Clark Early Learning Center

The Little Cat Ledger 🐾

December 2024

Message from Leadership

Happy December, Little Cat community-

As we approach the end of 2024, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for trusting us with the care and education of your child. It has been a joy watching them grow and thrive, and we are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of their early learning journey.

We are also deeply grateful for your continued support, collaboration, and involvement in our preschool community.

As the holiday season continues, we want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and restful time filled with love and laughter. We look forward to continuing to work with you and your child in the new year.

Warmly,

Caitlin Smith + Kerry Lindstrom

☃️ Upcoming Dates:

December 23-January 3- Winter Break - No Classes

January 20- MLK Day - District Closed

January 23- Parent Conferences 3:30-7:00 PM

⭐ Staff Spotlight

Lisa Lautzenheiser- Assistant Teacher

How many years have you been in education?

10 years

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Veterinarian

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Two of my greatest accomplishment thus far in my life are graduating with a bachelors degree and being a mom

What makes you smile?

My son-Jason- family, friends, coworkers, my kids here at school, music, & movies

What is your favorite thing about Clark Early Learning Center?

The amazing support system we have here at Clark, and our students that come everyday to learn and have fun!

Lisa L

Little Cat Learning ✏️

Counting Song- Number Sense and Operations

Materials: No materials required

Steps:

Introduce the activity by saying something like- I love to count! Right now, I think I'll count up to 5. Count out of sequence (i.e. 1, 4, 2, 3, 5) and wait for the child to respond. Acknowledge that numbers go in order. Count correctly with the child- So, it should go 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Introduce the counting song by saying- I like to sing a song to help me remember the order of the numbers. Sing the following song and pat each corresponding body part, using a tune familiar to the child (i.e. "Row, Row, Row Your Boat").

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I can pat my nose.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I can pat my toes!

Sing the song again with the child, encouraging them to pat each body part a corresponding number of times as you sing the number (i.e. pat your toes 5 times). After singing the song several times so that he or she is comfortable with it, ask the child to choose a different body part to pat.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I can pat my knees.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I can pat my head!

Tell your child when it is the last round of the song by saying something like- We're going to sing the counting song one more time. Listen to see if your child sings the numbers in the right order.

Extension:

  • Ask your child which number comes next in an interrupted sequence of 1-5 (i.e. The 3 comes next because its after 2.) While singing, stop counting and ask, "What number comes next?"

  • Count backwards- beginning with small numbers (i.e. 3, 2, 1)

  • Try a number sequence up to 10 (i.e. The next number is 6. I can count higher than that- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!)

    • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - I

      can pat my knees.

      6, 7, 8, 9, 10-

      I can pat my head!

📋 Attendance Corner

Attendance Protocol

At Clark Early Learning Center, we value attendance. It is important for your child to come to school and be on time every day. Regular attendance at preschool is crucial for a child's development and for fostering early learning and social skills that set the foundation for their educational journey. Too many unexcused or irregular absences could result in your child being withdrawn from the center. If an emergency or illness requires your child to be absent, please contact the school secretary and your child's teacher and provide documentation for your child's absence records.

Valid reasons for absence:

  • Illness of the student or illness in the family

  • Quarantine for contagious diseases

  • Death in the family

  • Observance of religious holidays

Attendance Protocol:

  • 5 absences in one semester- letter reminding the guardian of the center's protocol

  • 8 absences in one semester- a meeting will be scheduled with the guardian, the classroom teacher and a building administrator to create an attendance success plan

  • 10 absences in one semester- your child faces dismissal from Clark Early Learning Center

Our protocol is in place to ensure every child who is enrolled at Clark Early Learning Center is set up for success in preschool and beyond! Thank you for your continued support as we prioritize attendance.

Leader in Me 🌳

Habit 3: Put First Things First

Work First, Then Play

Big Rocks are the most important things for you to do, such as spending time with your family, planning family meals, and getting an education. Little rocks are the less important things for you to do, such as watching TV for long periods of time, playing video games, or aimlessly searching the Internet/social media.

STEPS

1. I spend my time on things that are most important.

2. I say no to things I know I should not do.

3. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan.

4. I am disciplined and organized.

Family Activity:

HOW DO WE PUT FAMILY TIME FIRST?

• Develop a family mission statement

• Schedule one-on-one bonding time

• Have regular family meals.

• Plan regular family times.

• Build family traditions.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD WITH THEIR BIG ROCKS?

Ask them what they feel are their most important jobs or responsibilities. Suggest they do the hardest part of their homework or chores first. Describe the word ‘procrastinate’ to your child. What is something they have been procrastinating?

Keeping the family close with so many distractions can be tricky. Designating a specific time each week for family time will keep everyone on the same page.

• Read a book together.

• Learn a new skill.

• Play a board game.

• Make a meal together.

• Visit a local attraction.

• Learn about and practice a habit.

• Discuss family matters (school, activities, etc.).

• Plan an important upcoming family tradition.

• Plan your week.

• Share talents.

• Eat together.

• Do a service project.

• Solve problems together.

What day and time of the week are you going to meet as a family? *Put a reminder in your phone calendars and in a place in the home that can be seen by all.

What are your family's traditions? What is a tradition that you would like to start?