Parenting Press - Fall 2021 by Moorhead Area Public Schools

FALL 2021

ISSUE 1

PARENTING PRESS Early Childhood Family Education Newsletter

Get to Know our Teachers

Rachel Stalberger

Nancy Fix-Shelton

My favorite thing about ECFE is:

Early Childhood Teacher My favorite thing about ECFE is the family component. I love getting to know my children but also their families and developing a relationship that we can work as a team for everybody to succeed.

Something about me is:

Something about me is that I grew up outdoors fishing hunting snowmobiling four wheeling! If it was outside I did it! I love the outdoors! Currently our favorite outdoor activity Is the beach to beat the heat!

Something funny a child told me/ did is:

Ultimately my favorite thing that I will never forget was when a little girl told me one of my first years teaching that her mom couldn’t have another baby because she was allergic to babies. Dad‘s face turned bright red as he explained they were done having babies and that was what they told her daughter.

Early Childhood Teacher I have many things that make work not seem like work. I love meeting new families and learning more about them through time. I like being able to utilize my creativity through flexible scheduling, creating different courses and activities. I appreciate being surrounded by a caring, supportive and resourceful group of professional people.

Something funny a child told me/ did is:

During Circle TIme we will often sing a song known as Look Through the Window. The children hold a picture frame to their face as a welcome and name to face familiarity game. The best Christmas card winner was a child holding a potty chair to their charming little face while, “looking through the window.” Many hilarious things come from the simple conversations at the snack table, now known as...snack table confessions of the family. With Love, Your Children.

Shanna Fischer

Early Childhood Teacher My favorite thing about ECFE is: The daily connections I get to make with children and their parents. My favorite thing about working with young children is: Teaching them to grow; socially and emotionally! They come in as little caterpillars, and they leave as these great big butterflies, It’s so amazing to see all of their development. Something I have learned working at ECFE is: I have learned to adapt to different situations, every child and parent have unique needs and wants out of our program, and I’m here to give you that!

WE’VE MOVED!

More About our Teachers and New Location Inside (see page 6) moorheadschools.org/CE • 218-284-3400

Fall Parent-Child Classes

(Birth-Kindergarten Entry)

The general format is the same for all Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes. ECFE is a program for every family with young children birth to kindergarten entry, offered by Moorhead Area Public Schools. Parents and children spend the first hour together working at all of the activities the teacher and room provides. A special learning time called circle time may consist of music, finger plays, movement activities, a book, flannel board stories, puppets, and anything else our teachers can dream up! The second hour parents discuss topics of interest with each other and a licensed parent educator. Children enjoy play time, remaining with a licensed early childhood educator. *You know your child best. If your child is not ready to separate, you can stay with your child the entire class.

MONDAY CLASSES

TUESDAY CLASSES

THURSDAY CLASSES

EPC120A: $156 ($130) M 9/13-12/13 8:30-10:15 am 13 sessions Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause Vista- Nancy’s Room

EPC120G: $168 ($140) Tu 9/14-12/14 10:30 am-12:15 pm 14 sessions Rachel Stalberger & Jen Krause Vista- Rachel’s Room

EPC120N: $144 ($120) Th 9/16-12/16 10:30 am-12:15 pm 12 sessions Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright Vista- Rachel’s Room

EPC120B: $156 ($130) M 9/13-12/13 10:30 am-12:15 pm 13 sessions Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause Vista- Nancy’s Room

EPC120H: $168 ($140) Tu 9/14-12/14 10:30 am-12:15 pm 14 sessions Shanna Fischer & Jill Christopherson Vista- Shanna’s Room

EPC120Q: $144 ($120) Th 9/16-12/16 10:30 am-12:15 pm 12 sessions Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause Vista- Nancy’s Room

EPC121A: $324 ($270) M 9/13-5/23 10:30 am-12:15 pm 27 sessions (This is a full year class) Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright Vista - Rachel’s Room No Class: 11/8, 12/20, 12/27, 1/3, 1/17, 2/21, 3/14, 3/21, 4/18, 5/2

WEDNESDAY CLASSES

TUESDAY CLASSES EPC120C: $168 ($140) Tu 9/14-12/14 8:30-10:15 am 14 sessions Nancy Fix-Shelton & Dani Wright Vista- Nancy’s Room EPC120D: $168 ($140) Tu 9/14-12/14 8:30-10:15 am 14 sessions Rachel Stalberger & Jen Krause Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC120E: $168 ($140) Tu 9/14-12/14 8:30-10:15 am 14 sessions Shanna Fischer & Jill Christopherson Vista- Shanna’s Room EPC120F: $168 ($140) Tu 9/14-12/14 10:30 am-12:15 pm 14 sessions Nancy Fix-Shelton & Dani Wright Vista- Nancy’s Room

No Wednesday Class 10/20 EPC120J: $156 ($130) W 9/15-12/15 8:30-10:15 am 13 sessions Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause Vista- Nancy’s Room EPC120K: $156 ($130) W 9/15-12/15 10:30 am-12:15 pm 13 sessions Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause Vista- Nancy’s Room

THURSDAY CLASSES No Thursday Class 10/21 and 11/25 EPC120L: $144 ($120) Th 9/16-12/16 8:30-10:15 am 12 sessions Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause Vista- Nancy’s Room EPC120M: $144 ($120) Th 9/16-12/16 8:30-10:15 am 12 sessions Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause Vista- Shanna’s Room

EPC120R: $144 ($120) Th 9/16-12/16 9-11 am 12 sessions Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause Vista- Shanna’s Room

FRIDAY CLASSES No Friday Class 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/5 & 11/26 EPC120S: $99 ($90) F 9/17-12/17 8:30-10:15 am 9 sessions Nancy Fix-Shelton & Dani Wright Vista- Nancy’s Room EPC120T: $99 ($90) F 9/17-12/17 8:30-10:15 am 9 sessions Shanna Fischer & Jen Krause Vista- Shanna’s Room EPC120U: $99 ($90) F 9/17-12/17 10:30 am-12:15 pm 9 sessions Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jen Krause Vista- Nancy’s Room EPC120V: $99 ($90) F 9/17-12/17 10:30 am-12:15 pm 9 sessions Shanna Fischer & Dani Wright Vista- Shanna’s Room www.moorheadschools.org/CE

Fall Parent-Child Classes NATURE CLASS Rediscover the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in in this hands-on class. We will celebrate the seasons and wonder about all the changes as we observe nature outside and inside our classroom. EPC109A: $156 ($130) W 8:30-10:15 am 13 sessions 9/15 - 12/15 Rachel Stalberger, Shanna Fischer & Jill Christopherson Vista- Rachel’s Room No Class 10/20 EPC109B: $156 ($130) W 10:30 am - 12:15 pm 13 sessions 9/15 - 12/15 Rachel Stalberger, Shanna Fischer & Jill Christopherson Vista- Rachel’s Room No Class 10/20

(Birth-Kindergarten Entry)

LITERACY ADVENTURES

*NEW - FIELD TRIP

There is no app to replace your lap. Join us for this fun literacy class. We will explore the world of some of our favorite stories. This class will include take home copies of the stories we explore.

Take a field trip to area parks! Dress for the weather. We will be meeting at Gooseberry Park on 9/17 and 11/5 and M.B. Johnson Park on 10/15 and 12/3.

EPC153A: $61 ($46) Th 12:45-2:30 pm 3 sessions 9/16, 9/23 & 9/30 Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC153B: $61 ($46) Th 12:45-2:30 pm 3 sessions 10/7, 10/14 & 10/28 Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright Vista- Rachel’s Room

EPC186A: $48 ($40) F 9-11 am 4 sessions 9/17 - 12/3 Rachel Stalberger Gooseberry Park & M.B.Johnson Park No Class 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/22, 10/29, 11/12, 11/19 & 11/26

EPC153C: $61 ($46) Th 12:45-2:30 pm 3 sessions 11/4, 11/11 & 11/18 Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC153D: $61 ($46) Th 12:45-2:30 pm 3 sessions 12/2, 12/9 & 12/16 Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright Vista- Rachel’s Room

Fall Non-Separating Classes

(Birth-Kindergarten Entry)

*NEW Incredible Infants

Afternoons at ECFE (Birth -

*NEW Outdoor Nature Class

Do you have an infant and want to connect with others going through the same experience? Join us as we connect and explore the wonders that your incredible infants bring to your world. *Even if it is morning nap time, come and join us and let your little one sleep as you connect.

Join us for some afternoon fun. This class will run a little differently from our typical non-separating classes. Once a month there will be a short parent time when we will discuss topics such as communication, development, safety, etc. You will leave these sessions with ideas on how to foster your child’s learning at home.

This class will be held outside in our nature classroom. Please come ready for the weather and join your friends for an hour of fresh air. If the weather is unsuitable for outdoor play this class will be cancelled for that day.

NOTE: We are using a “Register Now, Pay Installments” procedure. You are registering for the class and your credit/debit card or checking account will be charged on 9/7/2021 & 11/1/2021. You will be notified if this class is cancelled prior to any charges.

EPC154A: $117 ($104) M 11:15 am - 12:15 pm 13 sessions 9/13-12/13 Rachel Stalberger & Dani Wright Vista- Rachel’s Room No Class 11/18

EPC122A: $126 ($112) T 3-4:30 pm 14 sessions 9/14 - 12/14 Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

(Birth - 12 months)

Kindergarten entry)

($) = Moorhead School District Resident Price

(Birth - Kindergarten Entry)

NOTE: We are using a “Register Now, Pay Installments” procedure. You are registering for the class and your credit/ debit card or checking account will be charged on 9/7/2021 & 11/1/2021. You will be notified if this class is cancelled prior to any charges. EPC152A: $108 ($96) Th 11:15 am - 12:15 pm 12 sessions 9/16 - 12/16 Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

Fall Non-Separating Classes Continued

(Birth-Kindergarten Entry)

*NEW Play Xplorers

(Birth - Kindergarten Entry)

*NEW After-School Family Adventures (Birth - Grade 3)

Date with Dad

The world we live in today is so busy that sometimes we forget to take the time to let our children PLAY. Yes, I said it. PLAY the most important 4 letter word in early childhood. Join us as we explore and learn about the importance of play.

Are you looking for something to fill in that time from after-school until supper? Join us at ECFE for some family fun. Come ready to explore our outside nature space and our classroom. Together we will explore and play the afternoon away.

Looking to spend some time one on one special time with your little one(s). Join us for this non separating class where we will celebrate the paternal figures in our lives. Dads, grandpas, uncles you name it are welcome to join us!

EPC180A: $39 ($24) W 5:30-7 pm 3 Sessions 9/15, 9/22 & 9/29 Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

EPC154A: $39 ($24) Th 3-4:30 pm 3 sessions 9/16, 9/23 & 9/30 Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

EPC161A: $18 ($13) F 9/24 6-7:30 pm Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

EPC180B: $39 ($24) W 5:30-7 pm 3 Sessions 10/6, 10/13 & 10/27 Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC180C: $39 ($24) W 5:30-7 pm 3 Sessions 11/3, 11/10 & 11/17 Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC180D: $39 ($24) W 5:30-7 pm 3 Sessions 12/1, 12/8 & 12/15 Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

*NEW ECFE for MAPS Staff (Birth-Kindergarten entry)

Haven’t ever taken on ECFE class? It’s time. Parenting is challenging for everyone. Take the time to meet Staff across the MAPS district in this session which will prove to be messy, creative and filled with science. EPC155A: $24 MAPS employees Th 4-5:30 pm 6 sessions 9/16 - 10/28 Nancy Fix-Shelton & Jill Christopherson Vista- Nancy’s Room No Class 10/21

(Birth-Kindergarten entry)

Date with Mom

(Birth-Kindergarten entry) Looking to spend some time one on one special time with your little one(s). Join us for this non separating class where we will celebrate the maternal figures in our lives. Moms, grandmas, aunts, you name it are welcome to join us! EPC161A: $18 ($13) F 9/24 6-7:30 pm Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

Date with the Grands

(Birth-Kindergarten entry) Who wouldn’t want to spend the evening with their grandkids/great grandkids? This class is specifically just for the Grands. Spend the evening exploring our program! This is a great way to connect with other grandparents in our community! Join us once a month for this non-separating class as we play, have circle time, eat a snack and get some movement in. EPC136A: $18 ($13) Th 10/28 5:30-7 pm Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC136B: $18 ($13) Th 9/24 5:30-7 pm Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

www.moorheadschools.org/CE

Fall Saturday Classes *NEW Colors (Birth - Kindergarten

(Birth-Kindergarten Entry)

*NEW Pumpkins (Birth - Kindergar-

Entry)

ten Entry)

The world around us is filled with many colors. Join us for some Saturday fun exploring colors. We will be artists and scientists as we play the morning away.

Come and join us as we explore pumpkins and all the gooey messiness that is inside of them. Fee includes materials.

EPC168A: $19 ($14) Saturday 9/18 8:45-10:15 am Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC168B: $19 ($14) Saturday 9/18 10:45 am-12:15 pm Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

*NEW Monsters (Birth Kindergarten Entry) Do you have a little one who loves monsters? This is the class for you if you do. Monsters can play a huge role in our children’s imaginations. Join us as we explore monsters in a fun and not so scary way. EPC169A: $19 ($14) Saturday 9/25 8:45-10:15 am Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC169B: $19 ($14) Saturday 9/25 10:45 am-12:15 pm Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

EPC171A: $29 ($24) Saturday 10/16 8:45-10:15 am Nancy Fix-Shelton & Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC171B: $29 ($24) Saturday 10/16 10:45 am-12:15 pm Nancy Fix-Shelton & Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

*NEW Bears (Birth - Kindergarten

Entry)

Did you say bears? Join us as we explore the many bears that are found in early childhood. From the colored ones to the ones in our favorite stories we have them all. EPC154A: $19 ($14) Saturday 11/13 8:45-10:15 am Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC154B: $19 ($14) Saturday 11/13 10:45 am-12:15 pm Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

*NEW Diggers, Dozers, Dumpers and More (Birth - Kindergarten

*NEW Fall Harvest (Birth -

Entry)

Fall is the time to harvest so many goods in our area. Join us as we explore the world of harvesting. Fee includes materials.

Do you have a little one who loves the world of heavy equipment? If you do then this class is for you. Join us as we explore some of our favorites and find out what they do and how they do it.

Kindergarten Entry)

EPC170A: $29 ($24) Saturday 10/9 8:45-10:15 am Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC170B: $29 ($24) Saturday 10/9 10:45 am-12:15 pm Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

EPC173A: $19 ($14) Saturday 11/20 8:45-10:15 am Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC173B: $19 ($14) Saturday 11/20 10:45 am-12:15 pm Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

*NEW Dinosaurs (Birth Kindergarten Entry)

Calling young paleontologists! We need your help to find some dinosaur artifacts. Join us for some Saturday morning fun. It’s bound to be a stomping and roaring good time. EPC174A: $19 ($14) Saturday 12/4 8:45-10:15 am Nancy Fix-Shelton & Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC174B: $19 ($14) Saturday 12/4 10:45 am-12:15 pm Nancy Fix-Shelton & Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

*NEW Create with Me: Gifts from the Heart (Birth - Kindergarten

Entry)

Who doesn’t love a good homemade gift from their little? We will create a few small gifts straight from the heart that your child(ren) can share with the ones they love the most. Fee includes materials. EPC168A: $34 ($29) Saturday 12/11 8:45-10:15 am Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room EPC168B: $34 ($29) Saturday 12/11 10:45 am-12:15 pm Rachel Stalberger Vista- Rachel’s Room

($) = Moorhead School District Resident Price

GET TO KNOW OUR TEACHERS

Jill Christopherson

Jennifer Krause

Danielle Wright

My favorite thing about ECFE is:

Supporting and encouraging parents.

I love that my work involves both kids and parents together. It’s the truly special and important part of ECFE.

How nurturing and empowering our program is. We have the great privilege of getting to work with families and I treasure the amazing relationships we build.

Parent Educator

Something funny a child told me/did is: Jill, why are you so crazy? Something I have learned working at ECFE is: Parenting is a roller coaster of emotions; when we allow parents space and a place to express those emotions, children subsequently will be allowed the same privilege.

Parent Educator

Something about me is: My favorite things to play with in the Early Childhood classroom are playgough, Lego, Magnatiles, books, and puzzles. My favorite thing about working with young children is: When they invite me into their play. It’s a front row seat to watching them learn and grow.

WE’VE MOVED! to Vista Center for Education 2777 34th St. S. Moorhead, MN 56560 6

Parent Educator

My favorite thing about working with young children is: being able to observe their learning. They are curious, they are natural investigators, and they are truly so much fun! Being in the early education classroom sparks so much joy! Something I have learned working at ECFE is: How precious childhood really is. And also how beautiful it is to build a network, a community, a village of people when raising a child. ECFE provided that support for me as a parent and it is something I value so much.

www.moorheadschools.org/CE

Registration Information Our ECFE classes are held at Vista Center for Education, 2777 34th St. S., Moorhead. All Early Learning Center instructors are licensed teachers. They each hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree with specialized training in child and family development.

Registration

Early Childhood Family Education classes fill quickly. Register early so you won’t be disappointed. It’s easy to register! See below. Cancellation of a class could occur if the numbers of participants required to hold the class do not register. Tell a friend about Early Childhood Family Education!

Class Fees

Tuition rates are indicated with each class description and are payable upon registration. All families are welcome. In-district tuition is designated within parentheses. Fee is per family except where noted.

Cancellation Policy

Unless otherwise specified, if you have to cancel, we can give a full refund only if you notify the Community Education Office at least 48 hours prior to the first class meeting. Refunds after a class has begun will be given only in extreme circumstances. In the unlikely event your class is canceled, we will give a full refund.

NOTE: We are using a “Register Now, Pay Installments” procedure. You are registering for the class and your credit/ debit card or checking account will be charged on 9/7/2021 & 11/1/2021. You will be notified if this class is cancelled prior to any charges.

Scholarships for Moorhead School District Residents

If your budget is too tight to allow for an ECFE class call 218-284-3400 for scholarship information.

Age Requirements

Child must be required age for the classes by the first day of the class. State funding requires that only children ages birth through kindergarten entry may participate in our ECFE programs.

Weather-Related Cancellations

Check online at www.moorheadschools.org or listen to the radio or television to receive the latest update on any stormrelated cancellations or late starting time for classes.

Questions?

Call 218-284-3400 during office hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or email communityeducation@moorheadschools.org.

3 Easy Ways to Register Online:

www.moorheadschools.org/CE If you have never registered, you must create an account before creating one for your child. Pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.

Call:

218-284-3400 Pay over the phone with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.

Mail:

Mail your registration form and payment to: Moorhead Community Education 2777 34th St. S. Moorhead, MN 56560

Child(ren)’s Name (please print): _________________________________________ Birth Date:___________________ Parent/Guardian(s): _______________________________________________________________________________ Address/City/State: ________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________ Special Needs: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Course Number

Make checks payable to ISD 152 or charge to:

Course Title

Visa

Beginning Date

MasterCard

Discover

Fee

American Express

Card Number: _______________________________________________________ Exp. Date: __________________ ($) = Moorhead School District Resident Price

Fantastic Fridays for Families Join us for FREE family fun! DATE

TIME

Oct. 1

6 - 7:30 pm

MORE DETAILS TO COME!

www.moorheadschools.org/CE

Your Family Counts! If you have... • Recently moved into our district or • Had an addition to the family

Be Counted Stay Informed

Visit...

moorheadschools.org/census Friday, October 1, November 5 & December 3

www.moorheadschools.org/CE

Independent School District 152 Early Childhood Family Education Community Education 2777 34th St. S. Moorhead, MN 56560

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Fargo, ND Permit No. 391

Parenting Press

Published three times a year by Early Childhood Family Education, a Community Education program of Moorhead Area Public Schools Joelle Hofer Early Childhood Coordinator Brenda Richman Executive Director of Community Engagement & Public Relations Brandon Lunak Superintendent Early Childhood Family Education’s mission is to strengthen families and support parents in providing the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of their children.

($) = Moorhead School District Resident Price

Early Childhood Family Education classes are open to families from Moorhead, Dilworth, Fargo, West Fargo and the surrounding area.