A Note from The Director May 2014
Dear ICDC Family, I am both excited and honored to assume the position of Director of Child Development for the Interfaith Child Development Center. When I left my position as Preschool Director nearly seven years ago to move to The Woodlands with my husband, I never dreamt I would have another opportunity to do what I love most. My passion is working with young children, and the only thing I love quite as much is working with teachers and parents on their behalf. I believe all children have extraordinary gifts, and together we can work to help them achieve their potential. My door is always open, and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you. Warmly, Julie Oudin Director
IMPORTANT DATES See Page 3 for this months important dates.
Important Deadline for Fall: The 2nd payment for the fall registration is due June 1st. Following completion of the payment, the enrollment packets will be sent out, either through the classroom or by mail. For those who have paid in full, your packets will be coming soon. ICDC Newsletter
1
Introducing our new Director Hello! My name is Julie Oudin and I am thrilled to be the new Director of Child Development. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College and my master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston, I began my work as an early childhood educator teaching toddlers nearly 25 years ago. Since that time, I have worked as a parenting group facilitator, special needs consultant, Kindermusik Educator, Literacy Mentor for Rice University, and Preschool Director. My husband, Chip, and I have two grown daughters: Jessica, who is a violist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Jeanie, who is working as a Research Analyst for Wood Mackenzie while pursuing her Executive MBA from Rice. In my spare time, I enjoy music, yoga, reading, and gardening, but mostly, I enjoy being around young children and watching them grow. I am so happy to be here!
“LastDay”Reminders: Turf Installation
We are very excited to be getting synthetic turf installed on the east side of the school the beginning part of May. Once the design company moves to the front area to install the Toddler Playground turf, our car line may be re-directed from our normal route. Thank you for your patience with this endeavor. It’ll be a wonderful addition upon its completion. The turf has been a huge success on both the TOT and Large Playgrounds.
Last days of Enrichment Classes: “D” is for Discovery Science - April 21/23 was the final day. (No classes in May.) Music by Mary - May 20 Boni’s Dance- May 21 Playball (various class days) - The week of May 19
ICDC Newsletter
2
Health & Safety With summer fast approaching, here are some tips to keep you safe in the sun: • Keep babies from direct sun exposure • Keep everyone dressed in cool clothing • UV rays are strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., so it’s best to limit sun exposure during this time • Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 • For the nose, cheeks, tops of ears, and shoulders, use a sunblock with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Cover all exposed areas at least 15 to 30 min prior to going out and reapply every 2 hours Have a safe and healthy summer! G. Redifer, R.N.
ICDC Newsletter
IMPORTANT DATES All Thursdays & Fridays
Spirit Days – wear your ICDC t-shirts
April 28-May 3
International Week
May 5-May 9
Staff Appreciation Week
May12-16
Rainbow Week
May 19
Last Day for M- MDO Class
May 26
Memorial Day- Center Closed
May 28
Last Day for W- MDO Class
May 29
Last Day for T/Th Partial Preschool, T/Th School Day, T/Th MDO Classes
May 30
Last Day for M/W/F Partial Day Preschool, M/T/Th/F Preschool, M-F Preschool, M-F School Day, M/W/F School Day, W/F MDO, and F- MDO
June 2
First Day of Summer Camp Program- Session 1
June 5
Last Day All Day Program
June 6
First Day of Summer Camp- All Day Program
June 9
First Day of Summer Camps for CISD Students, Due to Increment Weather Make-Up Day
3
ICDC Parent’s Club From The President
May brings Staff Appreciation Week - our annual way to honor our fantastic teachers and staff! They work so hard for our children and families. This is our opportunity to show them how much we appreciate all that they do! Staff Appreciation Week will take place Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 9. Please check your e-mail and your child's bag for information detailing how you can help make this week special for our staff. There are many opportunities- you may bring in a homemade brunch or dessert item, volunteer your time on brunch day or dessert day or donate an item to be raffled off at our staff appreciation dinner. Any participation would be so appreciated!!
Fiesta Book Fair - Thank you to everyone that participated in this year's book fair! It was such a success! We brought in almost $12,000 for our school. We could not have done it without our wonderful co-chairs Lesley Work and Rachel Polsky and our amazing volunteers. Thank you!!
Spirit Day – Thank you to everyone who participated in our Chili’s Spirit Day! We had $860 in receipts which earned ICDC 10% of sales! Woo Hoo! As the school year closes, I’d like to extend a special thank you to the fantastic group of mom’s and dad’s that have made up the ICDC Parent’s Club Board. They have gone above and beyond dedicating their time and special talents to leading amazing events and raising money for our school, and making the ICDC staff and teachers feel special. If you are interested in participating with the 2014-15 board, please contact me directly. We would love to have you! Our final meeting for the year is May 20th at 1:30 at the school if you would like to learn more. Thank you also to our room mom’s and dad’s, and all of our families for supporting us and our school in so many positive ways. You help make our school great! Please email or call me with any questions, anytime… Have a fun and safe summer! Thank you, Shannon skdelapaz@gmail.com 713/851.1411 ICDC Parent’s Club- President
ICDC Newsletter
4
Curriculum Corner
Lisa Whittle, Assistant Director
Library School will soon be out and we are going to have a great time in the library this month. Some of our books will be "just for fun". This includes: Don't Push the Button by Bill Colter, The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems, and Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow. Some of our stories will have a summer or beach theme. A few of those selections are: Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses by Kimberly and James Dean, Duck and Goose Go to the Beach by Tad Hills, and Pirates Love Underpants by Claire Freedman. We will sing One Elephant Went Out to Play by Sharon, Lois, and Bram and Oh, I Wish I Were by Dr. Jean.
Thank you in advance for honoring our staff during our Staff Appreciation Week and at our special dinner May 7. We believe we have the most dedicated teachers and staff. Their goal is to share the love of learning and provide an educational experience of lasting value.
ICDC Newsletter
Rainbow Week
May 12-16 is Rainbow Week! Please have your child dress with the “fun color� of the day: Red on Monday Green on Tuesday Orange on Wednesday Blue on Thursday Rainbow colors on Friday!
Science Lab This month in the Science Lab, we will focus on Physical Science concepts such as magnetism, forces, and motion. Through experimentation, we will discover whether or not an object is magnetic. We will also learn how objects move, and if they move because of a push or a pull. Here are some great books to read with your child this month: What Makes a Magnet? by Franklyn M. Branley Move It! Motion, Forces and You by Adrienne Mason Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw Oscar and the Cricket-A Book About Moving and Rolling by Geoff Waring
5