Classroom Notes
Well, it’s hard to believe but a whole month of school is already over. We feel like we’re on our way to a good year. We are enjoying getting to know everyone, and we hope you’re all feeling more comfortable in your new routines. It was great to see so many of you here at our potluck, thanks to all of you who came out and brought such a delicious assortment of food. There was lots of laughing and talking and running (where DO those kids get the energy????).

This month we’re going to be quite busy. The farmer’s market has begun and the kids are having a blast. Thanks to so many of you who have brought various items to enhance the fun. It’s not too late to join in and bring more gourds, pumpkins, corn, etc.  Thank you also to the Kingsborough family for bringing in bales of hay to give the market a realistic feel.  

Later in the month we will of course engage in some “spooky” activities and projects as Halloween draws near. Have a wonderful month of October!

Halloween
It’s already begun. “What are YOU going to be for Halloween?” is already being discussed on the play yard and at lunch. The build up of excitement is happening. This time of year can be very exhilarating for kids, but also overwhelming. Often a child who seemed so excited about the whole idea of trick or treating will balk when the big moment arrives and end up happily passing out candy to other children. The costume you all agonized over may end up in a heap on the floor.

At school, we believe it is best to have a very low key approach to this holiday.  We all know children thrive best in safe, consistent environments. They need to know what to expect and many don’t like things “sprung” on them. Imagine how scary it would be to arrive at school and find your friend with fangs and a mask!! Developmentally, children are just learning the difference between what is real and what is fantasy. Because of this, we will NOT be wearing our costumes to school. If your child would like to share with us how they looked on Halloween, you can send in a picture of them in costume. We will be talking about our fears, about reality vs. make believe. We will do lots of orange and black projects, projects about pumpkins, and projects about spiders!!

Parent Observations             
October will mark the beginning of parent observations for the FRONT CLASSES. The back classes will wait a bit, until all the children are better adjusted to school.

Observation is a time when parents are encouraged to come into the classroom environment and see what we (and your children) do. A sign up sheet will be posted: watch for it. We ask that only one set of parents visit per day, and that any small siblings stay at home during this time. Observations take place the first hour of class: and we hope you’ll all sign up!

Wrapping paper
The wrapping paper sale is now over and it looks like we were successful.  Remember, on line orders can happen all year long and the school will still get the 50% profit. You just need to access Innisbrook on line and use our school code which is 102001. Apparently one of the Innisbrook flyers had an incorrect number. We appreciate your patience with the error. Thanks again for all of your fundraising support.

Parking woes
Now that everyone has been here a few weeks, we’re beginning to get our routines down. One common issue is the parking. Please remember parking lot courtesy is important. We understand that most of us have busy days ahead and we are coming and going quickly. However, parking on the curve where the boulders sit on the grass is NOT okay. Vehicles backing out of the “regular” spaces are really challenged when there is a car behind them. You can park behind the staff cars on the creekside.

Photo Days
Picture day came and went and unfortunately a number of our students missed school on that day. John Youngblood will probably be scheduling at least one make up day, and we will let you know when it will be.

Proof sheets will be distributed soon so you can choose what pictures you may want to order.

Eye and Ear Screening
On October 29th and 30^th the front classes will be participating in Eye and Ear Screening. The Assistance League of Sonoma County provides this free service to preschoolers. The screening is done here at school and it’s done in the form of fun games. We hope you will sign your permission slips to have this valuable service completed with your child.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A DATE CHANGE FROM YOUR HANDBOOK. ALSC HAD TO CHANGE AVAILABLE TIMES.

Oops, I did it again…..
Every year it seems that I get one date wrong in our handbook/calendar. My record remains in tact as I reported the wrong date for the F/C Breakfast in January. The real date is January 26^th, a Saturday. An eagle-eye Mom caught the wrong date. Thanks for keeping me honest!

Board Elections
The Board of Directors held an informational night for perspective Board members. It was a very successful meeting, with several parents showing interest in volunteering. We are working on pairing up people with positions, and we will be holding Board elections the third week in October. Parents are voting members of our organization, so you will all have the opportunity to vote for the new slate of members. Elections will be held by paper ballot, so please take a moment to vote the third week in October! 

Thank you to outgoing members: Ron Allen, Dawn Kruetzfeldt, Rich Fenske, Niessia Diehl, Kelly Madsen, Amy Farmiloe, MaryEv Betterly, Jennifer Foster.  All of these Board members have been an absolute pleasure to work with and have given much of their time and talents. We thank each from our hearts. A special thank you to Ron Allen, outgoing President who has served so long on the Board we can’t even remember how many years (we think maybe 6). We will miss you.

Employee Recognition Program
The Brush Creek Board of Directors is pleased to recognize Janice Carpenter as our profiled employee in the “Employee Recognition Program”.  Please join us as we celebrate our Janice over the next month.

A detailed profile is located in the front bulletin board. Please read all about why we value Janice, and the road that has brought her to us. Here is a mini profile of Janice:

Janice was born in Englewood, New Jersey, but quickly moved to Rhode Island.  After high school she started to pursue a career in Nursing.  After two years Janice changed majors and transferred to Syracuse University in NY, where she earned her BA in Graphic Design and Advertising. Janice worked as an Art Director in Rhode Island when she and a friend decided to move to the West Coast. They came across country and chose San Francisco as their home.

Over the next ten years Janice worked for American Express and B of A. Janice married her husband George, and started a family. During that time she did at home daycare. She caught the teaching bug and attended SF State in the evenings, where she earned her teaching credential with special preparation for Early Childhood Education.

In 1996, Janice and her family moved to Santa Rosa. She gave up home day care when her youngest child was three. Janice substituted until summer of 2002, when Brush Creek hired her as a regular staff member.

Janice’s oldest daughter is now at college in Chico, son Jack is at Montgomery high and Lisa is in middle school.

Janice loves all sports, she loves to draw and watch her kids compete in sports. Janice is very active, and a fun asset to our school.

Please congratulate Janice on being profiled employee of the month.

Have a great and spooky month everyone!!!