnes, and Trombly will be closed for Winter Break beginning on December 21, 2015. We will re-open on January 4, 2016. We look forward to seeing everyone again in the new year!