August 2004 Newsletter

Summer Camp has been host to over 100 children this year. From homemade ice cream, pickle ball, 'city art,' swimming to horseback riding, there has been something for everyone. A special thanks goes to the talented staff that provide untold energy and creativity. I also want to thank all of the parents and grandparents for signing up such enthusiastic kids. It has been an awesome summer so far.

We want to welcome everyone for the upcoming school year. The last day of summer camp will be August 20th. We will continue to stay open for the remainder of the season, providing swimming, indoor and outdoor activities.

The first official day of the academic school year will be Wed., September 8th. This is the first day for all of the half-day pre-school children to attend. Half-day preschool will follow the public school schedule.

Reminders: Pick-up and drop-off will be at the red schoolhouse. Please arrive on time. AM class starts at 9am and end at 12pm. You may bring your child by 8:45 so that we can start on time. Lunch will be from 12-12:45. Classes will resume at 12:45-3:30pm. You may bring your child for the pm class by 12:30. Before and after school remain the same, starting at 6:30am and closing by 6:30pm.

If you are late in picking up your child by the 6:30pm time, please pay the staff in charge at that time, $10 per 1/2hr and $15 per hour. Thank you very much.

Remember to bring your child with a backpack and full change of clothes everyday, along with a swimming suit and towel. Lunches need to arrive in a lunch box, no paper bags please. Tuition is due by the 1st of every month. (Sept.- by the 1st week) Every child needs to wear sturdy shoes they can get on and off themselves.

Communication: We are pleased to announce that we now answer the phone throughout the entire day. Anyone wishing to speak directly to Janice can reach her on her cell phone @ 206-265-1598. Our school number is 206-780-1928. Our hope is to be able to communicate directly with each individual and answer all of your questions and deal with any of your concerns or requests.

Curriculum:

September our theme will be 'Island Harvest.' We will hold a 'Farmer's Market' and Harvest Fair, Wed., Sept 22nd. Please have your child bring a creature made of local fruits and vegetables and something to sell, i.e. basket of blackberries, paper bag of apples, etc.

October we will study the Body and the Bones. Our annual children's Halloween party will be held Friday, Oct. 29th. Kids come in costume. Saturday, October 30th we will host our annual 'Halloween Dance,' for adults only. Must be 21 or older to attend. Live music, pot-luck, come in costume. Prizes given out for 'Best Costume.'

November we will celebrate the Native American traditions. Our annual feast with the Pilgrims will be held Wed., Nov. 24th. We will be closed Nov. 11th-Veteran's day and Nov. 25&26 for Thanksgiving.

December we will prepare for the Holidays and study children from around the world. We will again participate in the island wide celebration, 'Christmas in the Country.' This is held on the first weekend of the month. Vendors, musicians, Santa and his elves, and entertainers; come into our barn to sell crafts, handmade items and entertain the general public. The children at HCM celebrate all religions with a musical performance. Our annual fund-raiser is held at this time. The kids make gingerbread houses and homemade goodies to sell. If you have a special talent or would like to sell handcrafted items, please contact Janice ASAP, this is a very popular event and space is limited.

Announcements: Laurel Wilson has created a new Web Site for HCM. All of our emergency information, monthly newsletters and policy information is now available at your finger tips. Enjoy, and thanks again to a great lady that made this all possible.

Tuition for Fall 2004: Our new tuition fees will be included with this newsletter. We conducted a survey this summer of many of the island daycares and pre-schools on Bainbridge Island and have included some of their prices for you to compare. As daycare providers, we meet quarterly to discuss the growing needs of this community. We hope to provide quality care in keeping with fair and competitive prices in our community.

We can't wait to see everyone again and hope your summer has been as wonderful as ours. We'd like to announce the birth of Avery Jo Sawyer. Calli gave birth July 16th to a beautiful baby girl. Everyone is healthy and doing well. Calli will return to work either October or November. Our staff will remain the same as last year. Sharon will teach swimming, Jamy will teach art, Janice will teach Montessori and Kelsey will teach horseback riding. Stacy and Terry will continue teaching in the toddler class along with Angela in the afternoon. Marge will continue as the napping teacher and will also be giving Spanish lessons to the children. Terry is our 'in-house musician' and is developing a musical program for the kids this fall. We will continue with outside horse lessons on Thursdays after school.

Several on staff are interested in receiving their Montessori certification and plan to start in the fall. We have arranged the children's schedule this year to allow more time to be spent in the classroom as well as in their other activities. Each child will spend everyday in the Montessori classroom and go to one other extra activity. (Last year they went to two extra activities during the 3-hour period of time). This will give every child an extended period in class plus the chance to swim for a longer period two times a week, ride two times a week and have art class twice a week.

We're hoping to improve on the quality of everyone's day without sacrificing the time they'll actually spend enjoying all the activities. We wish everyone health and happiness and look forward to another great year. All our love, Janice, Ollie and Staff at Hazel Creek