4 minute read
The school year begins with a buzz
Ettie Zaklos, Founder & Director
The joy and excitement present at the beginning of a school new year is a thrill unlike any other. The sweet smiles and eagerness on the children’s faces as they begin to explore their new classrooms and make new friends never fail to tug at our heartstrings. As we started our 13th year of Preschool of the Arts, the classrooms were buzzing with activity, art, music and play. It is a joy to watch the children play together and listen as their happy voices mingle with words of encouragement and singing.
The early childhood years are the most important time in the life of a family and the most influential time for children as they start on the road to learning. Children of this age are naturally curious and interested in the world around them. This magical time of extraordinary cognitive, emotional and physical growth, combined with an excellent early childhood program, sets the foundation for later learning and social relationships.
At the Jay and Patty Baker Preschool of the Arts, we pride ourselves on our ability to give the children who walk through our doors every opportunity for success in learning and in life. Our goal is to not only introduce our students to the wonders of the world around them but to also open their eyes to infinite possibilities.
One of the ways we do that is by a strong home-school connection. This school year started on a high note with a grand Back to School Breakfast for our parents to meet their peers and get to know the administration. The warmth and camaraderie displayed between our dear preschool families, veterans and newbies alike, was heartwarming to see, and the energy throughout the fun morning event was palpable.
Preschool of the Arts parents enjoyed a delightful get-to-know-you Bingo game and activity stations, heard from a fellow POTA parent and spent the morning socializing and eating delicious food. The event with our parents really solidified my belief that POTA is more than simply a community of like-minded parents — we are a family.
This time of year, we also enjoy celebrating the Jewish holiday season with our students, marking special days and learning about our beautiful traditions. In keeping with the Rosh Hashanah theme, our school welcomed a local beekeeper who brought in thousands of buzzing bees for an incredible hands-on experience that taught the children about bees’ habitats and honey-making ability. The children had a great time helping extract the honey from the beekeeper’s cylinder and collecting it in their very own jar of honey they brought home for Rosh Hashana. It was wonderful to see how the experience ramped up the children’s enthusiasm for the upcoming holiday.
As the High Holidays commenced, we were honored to welcome our families for engaging adult services and offer a unique holiday program specifically geared to children. On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, we were delighted to welcome so many of our families at our “Shofar on the Beach” event at Lowdermilk Park. Families heard the Shofar and enjoyed holiday treats and surprises, followed by an inspiring Tashlich service. The event drew some of our youngest and oldest community members for an intergenerational holiday experience that everyone enjoyed.
Spending Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with our extended Preschool of the Arts families was a very meaningful experience that set the tone for an inspired and educational year ahead.
