Annual Meeting News

The Heath Extended Day Annual Meeting will take 
place on Wednesday

October 13th from 5:30pm-6:30pm.  
This will be a great opportunity to

learn about the program, meet our
 teaching team, hear from our Board

of Directors and enjoy a bite to eat.  We will be 
providing childcare

and dinner for all those who attend.

Pre-K and K/1 News!

September 2010

Heath Extended Day
Pre-K & K-1 Newsletter


Welcome Families!

It's hard to believe but it's that time of the year again - the beginning of a new school year. Welcome back! We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the Pre-K, and K-1 families into the Heath Extended Day Community. There's a lot of excitement ahead of us, including new teachers to meet, new books to read, new friends to meet and new skills to master and we are so thrilled to have this opportunity to share in these experiences with you and your children. The K-1 team has worked hard through the summer to plan fun and engaging themes and activities to ensure a positive extended day experience for your children.


Meet the K-1 Team

Alyssa Davis: I am so delighted to be a member of the Heath Extended Day K-1 team. I recently graduated from Wheelock College where I studied Early Childhood Education. I have been a member of the Heath Extended Day Community as a float teacher for four years and I am thrilled to further my position and work more closely and interactively with the children.

Jackie Lattuca: I am so excited about joining the HEDP K-1 teaching team and am eager to work with you and your child. I join HEDP with many years experience working with children in a preschool and after-school setting. I have many topics of interest such as nature and animals that I look forward to sharing with your child.

Sidoney Daley: I am returning to the Heath Extended Day team for my second year. I had a wonderful and enriched experience last year and am excited to be part of the team once again. I am currently enrolled in a graduate program at Umass Boston where I am studying early childhood education; I look forward to utilizing my knowledge to facilitate learning at Heath Extended Day.


Fall into the School Year!

We will be kicking off the school year with a theme, “Me, My Family, and My Friends.” Through this unit we hope to promote self-confidence, get to know you and your children, and focus on aspects of friendship. We will be reading books such as “I like Me” By Nancy Carlson and “Chrysanthemum: By Kevin Hankes. The children will be making self-portraits along with other crafts and will be asked to bring in photos and other belongs that are important to them.


News to note:

Pre-K families:   Please send in a queen size pillow-case, change of clothes, family photo small blanket or stuffed animal for our rest time.

All Pre-K children can purchase milk from the cafeteria for .50 per day beginning October 4th.  Please contact Noelle should your child be interested in purchasing milk from the Heath School cafeteria.

Please send in one small (softball size) pumpkin for your child.

K/1 families:   Please send your child in with a baby photo of them for a project we will be completing.

Please send in one (softball) size pumpkin for your child.

Please supply your child with one change of clothes in a ziplock bag.
 

Wishlist:

Shoelaces
Tissues
Newspapers
Papertowels
Pumpkins

2-6 Welcome Letter

September 2010

Heath Extended Day

2-6 Newsletter

 

Welcome Families!

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the 2-6 families to the 2010-2011 school year!  We are so excited to see so many familiar faces from last years 2-6 group and to meet the new families that will be joining us this year!  It is with our greatest pleasure to have this opportunity to work with you and your child to ensure a successful school year and to ensure a positive after school experience for your child! The 2-6 team has brainstormed a number of new and different activities and projects for the coming year, however, we also look forward to hearing about the interests of this years group in order to create a curriculum that meets the needs of all the children!

An Introduction to the 2-6 team…

Malaina LeSage.  Malaina will be returing to Heath Extended Day for her fourth year working with the 2-6 group!

Caitlyn Hawkins. Caitlyn began working at Heath Extended Day as part of her internship at Wheelock College.  Now, Cailtlyn joins us for her second year as a 2-6 teacher!

Jared Mael.  Jared will be returning to Heath Extended Day for his second year working as a 2-6 teacher!

Cory Warfield.  Welcome Cory!  Cory is new to this years 2-6 teaching team.  She will be joining us a couple days of week, while also working as an aide in fourth grade during the school day.  We are so excited about Cory joining us this year!

 

Upcoming Attractions…

Building Community

With the transition into a new school year and into a new group of 2-6 children and teachers, the month of September will be dedicated to activities and projects that teach and emphasize the building of community in the classroom and outdoors.  We will focus on team building, working together, friendships and good sportsmanship.  There will be an emphasis on building community in the classroom and outdoors, continually throughout the school year, incorporating it into our weekly themes.

 

Information Station

Cafeteria

The heath school cafeteria is used as the home base for the 2-6 group.  Children will go directly to the cafeteria at 2:20 and sign in with a 2-6 teacher.  This space will be used for snack, third to sixth grade homework, art projects and activities. At 5:30, we move out of the cafeteria and relocate to the upstairs extended day room.  

Upstairs Extended Day Room

This upstairs extended day room is used for small group activities, second grade homework and fifth and sixth grade trippin’ in (Thursdays) and end of the day pick up (5:30-5:45).

Sign Out

It is with the greatest importance that you sign your child out daily followed by the time of pick up. The sign out book will be located in the cafeteria between 2:20 and 5:30.  Between 5:30 and 5:45, the sign out will be in the upstairs extended day room. 

Absenses

If your child will not be at extended day on a regularly scheduled day, it is very important that you notify HEDP as early as possible by phone, email or to a 2-6 teacher, in person.

Alternate Pick Up

If your child is being picked up by someone that is not on their authorized pick up list, please notify HEDP.  Please note that we ID all new people picking up your child.

Mail

Any mail that needs to go home with your child will be located at the sign out station in the cafeteria with your child’s name on it.  Newsletters for 2-6 will be at the sign out station at the beginning of each month. 

 

Daily Schedule

2:20    Arrival and Check In

            All children in 2-6 will report to the cafeteria  immediately after school dismissal.  Each child will check in with a 2-6 teacher upon arrival.

2:30    Homework and Snack

Children will begin the day with a quiet homework and reading time.  During this time, children will be offered a snack to enjoy while doing his or her homework.   

3:30    Outdoor Play

            Children will have the opportunity to play freely on the playground or participate in organized games. Please be sure your  dresses appropriately for the weather, as             we will enjoy outside time as much as possible.

4:30    Activities

Activities will include theme based projects, arts and crafts, board games, gym play, drawing and free choice.

5:30    Upstairs Extended Day Room

            All children at this time can be picked up  and signed out in the upstairs extended day room.  Children will have all of their belongings with them.

5:45    Pick Up

Have a wonderful month!  Please check in with a 2-6 teacher if you have any questions, thoughts or concerns.  We look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

  

Welcome to the 2010-2011 School Year!

August 31^st , 2010

Dear Extended Day Friends and Families,

I hope this letter finds your family well rested and ready for school

to begin.  The countdown is on and there are only a few more days for us to prepare.  With much planning, reorganizing and preparing for the fall

well underway, I would like to update you with some important

dates, policies and information.  The first day of school is just around the corner and I am delighted to be spreading this electrifying news with you.

Our 2010-2011 teaching team is composed of many wonderful teachers who are extremely excited about the upcoming year and look forward to working with your child.

The lower level of Extended Day (next to the gym) will be home to our

Pre-K and Kindergarten through grade one program.  Alyssa Davis will lead the fantastic teaching team in this room.  Alyssa will continue to work with Sidoney Daley and the k/1 teaching team to create an excellent early education curriculum.  They have many hands on activities and projects planned for the first few weeks. 

Our second through six-grade program will continue to meet in the Heath

School cafeteria from 2:20-5:45pm. We will continue to use the upper

level of extended day on an as needed basis to help create small group

activities on a daily basis.  Malania LeSage, Caitlyn Hawkins and Jared Mael, who have the knowledge and experience, will also help create a meaningful curriculum that encourages and supports friendship, self-confidence and leadership.

Two fantastic Heath School Aides, Cory Warfield and Brianna Conlan will also be working at Extended Day to enhance and help design an

engaging and enjoyable program in both K/1 and 2-6.

Our dedicated teachers are enthusiastic and will teach

through pleasurable hands-on activities that help enhance and bridge

the learning from that is happening during the school day.  We are happy to have such good natured and experienced teachers.  All are committed to great afternoon programming that supports and encourages academic learning.

I am also happy to announce that HEDP will be continuing our one of a

kind older kids program called Tripping Out  (for 5th-8th graders).

Malaina LeSage will lead this program and has already planned

many fantastic activities for this group.  Please email

hedtprippinout@gmail.com or phone the HEDP office for more information

before September 9th.  Space is limited for this one of a kind program.

As our first day of school quickly approaches please feel free to give

us a call should you have any questions or concerns.  You may also

reach us by email at hedp@brookline.k12.ma.us.  We welcome you to

Heath Extended Day and wish your child a wonderful first day.

Warmly,

Noelle Ahearn, Director

Additional Notes….

*Our program is nut free. Please keep this in mind when sending

special snacks or food for your child.*

Because HEDP is becoming more of a cooperative program please look for

ways to volunteer in each classroom.  These needs will be posted on

the information station bulletin board. There is a mandatory 5 hours volunteer commitment for each family.

**Families who are applying for tuition assistance need to have all

forms mailed to Noelle by September 30th 2010.

Pre-K

On Monday, September 13th and Tuesday, September 14th you may pop into HEDP with your child to get acquainted with Alyssa, and our classroom between 12:15-2:00pm.  Please bring a lunch and explore our learning centers with your child.

Pre-K Extended Day will officially begin on Wednesday, September 15th

at 12:15pm.  Alyssa will pick the Pre-K children up from Min Jen’s

classroom on a daily basis.  Please send your child with:

               ~  A packed lunch

               ~  A change of clothes in a labeled bag

               ~  A king size pillowcase with his/her name on it

               ~  A picture of your child with his/her family.

Kindergarten

On Tuesday, September 7th (Families with last letters A-M) and

Wednesday September 8th (L-Z), Kindergarten will have an early

release.  We welcome your child to come to extended day only on the

day your child attends his/her first day of Kindergarten with a parent or guardian.  Please pack your child a lunch so they can enjoy a bite to eat in our space.  

We encourage you to use this day to visit our classroom with your child to help him/her begin to feel comfortable and confident within our classroom. We highly recommend picking up your child no later than 2:15 pm since it can be a very long first day.

There will be NO SCHOOL on Thursday, September 9^th due to a holiday.

Kindergarten Extended Day will officially begin on Friday, September

10h at 2:20pm.  Caitlyn Hawkins will pick up the Kindergarteners at 2:20pm and walk them to HEDP each day.  

Please provide your child with

A) Change of clothes in a zip-lock bag with his/her name on it.

B) family photo. 

This may be a challenging day for a kindergartener that does not feel confident due to the unpredictable schedule. Please contact us before 2:00pm should you have any concerns.  

1st-6th Graders

All are welcome to begin attending HEDP on Tuesday, September 7th at

2:20pm.  Please look for HEDP teachers in the hall to guide you to

the Heath School Cafeteria.  Please call or email the HEDP office should your child not be attending on the first day.

1st graders will be picked up at 2:20 from each classroom

by Noelle for the month of September.  They will walk down to HEDP in pairs beginning in October.

2nd-6th graders should walk directly to the Heath School cafeteria at 2:20pm.  We have encouraged teachers to have HEDP kids walk together with buddies.

Please note that there will be homework and reading time (DEAR) each

day.  So remember to bring your favorite reading materials (books,

magazines, newspapers, comics…).  We are always looking for good reading material so please feel free to donate.

Tripping Out

The first official trip is set for Thursday, September 16th.  Please

meet Malaina LeSage outside of Min Jen Taylor Wu’s classroom.  From there she will led the T.O. group to the gym where they will learn more about the program, go over the rules and expectations, then walk over to Eliot Field before heading to Cleveland Circle for a scavenger hunt.

Tripping Out has additional forms that MUST be complete before your

child can attend.  Please phone Noelle should your family be

interested in this program.

Children with Allergies or Medical Limitations

PLEASE contact Noelle ASAP for the required forms.  Your child cannot attend HEDP without signed medical forms and medication from a certified practitioner.  We also need a full container of medication when applicable (epi pen, prescription…). Please see Noelle ASAP for more information.  The MA Department of Early Education and Care has mandated us to call a parent immediately for pickup should we not have the appropriate forms and medications.

Families

We are still missing many registration packets.  Please complete them

and return them ASAP.  All documents are needed before your child

begins attending HEDP.  This helps ensure that we will be prepared for

your child.  I will be in the office each day and would be more than willing to meet should that be easier for you.

The annual meeting date has yet to be announced.  Please look for

notices regarding this mandatory meeting.

Please remember to phone HEDP at 617-277-5381 or email us at

hedp@brookline.k12.ma.us should your child be late or absent from

HEDP.  Please let us know as soon as possible.

Please note that HEDP closes at 5:45.  We encourage you to make

necessary arrangements should you not be able to make that time.  Late

fees will go into effect Monday, September 27th.

**Be prepared to sign your child out at the end of each day with YOUR signature or initials and the pick up time.  This is a mandatory policy set forth by the MA Department of Early Education and Care.

It is essential that you make a habit of this.  Please make an effort

to make contact with a teacher and sign your child out each day.  If a

nanny or babysitter will be picking up your child, please be sure they

have a picture ID for the first few weeks.

We have made the switch to green communication and encourage you to check out our BLOG at the beginning of each month to read about our updates and happenings.  It is essential that you notify us immediately should want a hard copy of all handouts.  We will try our best to keep you up to date and well informed. 

Please check us out at

http://heathextendedday.blogspot.com/

We hope that you are ready for a terrific year and are happy that you have joined our Extended family! 

End of year roundup!

As Heath Extended Day begins to bring closure to the 2009-2010 school year we would like to review the massive amounts of learning, fun and adventure that we have accomplished!

Team-building, friendships, jobs, happiness, U.S. Sates, elections, under the sea, ice skating, maple sugaring, dinosaurs, alphabet fun, cultural celebrations, Eric Carl, recycle week, Fundred project, Project Bread Spoon's, edible art week, wish days, wacky hair day, cafeteria creativity, 2nd grade day, Halloween party, portfolios, Tripping In/Tripping Out, Scooper-bowl, Fenway Park, hot snacks, DPW day, space shuttle, USS HEDP submarine, football day, 2-6 mentor day, electronics day, bikes/blades day, Eliot field, winter Olympics, Rain forest, HEDP Jepordy, Dr. Suess is 106, teacher for the day, D.E.A.R., 1/2 Day, writing to U.S. Soldiers in Iraq, penpals with kids from Spain, Treasure Island, Pirtates, potluck success and so much more.....

Please find the time to chat with your child about the things that they enjoyed at HEDP.  Your child's imput is our buisness and we would love to hear from you.

During this time of transition and closure, it is time for us to say good-by to a few of our fantastic teachers.  We are sad to announce that Jessica, Jim and Beth are moving from the Boston area to begin a new chapter in their lives. Jenna will also be changing her career track and exploring new opportunites within the field of education and beyond.

Jessica will be moving to New York to continue her education at Columbia Teachers College to obtain her MEd in Special Education.   Jim will also be moving to New York to live his dream while attending Pace University to become a Theater Director.  Beth recently decided to move back home to be closer to her family as she is about to become an Aunt.  We wish them all well and look forward to keeping in touch and sharing their successes with us in years to come.

We are very happy to announce that Malaina, Alyssa, Caitlyn, Jared, Sidoney and Brianna will be returing to Heath Extended Day with a new and energized curriculum for the 2010-2011 school year.  The Heath Extended Day teaching team is excieted to see how much your child grows and matures over the summer.  We are also looking forward to meeting new families and smiling faces come September.

The 2009-2010 school year has been a tremendous success!  We have appreciated each families invovement, kindness and generosity.  It has been a pleasure to learn and grow with your child during the past 10 months.  We wish you a safe and relaxing summer and look forward to seeing each of you come September.  It addition, we encourage the HEDP graduates and families who will be finding other afterschool options to keep in touch.  We are proud to be your "Extended" family!

Calling All Captains!

Come friends, family and matey's

to our 

TREASURE ISLAND!

Your family is invited to..

The Heath Extended Day Program's End of the Year Celebration!!

Monday, June 14th from 4:00pm-6:30pm 

at the 

S.S. Heath School Cafeteria

Games 4:00-5:30pm

Potluck Dinner  4:45-5:30pm

Captain Jack Performance 5:30-6:30pm

Please contact the program to note what type of 

food or supply your family will be attending with.

May News

May/June 2010

Heath Extended Day 2-6 Newsletter

During the month of April:

In celebration of Earth Day, the children spent a great amount of time making craft projects out of recycled materials such as boxes, newspaper, upholstery, cardboard tubes, popsicle sticks and records.  Using boxes and other recycled items from the local recycling center, the children used their imaginations to make recycled robots and bug houses (there has been a huge interest in bug collecting on the playground).  Using newspaper, the kids weaved newspaper baskets and created kites for outdoor flying. Newspaper flowers were also created, which were used as decorations to journals that the children made out of upholstery. We were excited to observe the kids using the journals to write in throughout the day!  Using cardboard tubes and dry rice, the children made and decorated rain sticks.  Cars were also made by the children using popsicle sticks and other items from the local recycle center.  Finally, the children creatively painted old records to make real working clocks that will be a great addition to your homes!

The Fundred Dollar Bill Project has been well on its way and the children have dedicated so much time to this wonderful fundraiser. This fundraiser is to help raise $300 million dollars to provide the resources to de-lead the soil in New Orleans and help protect and prevent future problems. The soil in New Orleans is contaminated and with children playing in it and breathing the dust, it is causing health problems. This fundraiser is to help make a safer environment for everyone.  The children have been and will continue to create their own hundred dollar bills which will be picked up by an armored truck and brought to Washington DC to congress at the end of the fundraising period.  When a total of $300 million Fundred dollars have been collected from all country’s participants, congress will give $300 million in real cash to go towards making a safer environment in New Orleans.  This is a great opportunity for the children to learn about what is going on around them and to get involved in a cause that affects peers their own age.  If you would like to learn more or get involved on your on about this fundraiser please visit FUNDRED.ORG.  The children in 2-6 set their fundraising goal at $45,000 in Fundred dollars.  We are almost there and so proud of the hard work and dedication that have put into each one hundred dollar bill that they have designed! 

What to look forward to in May/June:

The first week of May was dedicated to making heartfelt Mother’s Day projects and cards.  The children made flowers out of felt, paper, newspaper and fabric. They also made flowers out paper and “glued” (with water and flour) seeds on them, making a wonderful paper flower that could be planted to make a real one! The children also made vases out of recycled yogurt containers to put their assorted flowers in. Lastly, the kids made beautiful cards for their mothers and made sure to decorate the front with fabric, tissue paper and even cupcake holders!

The second week of May will be dedicated to a Health and Wellness week.  We will focus on relaxation and proper exercise. We will end the week with a healthy nutrient-rich fruit smoothie bar.  The kids will pick from a variety of fruits and yogurt to make their very own smoothie.  With a focus on relaxation, the children will make stress balls using balloons and flour, soap jellies out of hand soap and gelatin, aroma therapy sachets using different scented oils and neck warmers using socks and dry rice.  With a focus on exercise, the children will learn about stretching properly and learn about the effect and importance exercise has on their heart rate.  The children will participate in different exercise activities and record their individual heart rates.

Starting in the third week in May, and continuing through the month June, the children will be busy planning the HEDP annual end of the year party!  We are happy to announce that this year’s theme will be Treasure Island!  The children will make decorations and games based on this famous book.  We will read the Treasure Island and conclude with a viewing of the Muppets version of the movie.  The end of the year party will be on Monday, June 14^th.  More information about the HEDP annual party will follow. 

Building Peer Relations

This month, we spent time learning and playing group theater games. We played “Shark/Eagle,” “Bippity Boppity Boo,” “Do You Like Your Neighbor?” and “Zoom!” All of these odd-titled games require the students to stand in a circle, and jump, duck, and dance, and make absurd noises and tableaus with their friends. These games fun, and what’s more, they help us to be comfortable being silly and outgoing with one another; they encourage friendly laughter! Plus, they are highly playable for all age groups, so that our second graders all the way to our fifth and sixth graders have an opportunity to play together!

We will continue games such as these, sometimes talking about them as a group and sometimes just using them to build a sense of community and team.

Mark your Calendars:

No School- Monday, May 31^st

Last Day of School (Early Release)- Tuesday, June 22^nd

HEDP end of the Year potluck dinner- Monday, June 14^th

Thank you for making this an incredibly successful school year for all of us.

It has been a joy working with you and your child.

Have a great summer! We look forward to seeing you next year!

The 2-6 teaching team.

K-1 Newsletter 2010

What has been happening in K-1?

We had a blast in the past! The prehistoric past! K-1 turned our classroom into the Triassic period of Dinosaurs!  Through art, science, and reading activities we learned how the dinosaurs may have lived and what type of dinos were around.  K-1 studied fossils, looked at meat-eater and plant-eater characteristics, molded flying dinos, and played Dino Jeopardy! 

What will be happening in K-1?

We will be exploring Under the Sea! Our classroom will once again transform into a new world:  The Ocean!  K-1 will study and explore animals under the sea and the unique fish that help keep the ocean ecosystem going! We will look at animals as small as plankton that are important to the large whales, sharks and squid!  We will be playing water games as the weather gets warmer.  We will also be reading Magic Tree House Dolphins at Daybreak by Mary Pope Osborne. 

Books we are Reading:

The Magic School Bus

Swimmy by Leo Lionni

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

By the Seashore by AJ Wood

A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle

What Lives in a Shell by Kathleen Weidner