Run of the Mill
October 2012

Director’s Report

It is hard to believe that September has already come and gone.  The children have all transitioned nicely into their school routines and most of the tears are a thing of the past.  It was wonderful seeing so many of you at Parent Night– a lot of familiar faces as well as some new ones.  I look forward to getting to know all of the new families over the course of the year.  Thanks to all of you who contributed treats that night– everything was delicious.
	We had a busy start to the year and October promises to be full of excitement as well.  On October 13th, we hope you will join us at the Barnes & Noble at Rio for our annual bookfair.  This is always a fun event and the children really enjoy seeing their friends and teachers.  A percentage of purchases that day will benefit MCPP.
	On October 22nd & 23rd, we are offering speech and OT screenings for the 3 and 4 year olds.  I highly recommend having the screening done if you have any concerns at all.  Early intervention can make all the difference in the world!
	Our Kid Stuff Book fundraiser will end on October 12th.  Please consider purchasing one of these great books to support our cultural arts program here at MCPP.  Mill Creek receives $12.50 from each book that is sold.  Ask family and friends if they are interested in purchasing the books as well– there are some great savings on fun family activities!  If you decide not to purchase the book, please return it to your child’s teacher.  Thanks for your support!
	School will be closed on Friday, October 19th.  The MCPP staff will be having a professional day where we will be presented with exciting new ideas that we can bring to the classroom!

Enjoy your month!
Cyndi
	
Virtues of the Month

This month, we will begin our “Virtue of the month” story time.  The pre-k classes will be talking about courage and the 2 and 3 year old classes will be talking about cooperation.
	Please consider signing up to read a book related to the “virtue of the month” to your child’s class.  This is a fun and easy way to get involved in your child’s school experience.  You can pick a book on your own or have us pick one for you.  The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board across from room 2.  Please let me know if you have any questions about this program!  

	Creative Curriculum

	The curriculum we use here at MCPP is called The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and is developmentally appropriate while also helping the children prepare for Kindergarten.
	Each classroom is divided into different interest areas: art, toys & games, blocks, library, writing, dramatic play, sensory play and discovery.  Each month, I will highlight a different interest area in the newsletter.  I will discuss what types of materials are found in the area as well as what children are learning.
	One area that is always a popular one is the block area.  In the block area, we try to include different types and sizes of blocks.  We also have things like road signs, vehicles, play people, play animals and books about construction.  
	There is much to be learned when children play with blocks!  Socially, blocks encourage children to work together and share ideas.  Children learn to respect the viewpoints of others and how to compromise.  Physically, blacks are great for eye-hand coordination when the children work to carefully balance blocks so the structure won’t fall down.  Cognitively, blocks teach about shapes and sizes, patterns, length and weight.  Playing with blocks also gives children the opportunity to recreate their world based on mental pictures that they have.  This is the basis for abstract thinking.  Blocks also promote language development as children are eager to talk about their creations with interested teachers and friends.
	Blocks are a wonderful and fun way for children to learn some very important concepts.  Who knows, we may have some future architects or engineers here at Mill Creek!

Pumpkin Patch

	The MCPP Pumpkin Patch will come to town on October 25th and 26th.   Each class will have a turn visiting the pumpkin patch to look for pumpkins.  The children will each get to bring a small pumpkin home and help to decorate a large one for the classroom.  

Halloween Parades!

	Halloween parades and parties will be held on Tuesday, October 30th and Wednesday, October 31st.  Shortly after arrival, the children will parade around the playground in their costumes.  Parents are invited to join us as spectators at the parade.  
	Please bring your child dressed in their costume the day of the parade.  Make sure that the costumes are appropriate (no weapons, masks, etc.). If your child doesn’t want to wear a costume, don’t force them. We want this day to be fun for everyone!  After the parade, you will head back to your child’s classroom and help them change out of their costume.  More information about individual class celebrations will be sent home soon!

Mill Creek Parish Preschool

•	Dates to Remember:
•	10/2– CA Meeting!
•	10/12– Kid Stuff Fundraiser ends.
•	10/13– Barnes & Noble Bookfair!
•	10/22 & 10/23– Speech and OT Screenings!
•	10/19– No School!
•	10/25 & 10/26– MCPP Pumpkin Patch
•	10/30 & 10/31– Halloween Parades!

Looking Ahead:

•	November 5 & 6:  No School!
•	November 12 & 13: Picture Day!
•	November 12:  Family Reading Night!
•	November 21-23:  Thanksgiving Break!

The MCPPCA will meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:15 am.  We would love to have you join us– young children are welcome!