A Note from The Director February 2014
Dear Interfaith Families, 2014 has rocketed off to a very busy time for our school. Excitement is in the air as our Family Night and Silent Auction, February 7, approaches. The children are looking forward to sharing their classroom with you, “showing off” their friends, teachers, and curriculum. Please refer to your invitation for your class reception. The array of auction items for bidding, an example of dedication of so many and our generous community businesses, will provide for an outstanding evening. Proceeds from this event will support purchases for enriching our classrooms and playgrounds. February 4, starting at 7:00 a.m. in our P-Wing, we will be accepting applications for our summer programs and the 2014-2015 school year. Enrollment forms recently came home through your child’s classroom. Please bring the registration form filled out, along with your enrollment fee. Classroom admittances are filled very quickly by current students and their siblings, so it’s important to register early. Spots are filled on a first come, first served basis. Saturday, February 22, 2014 begins our public registration. We feel so honored to be part of your child’s life. Thank you for your support and have a fantastic February!
Warmest regards, Bobbie Hrycushko, Director
IMPORTANT DATES Please see page 4 for the many important dates this month.
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Curriculum Corner February 2014
Natali Gee, Assistant Director
Science Lab This month, we focus on Health Science as we learn about nutrition, dental hygiene and the food pyramid. We will perform experiments to discover what types of food are good for our teeth and bodies, and which ones we should limit or avoid.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Rodeo Week is March 5th-7th. Please check your schedules and sign up for a time to help. The sign-up sheets will be located in the foyer.
Here are some great books to read with your scientists this month: ABC Dentist: Healthy Teeth From A to Z by Harriet Ziefert Showdown at the Food Pyramid by Rex Barton
Library News: Janet Murphy, Literacy Specialist Our Valentine books are: Love Monster by Rachel Bright Never Too Little to Love by Jeanne Willis The dental health books include: Brush Your Teeth, Please by Leslie McGuire Bear’s Loose Tooth by Karma Wilson This month is a good time to talk about healthy habits. These books will start a discussion about good food: 1 - 2 - 3 Peas by Keith Baker Gregory, the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat Songs: Brush Your Teeth by Raffi Apples and Bananas by Raffi Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around
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Health & Safety February is Children’s Dental Health month. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the importance of proper dental care. Starting proper dental care at an early age can lead to a lifetime of good dental health. Listed below are some tips to promote healthy teeth for your children: • Protect your child’s teeth with fluoride. Fluoride is in the drinking water of many towns and cities. If your water supply does not contain fluoride, ask your dentist about other kinds of fluoride that can help keep your children’s teeth healthy. To find out if your water supply has fluoride, visit the following website and click on your county: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/MWF/CountyDataV.asp?State=TX
• Check and clean your baby’s teeth often. Healthy teeth should all be one color. If you notice any spots or stains, take your child to the dentist. It is also important to clean your baby’s teeth at least once a day with a clean, soft cloth or a baby’s toothbrush. For older children, encourage them to brush their teeth twice daily, in the morning and before bed. Also have them floss daily to remove plaque from between their teeth and under the gumline, before it can harden into tartar. • Children should begin regular dental visits at age one. At this first visit, the dentist will check
your child’s teeth, show you the best way to clean your child’s teeth, and discuss how a healthy diet and fluoride can keep your child’s mouth healthy. • Many dentists are now encouraging the use of electric toothbrushes for kids. Electric toothbrushes are more effective at reducing tooth decay. Additionally, the spinning motion helps to ensure that each part of the tooth is being effectively cleaned. Helping your children establish good, life-long dental habits from the beginning will ensure that they grow up with healthy teeth and gums. This can be accomplished by overseeing brushing and flossing, maintaining regular dentist office visits, and providing a balanced diet without excess sugar. “Children who are healthy and happy do not hesitate to smile. And those with healthy, white teeth can flash their smile with confidence (HumanaOne Dental, 2013).”
Lindsey Johnson, RN
ICDC School Nurse
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People of ICDC
Each month our Parent’s Club will be highlighting one of our staff in their newsletter. This is a great way for you to learn more about our wonderful teachers and staff. For those of you that haven’t met me yet, I am Ms. Amy Thatcher. I have been a teacher at Interfaith for eight years and a preschool teacher for thirteen. I have taught every age group from infant to school age children. The last seven years I have been blessed to work with Mrs. Amanda Wilkinson whom I now consider a dear friend and I think we make a great team.
I currently have my Child Development Certification and am in school to finish my teaching degree in the next two years. Obtaining my degree is vital to me, but reality is that I will never stop at that. I will be a lifelong learner and goal obtainer. I have a passion for health and fitness and I am always looking for a natural alternative to help me and the ones that I love stay healthy. I also love running and after many years of doing so, I am finally accomplishing my goal of running my first half marathon in March. I have always had a strong connection with children and began in my teen years mentoring young children and special needs. I have learned that it is truly my calling and feel blessed to have this be my job every day. It’s a fast moving, loud, messy, laughter filled job, and I love it!
February 2014
Important Dates
Thurs. & Fri.
Spirit Days – wear your ICDC T-shirt
February 4
In-House Registration for All Programs
February 7
Family Night & Silent Auction
February 9
Open House / Tours for New Families Registering
February 13-14
Classroom Valentine Exchange
February 20
Open House / Tours for New Families Registering
February 22
Public Registration
February 25 – March 1
Dental Health Week
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Don’t forget!
Please join us for our annual Silent Auction and Family Night - An Evening Under The Big Top - Friday, February 7th at the school. All auction items are donated from each class and the community. It’s going to be a fun night! There’s still time! If you or someone you know would like to donate something, please contact the event co-chairs, contact information is below. We are looking for volunteers to help at the event. We will have two days of set-up on Wednesday and Thursday and will also need help with completing set-up, working the event and cleaning up afterwards on Friday. If you are able to lend a helping hand with any of these days/times, please let us know! Wednesday (Feb. 5) from 9am - 12 pm Thursday (Feb. 6) from 9am - 2pm Friday (Feb. 7) from 9am - 8pm If you have any questions at all, please contact our auction chairs.
Spirit Days Thank you for supporting our school and joining us at our second Spirit Day event at Which Wich! Parent’s Club also sponsored a teacher and staff appreciation luncheon on January 27th and they loved it! Thank you to the Cockrell family for their donation towards this event!
Silent Auction Co-Chairs: Melissa Young at melissa.young@corp-inc.com Tiana Smith at tiana.smith@corp-inc.com Thank you for supporting our school! Shannon K. de la Paz skdelapaz@gmail.com 713/851.1411 ICDC Parent’s Club- President
Ipad Air Raffle We are raffling off an iPad Air 32 GB with cellular capability! There are 100 tickets in total and each ticket is $25. There are only a few tickets left so if you are interested, please stop by the office or let us know ASAP!
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