Welcome to the March edition of the Downey upBeat!  March is a busy month at Downey, so please take a moment to read and enjoy this update.  

Hello!  

Make sure to watch your calendar in March.  There are many planned Downey activities, and Spring Break is also near.

March starts off with the Early Math Workshop/Parent Ed meeting on March 2.  If you need more information about this, please contact Julie Patterson at jkwallman@gmail.com.

Quickly approaching after that is SPRING WORK NIGHT on Thursday, March 10 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.  Participation in Spring Work Night is required of all families.  (You can send just one adult).  This is an adults-only cleaning and work party.
Please sign up at this link so we can be prepared for you!
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F044BACAE2FA2F85-downey
The access code is 46219.  If you have questions about the Spring Work Night, please contact Anna and Beth Droste-Glowinski at annaglow@gmail.com.

During Spring Break, Downey will host its annual EASTER EGG HUNT on Saturday, March 26.  All families are asked to contribute in some way to make the busy and fun event run smoothly.  Some jobs will need to be done in preparation for the day, and some will require you to be present that day.  This is a very fun family event.  There will be egg hunts for various age groups, and activities to entertain the children.  An email, poster, and sign-up with more information about this event will be coming soon.  Spread the word, and feel free to invite family, friends, and neighbors to join in the fun!

Have a great month!

Mindy

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Reminder: THIS Wednesday is a Great Parent Ed Opportunity!

Frogs & Polliwogs-                 

Both classes spent the month of February learning the ins and outs of running a restaurant.  The Frogs brainstormed different things we already knew about restaurants and decided on the idea of opening a pizzeria.  All of the children enjoyed sharing in the various roles including chefs, wait staff, host/hostess, and bussers.  Over the last few weeks the children created recipe books and menus for our kitchen and dining room, painted with utensils one might find in a kitchen and also counted and graphed candy pieces.  (They all seemed to understand the “dessert” part of dining in a restaurant!)  

We finished up our unit on restaurants with a visit to Garfield Coffee & Eatery.  The children got to tour behind the coffee counter and see what was happening in the kitchen.   They finished the trip by creating their own fruit, Nutella and whipped cream crepes.

I’ve noticed during the few days that we’ve been able to spend outdoors that many of the children have become interested in rocks… collecting rocks, hiding them, searching for fossils, seeing what is underneath them.  I’m thinking the month of March will be a great time to discover the exciting world of geology!

Mrs. Lovold

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Cold & Flu Season is Here!                                                                                               Be sure to take extra precautions to keep our classrooms clean.

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Tadpoles “shaped” things up in February through shape collages, felt shapes and shape books.  We had fun making cloud dough and playing in the cloud dough.

March will be a short month due to the two week long spring break.  This month we will play with the wind.  We will make wind socks, decorate kites, do some windy games, and read some windy books.  We will welcome spring with open arms and maybe try to grow a plant or two.

The tadpoles have had some good sharing moments which is awesome considering they are only two and three years old.  We’ve tried some new songs and finger plays with some success.  We gave “Animal Action” a little break.  Tadpoles are expert builders with blocks and train tracks.

Thank you tadpole parents for all your hard work and patience.

Happy March,
Mrs. Egan

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Special Guest Column – Parent Education

How can we support young readers?

by Julie Patterson

Most of you know me only as Josie’s mom, but before we started at Downey, I was associate director of the Indiana Partnership for Young Writers, a program of the Butler University College of Education.  In that role I helped teachers in preschool through grade 8 learn how to teach reading and writing, so in February, I led a parent discussion about early literacy for Downey families.

Thinking together about observations of our own children and discussing videos we watched of students in preschool classrooms, nearly a dozen parents and I discovered that reading and writing “readiness” is not solely about letter recognition and phonics.  (Truth: those are actually very tiny parts of it.)  In fact, early reading often looks and sounds more like this:

• Child points to and names objects or actions in picture books.
• Child intently studies pictures in books and asks questions, often “interrupting” as an adult reads.
• Child recites all or parts of a familiar book as if actually “reading” it, often mimicking adults’ voice inflection, fluency and expression.
• Child flips through pages of an unfamiliar book, using pictures, sight words, familiar letters and other clues to make up a story or facts as if actually “reading” it.

We talked about supporting our early readers at home in authentic and meaningful ways rather than relying on the flashcards and workbooks by which we are inundated in stores and the media.

We can, for example, encourage children to look, think and talk about the pictures in the books we read.  In the best children’s books, illustrations do more than simply retell the story in pictures.  They add an entirely deeper level to the story, so we should all be pausing to study the pictures closely when we read.

If your child points to two characters and says, “A girl and a Daddy,” for example, you might respond, “Yes, there’s Trixie and her daddy.  What does it look like they are doing together?”

If your child points to a character’s face and comments on the expression (“He looks sad,”), you can reinforce the child’s understanding of the story by saying, “Yes, he is upset because he lost his balloon, just like you were sad when we couldn’t find your blanket yesterday.”

When your children are experimenting with “reading” a familiar or unfamiliar book, avoid the temptation to correct them.  It isn’t important at this stage whether or not they stay close to the actual text on the page.  You can acknowledge what they are doing well (“Wow, you sound like a real storyteller when you read that part!”) and maybe offer a hint of something new to think about (“Can you imagine what she might say to him?”)

Some children will instinctively pick up books and take on the storyteller role.  If your child isn’t doing this, you can encourage it by asking him to read to you, or helping her arrange her stuffed animals into a “class” that she can read to, or even inviting him to read to Fido (especially if Fido is an old and patient dog like our Barkley is).  If your child balks (“But I don’t know how to read!”), you can sit beside her and demonstrate how she might use the pictures in the book as clues.

Maybe this is the most important thing I can say: Make reading an enjoyable and warm activity that you do together.  Don’t worry about whether or not you are doing it “right.”  Slow down and enjoy listening to your child wonder out loud about the pictures in a book, but also don’t stress if you occasionally zip through and even skip a few pages because it is bedtime (and you just want her to go to sleep so you can watch a movie).  Like much of parenthood, this is a delicate balance.  Try to make reading special, but don’t refrain from doing it just because you can’t do it as “perfectly” as you’d like.  Don’t create obstacles to your child reading.  For me, that means I have to remember that reading doesn’t only have to happen when I can give Josie my full, uninterrupted attention.  It is also valuable to let her “read” beside me when I’m trying to feed her little brother or make dinner or work on our coop family job…

Next month I will share what we discussed about early writing.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Wednesday, March 2- Parent Ed

Thursday, March 10- Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, Downey

Thursday, March 10- Work Night, 6:30 – 8:30 pm.  Attendance is required by all members.

Monday, March 21 – Friday, April 1- Spring Break  (The first week is a Flex Week.  We will only be in class if we need to make up snow days.)

Saturday, March 26 – Easter Egg Hunt at Downey

Monday, April 4th – Class Resumes

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50th Anniversary of Downey

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Downey Co-op, we have heard from many alumni with their reflections of the school.  Here is a great example of how Downey helped shape an exciting future!

“Downey sparked my curiosity and interest in attending school at an early age. It made me excited to learn, explore, and create.  I value that Downey was a community-based preschool that was walkable from my home.  I created lifelong friendships with classmates at Downey, many of whom I am still in constant contact with.

I am the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Education.  This is a politically appointed position through the Obama Administration.  I have also previously served in the White House.”

– Kyle Flood, student at Downey, 1989-1992

If you would like to help plan the 50th Anniversary celebration, please let Mindy or Erin know.

Welcome to the February edition of The Downey upBeat!  As we know, love is in the air during this month, so what better time to start featuring some thoughts from alumni on what they love about Downey! We are proud to be marking the 50th anniversary of the school this year, and as we build to the celebration event later this spring, please be sure to let Mindy and Erin know if you would like to help on the planning team.  All help is welcome and appreciated!

“I learned so much about early childhood development while my children were at Downey. Both my children and I made friends at Downey, some of which we still have.  I found Downey to be an amazing support system.”
– Tressa Mazhandu, parent of Downey students 2004-2011

Hello, Downey Families!

We hope you enjoyed the relative calm of January.  While still early in this new semester, it’s time to plan for next year!  Nominations will be accepted for executive board positions (President, Secretary, Treasurer, Fundraising, Parent Ed, and Membership).  We will have nomination forms available in the yellow mailboxes in the next couple of days.  Nominations may then be put in the President mailbox, and voting will take place in March.

Also this month, you’ll want to make sure that you have registered (complete with registration fee) for preschool next year.  Registration is opened to the public March 1st, and slots are filled in the order that forms and fee are received.  

Be sure to mark your calendar for Special Person Day on Saturday, February 13th.   Your child is welcome to bring along a special adult who may not usually get to come to preschool. This year, we’re doing it a little differently: Polliwogs and T/Th Tadpoles will be “in class” from 9:30-10:30 a.m., and Frogs and W/F Tadpoles will be “in class” from 10:45-11:45 a.m.  This event will also function as an open house.  If you know of anyone who may want to come check out the school, feel free to let them know that we’ll have folks on hand to give tours and answers questions.

Wishing you a fantastic February!

Erin

3, 2, 1…Blast off!  The Frogs have spent the past month studying Space and what it would take to become an astronaut.  The children worked together to paint, cut and build our own space shuttle.  They used different books in the classroom to decide what types of things are found in actual space shuttles and then used their creativity to develop some of those same things for ours.  

The children also spent the month of January working on sorting by size, continuing and developing our own patterns and counting “falling” stars. The Frogs ended the month with a visit to the planetarium at Arsenal Tech High School.

Mrs. Lovold

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“The friendships I made with other families (at Downey) have continued to grow and blossom.   It was a lot of work but worth every minute!  I also feel like, when I meet another co-op family, that we already understand a lot about one another without explaining anything.”
– Shael Weidenbach, parent of Downey student 2009-2011

The Polliwogs spent the month of January exploring Outer Space.  We spent some time learning about constellations and creating art with space-themed stamps.  The children enjoyed adding some much needed parts to our space shuttle, designing their own space helmets and starting the construction of our classroom Mission Control.

In January, the Polliwogs also added the calendar to our first meeting time.  It’s been fun to see the connections they each make when looking at the numbers and to hear their observations as they notice the patterns of each calendar piece. They are all anxious to add each new number and help the class count all of the days of the month.

**Donation request—the Polliwogs and Frogs could use empty 2 liter bottles and paper grocery sacks.

Thanks!

Mrs. Lovold

Tadpoles are going strong.  They love to explore and play.  They are expert builders whether if it’s with blocks, pegs, legos, or play dough.

In February, we will work with shapes- identifying shapes and making art out of shapes.
There are so many fun books to read and puzzles to put together.

I’ll let Valentine’s be up to the parents.  It’s very low key.  The children will each decorate a bag, set the bag on their art mat, and put any cards and treats in the bag.  They open the bags at home after school.

We need to give a Downey welcome to our two new Tadpole families, the Zarses and the Resnicks.  The two girls have made a wonderful transition.  It is like they have always been at Downey.

It will be a fun-filled February.

A special thank you to all my Tadpole parents.  I appreciate your hard work and patience.

Peace,

Mrs. Egan

P.S. “PJ Day” in January was full of fun!

   

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“Downey was such a comfortable and comforting place, both for me to learn how to teach and play with my kids, and for them to learn, explore, take risks and make their first friends.  Downey abounded with creativity, cooperation, fun and love.  I can’t imagine a better introduction to schooling for my children.  We are so fortunate to have Downey in Irvington.”
– Tawn Spicklemire, parent of Downey students, 2003-2005 and 2009-2011

PARENT ED

“Math In Your Feet & Other Everyday Places”
with teaching artist Malke Rosenfeld
March 2 at 6:30 p.m.

We know a lot about how and why to infuse literacy in a child’s early life, but what about math?  Come learn how math can be playful and creative in the early years through conversation, making activities, and games.  Leave inspired to make, play, and talk math with your child for years to come!

Malke is a percussive dance teaching artist, math explorer, curriculum designer, TEDx presenter, editor and writer.  Her interdisciplinary inquiry focuses on the intersections between percussive dance and mathematics and how to best illustrate these connections for students.  She is co-author of math activity book “Socks Are Like Pants, Cats Are Like Dogs” and author of a forthcoming book from Heinemann on movement and dance in the math classroom.  Learn more at malkerosenfeld.com.

Preschoolers are welcome to attend with their parents.

NEW ADDITIONS!

If you see a few more baby carriers in the hallways at Downey, it’s because there were two beautiful babies born to Downey families in recent weeks.  Be sure to congratulate Tadpole parents Anna & Erik whose baby girl Everly (Evie) was born on December 28 and Frog parents Michelle and Daniel whose baby girl Hattie was born on January 20.  Welcome to the world!  

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

There will be no school on President’s Day – Monday, February 15.

Also, with winter weather season here, please note the following regarding school closures:
*Families will be notified of closings via email.
*Families can also watch the local news for closing information.  Downey Co-op is closed whenever IPS closes.
*More than 2 snow days in a year will result in a makeup day.
*Downey Co-op will still be in session on days when IPS has a delay.

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“The classroom teachers [Lenore Friedly, Joanna Ireland, Sue Arvin] were wonderful, terrific, wise, loving, caring and so, so supportive of both children and parents.  I never wondered about if my children were not well cared for. Parents were, for the most part, as involved as the teachers.  I appreciated that we all worked together to make the preschool work.  I still appreciate the play-based education that co-op offers.  I believe my children were as kindergarten-ready as any of their classmates who came from *traditional* preschools.”           

-Dawn Schoen, parent of Downey students, 2000-2009

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Welcome to the January edition of the Downey UpBeat.  We hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and the winter break from classes.  2016 is going to be an exciting year, as it marks the 50th anniversary of Downey Co-op!  Stay tuned for activities and events related to this important milestone, and please volunteer if you would like to help in any way.

January is open enrollment for current Downey members.  If you enroll for the 2016- 2017 preschool year during the month of January, you receive a discount on the registration fee.

January DISCOUNT REGISTRATION FEE!
$10 off first child ($20 fee)
$10 + $5 (sibling discount) off second child ($15 fee)

Registration forms and fee must be turned in by Friday, January 29 for the discount.  Registration forms can be found in the bottom right corner of the yellow mailboxes by Century Hall.

You can write a separate check for the registration fee or include it with tuition.  Either way, please note on the check that is for 2016-2017 registration fee.  Please put registration form(s) and fee in an envelope and place the envelope in Shellie Rich/Thomas’ mailbox (one of the yellow mailboxes by the century hall doors).

You can still register after January, but in February, we open registration up to Downey alumni and church members.  Then March 1, we open registration up to the public.  Remember that your registration and fee hold your place in the class in case we fill.

In the month of February we will be taking nominations for the executive board positions.  These are positions that are essential to the operation of our school.  Being a member of the board is a great way to be engaged, get to know others and have influence on what happens at Downey.  You can learn more about what the board does and how it works by joining us at January’s board meeting – Monday, January 25, 2016, location TBD.  If you know you are going to be a returning family, take some time to think about being part of the executive board.  You can nominate yourself or you can nominate someone you think would do a great job.  We vote in March for these executive positions.  The newly-voted board will attend the April board meeting and then run the May board meeting with the support of the outgoing board.

Executive Board Positions are:
Co President
Co-President
1st Vice President, Membership
2nd Vice President, Parent Ed
CPT/ICPC Delegate
Fundraising Chair
Treasurer
Secretary

Wishing everyone a great new year!

Mindy

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• There will be NO SCHOOL on Martin Luther King Day – January 18, 2016.
• School Closings:  With winter weather season here, please note the following regarding school closures:
  • Families will be notified of closings via email.
  • Families can also watch the local news for closing information.  Downey Co-op is closed whenever IPS closes.
  • More than 2 snow days in a year will result in a makeup day.
  • Downey Co-op will still be in session on days when IPS has a delay.

This is a combination Frog/Polliwog update.

Both classes spent the month of December learning about how animals prepare for the winter.  The children enjoyed using our classroom den for hibernating and also for having a little fun in the dark!

We made birdfeeders so the birds can enjoy a snack as they migrate to a warmer climate.  We also discussed how we are a little like the animals that stay active in the winter, as we put on our coats when it gets colder just like their furry coats get a little thicker.

I’d like to thank both classes for their thoughtful gifts!  You guys are amazing, and I thoroughly enjoy getting to spend time with each of your children.  I hope you all enjoyed a nice break!

Mrs. Lovold

 

 

 

Happy New Year!

2015 left the Tadpoles settled in their tadpole routine and exploring the room independently.  Let’s hope they welcome 2016 the same way.  You never know after a break.

January is a great time to learn about winter so that is what we will do.  If we have snow, we’ll put it in the sensory table, paint with ice, and maybe even make our own snow.

Thursday and Friday, January 14 and 15, we will have Pajama Day.  We all wear our pjs and make muffins and orange juice.  We may need an extra parent on those days.  It is always helpful to have an extra set of hands when baking even though we have two participating parents.

Let’s make sure we are all back into the routine when school starts.

• Make sure your child has a warm change of clothes and is dressed for the weather because we will go outside if 32 degrees or above.
• Participating parents arrive at 9:00 a.m.
• Join the monthly board meeting, check your Downey mail box, stay involved.
• Have fun while participating and smile.

Thank you for all you do, and thank you for choosing Downey.

Mrs. Egan

PARENT ED

Tuesday, January 19, 6:30-7:30 at Downey
The Art of Early Reading and Writing, video and discussion provided by Butler University’s Indiana Partnership for Young Writers

Wednesday, March 2, 6:30-7:30 at Downey
Math in Your Feet & Other Everyday Places with former percussive dancer and teaching artist Malke Rosenfeld.  Bring the kids!

April event TBA

HOLIDAY PARTY FUN

Thank you to all who volunteered and participated in the Downey holiday party.  A good time was had by all!  Check out some cute pictures, and special thanks to our photographer, Julie Patterson.

YOU CAN MAKE THE NEWS

Please remember that you can contribute information and/or photos to the monthly newsletter.  Simply email me at marydsparks@gmail.com.  Also look for special 50th Anniversary newsletter supplements, highlighting Downey alumni, starting this month.  Have a great month, everyone!

Welcome to the December edition of The Downey upBeat.  This month we continue our enjoyment of the holiday season and all the joy it brings.  Please remember to share any photos and/or information you would like to see published in the newsletter to marydsparks@gmail.com.  Next month, in anticipation of Downey Co-op’s 50th anniversary celebration, we will begin a monthly profile of a Downey alum or a person whose life has been touched by the co-op.  If you have an idea of someone who should be profiled, please let us know.  Happy Holidays!

                

As we move into the start of winter and the end of 2015, we’ve already accomplished so much as a group and individually!  You’re a rock star in the classroom now, your poinsettias are delivered, and hopefully you’ve had a chance to meet more parents and socialize.  If you’ve felt at all overwhelmed by the first half of the school year, now is the time to take a breath, look at all you’ve done to make our community better, and settle into the warmth of the holiday season.

We hope that you’re planning to join us for a low-key Holiday Party on December 9th, 6-8pm, in Century Hall.  The kids (and you, too, if you want!) are welcome to wear their favorite PJs as we watch a holiday movie, decorate cookies, and personalize popcorn with exciting toppings!

Cheers,

Erin

November seemed to fly by in the Frog classroom!  We spent the month of November learning about how crops, especially corn, are harvested and why.  We enjoyed the texture of cornmeal as we practiced writing one another’s names, examined the differences between the corn kernels in our sensory table and the popcorn kernels that we popped and tasted, made our own individual cornbread, and also created our own colorful ears of corn using paint and bubble wrap.

In December, the Frogs will spend time talking about how animals prepare for the cold winter season.  We’ll begin the month with a field trip to Holliday Park and see if we can find a few animals in action as we hike their trails.

*Reminder of the Frog class coffee at Katie’s house after our field trip on Wednesday, December 2nd!

Mrs. Lovold

The Polliwogs explored the wonderful world of corn in November.  I think they would all say that the highlight of corn is being able to pop it into popcorn.  We enjoyed this activity so much we had to do it twice!  (If you’re unsure of how the process works, feel free to ask Ellie!)  After examining the difference between pre-popped kernels and kernels that failed to pop, the children decided we should start an experiment by planting both types.  Make sure to check out the progress of the Brown and Yellow teams when you come in the classroom.

In December, the Polliwogs will talk about the differences between how animals and humans prepare for winter.  We will take a field trip to Gymnastics Unlimited on Thursday, December 3^rd to use our muscles and energy—no time for hibernating when you’re 3 and 4!

Mrs. Lovold

The Tadpoles are doing well.  They are a lively group and fun to be with.  Most have settled into our Tadpole routine.  Tuesday/Thursday’s favorite book is “No, David”, by David Shannon, and Wednesday/Friday’s favorite book is “Sheep in a Jeep” by Nancy Shaw.  Both classes prefer water in the sensory table, but we still change it up every now and then.  Our play dough is always fun because it smells so delicious sometimes kiddos will take a wee little sample.  (It is never as good as it smells.)  They are experts at repairing puzzles.

December our colors will be red and green.  The Tadpoles will try their little fingers at beading preschool style.  We will start big and then go small.  We’ll say goodbye to fall and welcome winter with open arms.  Remember to bring in a warm change of clothes.  We do go outside in the winter in the cold so please be prepared.  The fresh air keeps us healthy and sane.  🙂  We might try our hand at baking.  We didn’t get to it in November which was best with all the coughing and sneezing.  My goal is December 15 and 16.  I’ll keep you posted.

That is how it is in the Tadpole room.  Sometimes what I have planned works, and sometimes it doesn’t – a structured go with the flow.

Thanks for choosing Downey.  Happy Holidays!

Mrs. Egan

WAY TO SELL POINSETTIAS!

CONGRATULATIONS to all on a successful poinsettia sale!  The school made over $3,600.00, with proceeds going directly to the operation budget of the school.  Thanks to all of the Downey families who worked so hard selling poinsettias and volunteering on Delivery Day!

While it was very much a team effort, I want to mention a few families who went above and beyond selling poinsettias for Downey.  The Lloyd-Hostetter family (Royal in Frogs) sold 77 plants.  The Young family (Ramona in Frogs and Miles in Tadpoles) sold 53 plants.  The Wilson family (Carley in Frogs) sold 45 plants, and Carley’s grandmother Cindy sold another 30 plants to the members of Downey church.   If you see these families, be sure to give them a high five and tell them great job!  Also, Brian Shanahan, who is our contact at Farm Bureau, facilitated the sale of 88 plants to Farm Bureau offices.  Brian’s wife is a former Downey teacher, and his children went to school here.  If you know him, be sure to tell him thanks!

Cassandra

PARENT EDUCATION 

A tip from November’s nutrition parent ed event:

Add extra power to an already healthy snack by putting some kale through your food processor and sprinkling the fine powder on popcorn. You can experiment with popcorn in lots of ways — look for ideas on Pinterest or other search sites.

More parent ed opportunities

Tuesday, January 19, 6:30-7:30 at Downey
The Art of Early Reading and Writing, video and discussion provided by Butler University’s Indiana Partnership for Young Writers.

Wednesday, March 2, 6:30-7:30 at Downey
Math in Your Feet & Other Everyday Places with former percussive dancer and teaching artist Malke Rosenfeld.  Bring the kids!

April event TBA.

Thanks.

Julie

Save Your Items for SPRING SALE

Plans are underway for a rummage sale with proceeds to benefit Downey Co-op.  This will likely be  the weekend after the Easter Egg Hunt.  If you plan to sort through possessions any time soon, hang on to them if you’d like to participate in this event to help the school.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS AT DOWNEY CO-OP!

This is a very special year at Downey, as it marks the 50th Anniversary of our pre-school!  Plans are underway to mark the occasion, likely in conjunction with our annual end-of-year picnic, and if you have ideas for a celebration or would like to help on a 50th anniversary committee, please contact Erin or Mindy.  Will be fun!

AND TO MRS. EGAN, MRS. LOVOLD, MRS. BURCK & MRS. KITLEY…

Happy November!  This is the month we reflect on all for which we are thankful.  I am sure we all feel grateful for Downey, our amazing teachers, and the opportunity for our children to learn in such a special environment.  Hope everyone has a great month, and please enjoy the newsletter.

Wow!  October is here and gone.  We have completed a few more required items of co-op.  With one fundraising event and the Irvington Halloween Festival under our belt, November will get a little less busy (at least for preschool).  If you feel like preschool events and activities are sneaking up on you, make sure to go to https://downeycoop.com/calendar/ to add the preschool calendar to your smart phone, computer, or paper calendar.  You can also hang your Downey paper calendar (from your Handbook folder) on your refrigerator or other convenient location.  There may be a few changes as the year goes along, but this calendar gives you a snap shot of the whole year.  We (those in charge of an event) will give reminders, but it is each of our responsibilities to know the happenings of our preschool.  (I have added all preschool events to my calendar with reminders in advance because my brain can not keep it all straight otherwise.)

While the children have enjoyed lots of play outside, we have had a few rainy days.  Thanks to the families, who in the cooperative spirit, are helping setup and clean up Century Hall for the children.  We will continue to have more of these days with the colder weather approaching.  If you are unsure how to help with Century Hall, just ask a fellow parent.  (It only takes a few minutes when everyone pitches in.)  Please note that there is a ladder in the back of the Century Hall closet that leads to the roof.  This ladder must not be blocked per fire code.  All toys must be put on the shelves or beside the ladder; otherwise, we could be fined.  Here are some pictures to help everyone understand how items should be put back into the closet.  Thanks so much for your help with this.

With gratitude,
Mindy

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“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” 

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

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I hope everyone enjoyed Fall Break!  The children seem to be readjusting to the classroom routine really well.  After a trip to Waterman’s, the Frogs spent the end of October exploring pumpkins in lots of different ways.  We hammered tacks into them at the workbench, created faces with potato head pieces, cut them into puzzles, and used baked pumpkin in our pumpkin pies.

 

In November, the Frogs will continue talking about fall.  We’ll examine more of its beautiful colors, talk about the harvesting of various crops and begin to explore what animals do to prepare for colder weather.  Parent-teacher conferences will be held during class time on Wednesday, November 11^th.  I will post a sign-up sheet for you to select the time that will work best for you.  I will also be looking for a substitute to cover class on that day.

**Reminder:  You may want to check that your child has an appropriate change of clothes stored in the classroom. **

Mrs. Lovold

The Polliwogs didn’t have any trouble getting back into the swing of things after Fall Break!  This month we enjoyed “finding fall” on our field trip at Southeastway Park.  We explored the beautiful colors of fall by creating our own unique leaves, seeing what happens when the colors red and yellow mix together, collecting the falling leaves from our classroom trees, and sorting various “fall” shapes on our light box.

In November, the Polliwogs will also talk about harvesting wheat and corn.  We’ll explore what happens when we grind those crops and try our hand at baking our own bread.  Parent-teacher conferences will be held during class time on Tuesday, November 10^th.  I will post a sign-up sheet for you to select the time that will work best for you.

**Reminder:  You may want to check that your child has an appropriate change of clothes stored in the classroom. **

Mrs. Lovold

Tadpoles are ready and raring to go!  They move from one activity to another in a very migratory way.  They are so quick that October flew by.

In November, we will continue to explore fall.  Mr. Bushy Tale will be our guide.  He’ll show us what he eats and how he lives and plays.

November 19th and 20th, we’ll try our hand at baking break and making butter.  We will need an extra parent on those two days.  I know we have two participating parents, but having an extra set of hands on cooking days helps the process run smoothly.

Of course we are still working on the important things like following directions, sharing, and basic fine and motor skills.  You may not notice, but that is what we are doing during our time together.  Sometimes it is subtle…Sometimes it isn’t.  Remember that this age group tends to parallel play, play along with each other, and as the year goes on, they will start to play together.

Dates to remember: 

*Tuesday, November 10 – Parent/Teacher Conference

*Wednesday, November 11 – Parent/Teacher Conference

Sign ups for conferences will be at school the week before, and I will need substitutes.  Please be sure to bring in a warm change of clothes for us to have on hand in the classroom.

Thank you for all your hard work and patience.  Most of all, thanks for choosing Downey Co-op.

Mrs. Egan

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“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” 

-Marcel Proust

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KUDOS!

Congratulations to Kristen Biehl for her work in coordinating this year’s booth at the Irvington Halloween Festival!  The booth looked great and was busy with visitors all day.  Thanks also to everyone who staffed the booth and who helped behind-the-scenes.  It was a great team effort!

PARENT ED OPPORTUNITIES

Unfortunately, our guest speaker was ill last week, and we had to postpone our nutrition event. The new date is Thursday, November 12, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  We will start collecting RSVPs for the new date soon, so watch your inbox for the email.

NEW EVENT!  Tuesday, January 19, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, The Art of Early Reading and Writing.  Join us for this video and discussion exploring how art and “story writing” can support important early literacy skills that foster a lifelong love of reading and writing.

From our friends at other co-operative preschools: Our friends at Meridian Street Co-op are hosting a guest speaker from AAA to talk about carseat safety on November 2.  If you wish to attend or want additional information, you can contact Rachel Berzai of Meridian Street Co-op at berzai@sbcglobal.net.  You will need to identify yourself as a Downey Co-op member.

ICPC’s big “Parent Palooza” event will take place in February (date TBA) instead of November this year.  Stay tuned for details.

PREPARING FOR POINSETTIAS

Please be sure to prepare for Poinsettia Delivery Day on Monday, November 30th.  In addition to picking up and delivering the poinsettias you personally sold, several crews of volunteers will be needed to help unload, sort and deliver orders to outside customers.  This is a big day for the preschool, so if possible, please pro-actively make childcare arrangements so you can help on this morning.  (Century Hall will literally be filled with hundreds and hundreds of plants, so it is not possible to have children in the area.)  This year’s coordinator, Cassandra Crutchfield, will be following up soon with further details.  The poinsettias we receive from the grower are simply beautiful and make a great impression on behalf of our school.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS AT DOWNEY CO-OP!

This is a very special year at Downey, as it marks the 50th Anniversary of our pre-school!  Plans are underway to mark the occasion, and if you have ideas for a celebration or would like to help on a 50th anniversary committee, please contact Erin or Mindy.

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“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” 

-Marcus Tullius Cicero

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We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Our preschool Thanksgiving break is Wednesday, November 25-Friday, November 27.

Welcome to the first monthly edition of The Downey upBeat for the 2015-16 school year.  Here, you’ll find the latest information about what’s happening at Downey as well as updates from our teachers and board president.  Please be sure to direct your friends, family and any Downey Co-op alumni you know to this website so they can enjoy our newsletter and all the other features of the site.  And if you would like to contribute an article or photographs, or if there is anything you would like to see featured in the upBeat, please feel free to contact the newsletter coordinator (marydsparks@gmail.com) at any time.  Enjoy!

“Education is not filling a pail but the lighting of a fire.”                                        ~William Butler Yeats

Well, you’ve survived the first month of school!  We’ve asked a lot of you, and you’ve jumped in with both feet to get the school year off to a great start!  Thank you.  As a parent-led organization, the school is only as good as its members.  Now that most of the “business” (orientations & CPT) is behind us, it’s time to settle into the fun.  Coming up, we have school pictures, Fall Break and TB testing and the Halloween Festival at the end of the month.  (Just announced: TB testing will be administered at 9 am on Tuesday, Oct. 27th and read at 9 am on Friday, Oct. 30th.)

Everyone’s job is integral to the functioning of the co-op.  Finding a balance between what Downey asks of you and the other demands of life isn’t always as easy as it seems like it should be.  If you ever have questions or concerns about your role in the preschool, please don’t hesitate to ask me, Mindy, or a Downey veteran.  We hope you’re enjoying your time at school as much as your preschoolers!

Cheers,
Erin

Hello Frog Families!  I hope everyone has enjoyed the start to the school year as much as I have.  It has been so much fun getting to know each of your children a little better these last few weeks.  They are all doing a great job adjusting to our daily routines.

The Frogs have been exploring their five senses through various activities in the classroom including the use of sensory balloons, sound jars, musical instruments and scented paints.  We also discovered ways that we can use our senses while we took a hike at Southeastway Park.  When we return from Fall Break, we will delve into the world of fall and things related to harvest.

-Mrs. Lovold

The Polliwog classroom is off to a great start!  The children have enjoyed exploring the classroom and our playground.  It’s been so much fun to see their excitement and feel their energy as they bounce from activity to activity during class!

The Polliwogs started their study of apples by taking a field trip to Pleasant View Orchard.

In the classroom, the children have explored apples by creating prints with cut apples, creating their own scented apples and visiting the “Downey Orchard” under our loft.  Over the next couple of weeks, the children will get to help make homemade applesauce and build their own apple trees.

-Mrs. Lovold

Editor’s Note: Special thank you to those parents who have been helping with classroom set up and clean up duties. Please keep in mind this is an “all hands on deck” responsibility.  All parents need to participate so please try to arrive a few minutes early to pitch in.  Thanks!

We have made it through our first month of preschool.  It was an easy transition for some and a not-so-easy transition for others.  However, the tadpoles have prevailed!  Thanks to the courage, patience and sense of humor of the parents and the participating parents.

Some tadpoles have already found their favorite activity like painting, puzzles, cars and dress up.

October we will start our fall exploration.  We will learn all about apples, maybe even make some apple sauce.  We will work with colors red, green and yellow.

Remember our tadpoles have only been on this planet for two or three years.  They already know so much but still have a lot to learn.  The good thing is they have plenty of time to learn.  They all learn at their own rate, so we as adults have to be patient and help guide them.

Our goal here is mostly socialization, and along the way we may learn colors, name recognition, shapes, songs, and hopefully sharing (that one comes and goes).

Thank you for all of your help this past month.  Co-oping is so much fun.

Thank you for choosing Downey.

-Mrs. Egan

“Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves.”                     ~Abbé Dimnet, Art of Thinking, 1928

PARENT ED OPPORTUNITY

Our first parent education opportunity of the year is Thursday, October 22, 6:30-7:30 pm with dietician Laura Dean of IU Riley Health.  Join us for ideas and inspiration for healthy eating, even on the go.  Sample food pairings that help increase veggie and protein intake.  Discover new ways to present favorites like peanut butter and Greek yogurt.  And leave with recipes that sneak more veggies into your preschoolers’ diets.  You can even bring the kids along to see what foods they like.

As an added bonus, those who attend will be entered in a drawing to win grocery gift cards!

Advance registration is required, so watch your inbox and/or our website for details and the signup genius link.  Per the Downey family agreement, each family is required to attend at least two parent education events during the year.

Event is free for Downey and other ICPC families.  Community admission is $5. For more information, contact jkwallman@gmail.com.

 

IT’S DOWNEY POINSETTIA TIME!

Hello Downey Families,

My name is Cassandra Crutchfield, and I am the coordinator for our Poinsettia Fundraiser this year.  My daughter, Charlotte, is in the Polliwogs class.  We are new to Downey and very excited to be here!

The Poinsettia Fundraiser is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Downey!  The money that we raise from selling these beautiful plants goes directly towards operating our school.  We will need everyone’s help to make this a successful fundraiser!  You will soon be receiving a packet with everything you need to know- including your order form, but below, please find a summary of this year’s program.  If you have any questions, comments or ideas, please contact us:

Cassandra Crutchfield – Poinsettia Coordinator – 317-270-0522 – cassandra78@gmail.com                                                             Jen Wilkinson – Fundraising Chair – 317-506-9566 – jenkikendall@gmail.com

Products and Pricing:

• 6.5” pot (7+ blooms)- choose red, white or burgundy – $10 (note: burgundy is a new color this year and only available in this size)
• 8” pot (15+ blooms)- choose red, white or pink – $15
• 12” straight up- red/white combo only – $25 (note: these are new this year)

Responsibilities – Each Downey family is responsible for:

• Selling at least 15 poinsettias.  (This is an easy sell to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, Downey alumni and more!)
• Helping to unload, sort and/or deliver orders the morning of Monday November 30^th.
• Picking up and delivering the poinsettias you sell.

Bulk Orders:

We would love to get some bulk orders from local businesses this year.   This would greatly help us to reach our fundraising goal!  Bulk orders can come from:

• Churches
• Businesses
• Restaurants
• Hospitals, Nursing Homes or Healthcare Facilities
• Law or Accounting Firms
• Car dealerships
• Others who might place large orders for decorations or to give clients as gifts

We think that businesses, churches, etc. would be more willing to place an order with someone they know.  If you have any connections, we have included a bulk order form and letter with information about the school and the fundraiser.  If you would feel more comfortable with us making the sale, please pass along your ideas.  We will help with delivering all bulk orders.

Key Dates:

• Wednesday, October 28^th – Deadline For Orders
• Monday, November 30^th – Poinsettia Delivery Day

Orders and Payment:

• An order form has been included in your folder (and is linked below).  Please fill it out in its entirety.  It is very important we have clear and accurate information.
• Payment MUST be submitted with orders.
• Cash and Checks payable to Downey Cooperative Preschool are acceptable forms of payment.

FamilyOrderForm2015

DOWNEY HALLOWEEN BOO!th

The Irvington Halloween Festival this year is going to fall on Halloween Day!  Downey has had a booth at the festival for several years, and we have found it is a great opportunity for us to show the community who we are and what we believe in: that children learn best through play.  At the booth, we will have a sensory table and (weather permitting) chalk and bubbles.  Each child who comes to the table will be able to walk away with a bag of Downey play-doh and a cookie-cutter this year.

It is a required participation event for all Downey families.  Whether you are helping to make play-doh, assemble the giveaway bags, setting up, tearing down, or manning the booth at the festival, we need your help!  Please be sure to sign up asap using the sign-up genius link below (password is Halloween).  It will be a fun event!

Halloween Festival Signup (click below):

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS AT DOWNEY CO-OP!

This is a very special year at Downey, as it marks the 50th Anniversary of our pre-school!  Plans are underway to mark the occasion, and if you have ideas for a celebration or would like to help on a 50th anniversary committee, please contact Erin or Mindy.

“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”                                   ~Chinese Proverb

Come join us at the park!