BRUSH CREEK NURSERY SCHOOL
Newsletter December, 2006


Classroom Notes     :    Scholastic News   
Holiday Giving    :     EIP Kickoff    
Openings     :     Spare Clothes   
Reminders from the Office     :     Deadline for Waiting List    
Employee Recognition: Vicki Briggs    
logo

Classroom Notes

It’s amazing to imagine we only have one month left in 2006. For many this has been a year of struggle and strife. Thank goodness we are privileged to see the world through our children. It really is the great equalizer. We can all learn so much from children, their resilience, and the ability to see things for what they really are. December is a wonderful time to take stock, to relive the good moments and work toward changing things we’re not as pleased with in our lives.
We will be so busy in our classrooms these next few weeks. Each child is bringing a very special gift home, made with loving hands. We will share traditions with each other and show the diverse ways in which we all express our joy.
My holiday wish for all of you is to find your true meaning of the holidays this season. Look carefully under the wrapping paper, past the pile of bills. It’s so easy to get caught up in the events, the gifts, and the craziness. But, take time to see the joy though your child’s eyes as the menorah is lit, as Santa is spotted across a crowded mall, as you hunt for the perfect tree. Happy holidays, and may peace find all of us in the New Year.
Julie (
back to top)

We are looking for a parent who is willing to pick out a holiday tree for our school. The school will reimburse you for the cost. We’d like to put it up the second week in December. See Julie or Heather if you can help out. Thanks!

Scholastic News

Because we only have three weeks of school in December, we sent the book orders early.  These orders have some great gift ideas for the holidays.
Check out Jan Brett’s Wintertime Book and CD collection (#34). Jan Brett’s beautiful illustrations and cozy stories are perfect for listening and reading along with the family.  The set even includes Brush Creek’s most favorite wintertime story, “The Mitten”.  Do you celebrate Hanukkah? The Light of the Menorah pack has some great stories with recipes, music, traditional games and more.
If you order something to use as a present, please make a note on your order form and we will keep your order in the office for pick up.   Please note that these orders are due on Tuesday, December 5th.  Thank you!
(
back to top)


REMEMBER: SCHOOL CLOSED DEC. 23 - JAN. 7


Holiday Giving

Often we see classmates putting a small card or even a gift into the files of their friends on a holiday. The kindness of this gesture is not unnoticed. No one should feel obligated to give gifts to other students, but we wanted to remind you about our no candy policy. We are very firm on this, not only because it’s unhealthy but because candy left in cubbies or files brings ants. Thanks for adhering to the policy! (back to top)

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

We are planning classroom parties the last two days before our winter break. These parties will be for the kids and we are hoping to decorate sugar cookies shaped like “people”. If you can help us out by baking cookies, please let us know. We will also put sign ups out for bringing items like napkins, plates, healthy snacks, etc.


EIP Kickoff

We had a fun and exciting kick off to our Evening in Paradise fundraiser. Chairs  MaryEv Betterly,  Amy Farmiloe, Lauren Wood, and Kelly Madsen want you to know it is absolutely NOT too late to join in the committee work. Special sign up sheets have been sent home, but we can use more help if you’re willing to give it. If everyone could do just a little bit, the work would really be minimal. Let us hear from you! We’d love to have you be a part of this marvelous event!   (back to top)

Openings

We have two openings in the MWF pm class (1-4pm) and one in the TTH am class. These openings are in our four year old classes. Please tell your friends who may be looking for a preschool slot for their child!!   (back to top)

Spare Clothes

It is time to check out your child's stash of spare clothes. Many of the children still have shorts and short sleeved shirts in their spare clothes bag. Many are missing "parts" now that we are a few months into school. Please bring in clothes appropriate to our current weather, and make sure they have shirt, pants, underwear and socks. Thanks.     (back to top)

Reminders from the Office

If your child is a contract respite user and they miss some respite time due to vacation or illness, you can get credit on your account. Credit slips are located inside the front door on the bulletin board. Please remember to sign in and out daily!!! Linda is noticing people slacking on this really important task. Billings are done off of these sheets.     (back to top)

Deadline for Waiting List

If you are a previous parent and you have a child who will be coming to Brush Creek in the Fall of 2007, please make sure they are on our waiting list. Any previous parent who does not sign up by the end of January will lose their previous parent status on the list. The new list for Fall of 2008 will begin May 1, 2007. Tell your friends!!    (back to top)

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION: VICKI BRIGGS

As part of the school’s Employee Recognition Program, Brush Creek is proud to recognize Vicki Briggs. This year marks Vicki’s 12th year at the school, so please join us in congratulating her.
Vicki was born in Richmond, CA where she grew up and attended Novato High School.  Vicki moved to Sonoma County with her husband Tim in 1980.  They have been raising their four sons in the first house they bought here over 25 years ago. Her boys are Colin, Preston and twins, Grant and Garrett.
Vicki developed an interest in children at a very young age. When Vicki turned 21, she decided to go back to school so that she could become certified to teach young children; because it was something she had always wanted to do. She earned her Certificate in Early Childhood Education.
Vicki was hired as a teacher at Brush Creek in 1982.  The bad news was just days after learning she had the job, the school burned to the ground. Vicki came on board as the school relocated for one school year, eventually returning here.
Over the years Vicki has given much of her time to volunteer work. She has been a PTA President. She assisted in organizing the installation of a field at Proctor Terrace Elementary School. She runs the snack bar at Santa Rosa High School.
When asked about her job as a teacher at BCNS, Vicki had this to say; “It has been a wonderful experience and I feel very blessed to be a part of such a wonderful school. The staff is great and the environment that we get to teach in is great!”
Please read Vicki’s complete profile located in the enclosed bulletin board by the front door. Congratulations Vicki and thanks for your hard work!  (
back to top)

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone!!


Classroom Notes     :    Scholastic News    :     Holiday Giving    :     EIP Kickoff     :     Openings    
Spare Clothes     :     Reminders from the Office     :     Deadline for Waiting List    
Employee Recognition: Vicki Briggs