CREATIVELY SPEAKING Loving, Nurturing & Educating Children Since 1968

September 2017 CREATIVE PLAYROOMS Vol.9 September

September 04: Labor Day (Centers are closed) September 10: Grandparents Day September 12: Montessori Parent Meeting (“The Montessori Method of Education”) September 14: Kindergarten Parent Meeting September 17: Constitution Day September 29: Kindergarten Progress Reports Sent Home

From the Regional Director's Desk ~ Jennifer Cook

Welcome to all our new and returning students! We look forward to an exciting year! A new school year has begun and it is time to get back to basics. A reminder of our center rules:

RESPECT YOURSELF~~RESPECT OTHERS~~RESPECT PROPERTY

Happy Grandparent’s Day to all our special grandmas & grandpas!

• All registration fees are due by September 1, 2017. Please make sure to drop off your check or money order to the office today.

• Our Private Kindergarten school year is in full swing. Please remember that Kindergarten children must be in uniform every day.

I want to remind you that Kleenex, disinfectant wipes and diaper wipes are required for each family – please bring to the office labeled with your child’s name. A $10.00 fee will be added to your account if the supplies are not brought in by September 29, 2017. Please make sure you have filled out your 2017-2018 school year tuition and fee agreement and are using your door fob on a daily basis to gain entry into the building. I’d like to remind you that tuition payments are due on Tuesdays, and a late fee will be charged if not paid on time.

Creative Playrooms Montessori Schools

&

Child Care Centers 32750 Solon Road Solon, OH 44139 (440) 349-9111

www.creativeplayrooms.com

Joan Wenk, M.S. Ed. President

Shirley Jeric Vice President

Terri Jacobson Vice President-Business Operations

Debbie Pack Vice President-School Operations

Denise Benko Finance

Tina Merolla H.R. Coordinator

Jennifer Cook Regional Director

$25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A FAMILY

THAT ENROLLS FULL TIME

What's Happening Around Us...

Submitted by Center Directors

Independence ~ Donna Kupiecki

September is a busy time for us at Independence Montessori. We are getting the center ready for back to school and really enjoying it! The Montessori children are anxiously waiting to see what their classroom will look like on the first day of school. The Toddlers are ready to get back to their fun ‘back to school’ curriculum. There has been a lot of talk about what will be in the classroom especially after the carnival; the children think they will have a popcorn machine and sno-cones every day! Please don’t forget the center will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2017 for Labor Day.

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Miss Khema, our Montessori Directress. Miss Khema has been working with Creative Playrooms for one year. When she isn’t busy taking care of the Montessori children, she is spending time with her 3 children. Three words parents use to describe Miss Khema is laid back, easy to talk to, and soft spoken. Keep up the good work, Miss Khema!

Maple Heights ~ Lisa Woodward

September is here and the year seems to be moving quickly. We are all back into the school routine and are enjoying our new classes and teachers. Please make sure you check your child’s mailbox daily. It is also time to bring in two boxes of Kleenex, a package of diaper wipes, and a package of disinfecting wipes for each family. These can be left in the office with your child’s name. We also wish to remind parents to use their key fob when entering the building, slow down in the parking lot, and please remember to pay at the beginning of the week when you receive child care – not at the end of the week. Have a wonderful and safe Labor Day!

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to all of our staff who helped make another summer successful. To the teachers who teach our summer curriculum and make it fun and exciting, to our drivers who provided field trips, and our cook who provided fun meals. Thank you for another great summer!

Parma ~ Jennifer Cook

The 2017-2018 school year is well under way here at Parma Montessori. We are very excited to see all the exciting things the teachers have planned this year. Please make sure to check our monthly calendars for fun days, events and parent meetings. As the weather starts to change, please make sure your child is dressed in layers for the weather and that their 2 extra set of clothes are updated for the season.

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Miss Coren Braithwaite! Miss Coren is our Toddler 1 Supervisor, and has just finished her first year with Parma Montessori. She makes it a point to form a bond with every child that enters her room. She comes in each day with a big smile on her face. Thank you, Miss Coren, for all your hard work and dedication.

Solon ~ Kathleen Milliken

September brings a change in the season and new beginnings. The 2017-2018 school year has started. If you are still interested in registering, please be sure to stop in the office. This month we will be busy getting back to the basics. As the month progresses, each classroom will have an evening meet and greet for the parents. Look for some posted information. We will also be doing fall pictures and field trips. Please make sure all your information is current in the office and that all paperwork is returned in a prompt matter. Fall supplies are due by September 5, 2017. Sandals are not permitted in the center for safety reasons. Please have your child wear tennis shoes, crocs, or jellies.

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Amanda Sitter. Amanda has been a pre-school teacher at Creative Playrooms since May of 2016. She is very creative and always has a listening ear and a kind heart for all of the children and parents. Amanda is very creative in making costumes for our programs. We are excited Amanda will be running our Preschool Program this fall. Thank you, Amanda!

Strongsville ~ Stephanie Annes

It’s hard to believe the school year is here already. It seems just like yesterday we were making preparations for summer camp. Now that transportation has started to the schools, it is very important for you to discuss with your children the proper bus behavior. If they cannot listen to and respect the drivers, they may temporarily lose their transportation privileges. We will be closed on Monday, September 4th in observance of Labor Day. I look forward to a fun filled school year so please watch for special events that will be taking place at the center.

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Ms. Alex in our Pre-Kindergarten classroom. Alex has recently joined us here at Strongsville Montessori and has been doing an amazing job in our Pre-K classroom. She loves to hear stories from the children, and teaching them new things as they slowly start to prepare for their future Kindergarten classrooms. Thank you, Ms. Alex, for all that you do; we appreciate it!

Westlake ~ Maria Pena

Welcome! The new school year began August 21st, and so far, it’s going great! The children are excited to be back. The center will be closed on September 4th for Labor Day. There is a Montessori parent meeting scheduled for September 12, 2017. I hope all Montessori parents can attend.

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Susie Ference, our employee of the month! She works in our Montessori classroom. Susie has an abundance of energy and is a positive person. She loves working with the children and is a great teacher! We are so lucky to have her as part of our team!

What's Happening Around Us (Cont'd)

September Curriculum Ideas & Classroom Themes

Infant Info Sensory: Finger Puppets, Ring the Bell, Bang the Drum Gross Motor: Dancing, Roll the Ball, Riding Toys, Rocking Horse Fine Motor: Puzzles, Pour Cheerios, Stacking, Color the Apple Audio/Visual: Animal Sounds, Color Basket, Puppets, Flannel Board

Jr. Toddler Tidbits - Themes: Back to School, Letter “A”, Color Practical Life: Play School, Rake Leaves, Dress Up Clothes, Pack a Lunch Gross Motor: Spinning, Apple Toss, Sliding Board, Marching Language & Art: Color Pattern, Letters, Shapes, Colors, Flash Cards Science: Leaf Rubbing, Apple Basket, Tissue Paper Apple, School Bus

Sr. Toddlers - Themes: Back to School, Letter “A”, Color Practical Life: Play Restaurant, Sweep the Floor, Feed Animals, Wash your Hands Gross Motor: Hot Potato, Hopscotch, Stretching, Parachute Play Science: Sensory Bags, Soft vs. Hard, Texture Tubes, Lacing Cards Art: School Collage, Apple Prints, School Bus, Marble Paint Apple PS/PK - Themes: Old McDonald, Camping, Leaves are Falling, Teddy Bear Gross Motor: Bear Hunt, Movement Scarves, Butterfly Hunt Science: Apple Cutting, Leaf Prints, Star Gazing Music & Movement: Old McDonald, Surprise! Camp Songs, Apples, Apples, Apples Art: Vegetable Collage, Vegetable Prints, Cows, Pigs, Fall Coloring Painting

After School - Themes: All About Me In the Kitchen: Pirate Punch, Ice Cream Sandwiches Games Galore: Invent a Sport, Detective, Pictionary, UNO Tournament Crafty Creations: Design a Paper Plate, Make a Neighbor Card, Body Trace Cooperating Games: Parachute Games, I Spy, Bingo Language: A Poem to my Friend, What the USA Means to Me

MONTESSORI MATTERS Independence Center

Themes: Back to School, North America, Our Solar System, Rules of the Classroom, Use Montessori Materials

Welcome back to school! Fall is in the air and we have many activities planned for the children. The first week of school we will go over the rules of the classroom and the proper use of the Montessori materials. Please see Miss Donna for your re-registration forms. Please make sure all your child’s belongings are labeled with their names. Summer clothes can go home, along with your child’s sunscreen. Let’s make this the best year yet! Sensorial: Pink Tower Geography: North America Language: Letters of the Week Math: Number Recognition Practical Life: Good Food Choices Science: The Solar System Art: Will Correspond with our Weekly Lesson Plans

Parma Center

Themes: Back to School, Johnny Appleseed, Grandparent’s Day

This month we will be introducing all the areas in the classroom. We’ll learn about Johnny Appleseed, apples, and how an apple grows. Our first parent meeting is September 12th at 6:30 pm. We look forward to sharing our classroom with all our families.

Sensorial: Pink Tower Geography: North America Language: Handwriting and Sequencing Math: Red and Blue Rods Practical Life: Placemat Rolling Science: The Apple Cycle Art: Apples, Apple Prints, The Apple Cycle, Stained Glass Apples

MONTESSORI MATTERS Solon Center

Themes: Be Respectful, Be Peaceful, Be Patient

Welcome back to school. This month we are busy getting to know our new routines and our classroom rules. We will be learning about Johnny Appleseed and how he helped create apple trees in Ohio. We will also be celebrating our fall solstice and welcoming autumn. Please remember your fall supplies.

Sensorial: Play Dough Fruits, Hot Air Balloon Bottle Geography: Living/Non-Living, Where I Live, My Family Tree Language: A-Z-Upper Case and Lower Case, Spanish Colors Math: Sandpaper Numbers, Red Circle Counters, Spindle Box Practical Life: Dentist, Garden Tools Art: Using a Color Wheel, Chalk, Markers, Pointillism

Strongsville Center

Themes: Back to School, Making New Friends, Classroom Courtesy

Welcome to all of our new friends and classmates! We are settling in, reviewing classroom rules, practicing grace and courtesy, and starting our curriculum studies. This month we will practice early letter sounds and number recognition, plus get prepared for our annual field trip to the apple farm. We are looking forward to a great year in Montessori.

Sensorial: Pink Tower, Primary Colors Geography: The Earth & the 7 Continents Language: Greetings in Spanish, German, About “Me” Math: Numbers 0-5, Addition Strip Board Practical Life: Rolling a Rug, Returning Work, Spooning and Tonging Science: Nutrition: Food Groups, Mammals Art: Back to School, Primary Colors, Patterns, Pier Mondrian, Apples

Westlake Center

Themes: Family, Apples, Fall

The new school year is off to a great start! This month we will focus on the letters B, C, D, & E. The older students will begin phonics folders and sight words. Math will start off with patterns and numbers 1-5. Science will focus on living vs. non-living, color mixing, and apples. The class will be grading cylinders from small to large, shortest to tallest. In Geography the interest will be our globe and land water. Please look on the parent board for class info and parent meeting dates.

Sensorial: Cylinder Box 1-4, Knobbed Cylinders Geography: Earth Model, Land, Air, and Water Language: Letters B-E, Object Box, Beginning Sounds Math: Flat Pattern Cards, Shape Sorting, Numbers 1-5 Practical Life: Button Sorting, Clothes Pins, Small Spoons Science: Parts of an Apple Puzzle Art: Apple Art, Red Easel Paint

Solon Center ~ Susan Young

Themes: Back to School, Johnny Appleseed, Get to Know Me, Community Helpers

Kindergarten is off to a great start! This month we will make apple sauce for Johnny Appleseed Day. The children will complete “All About Me” projects and completing community helper and jobs in your neighborhood.

Math: Number Rods, 1-10, One-to-One Correlation Language: Sight Words, Matching Letter Names to Sounds Geography: The Solar System, Where I Live Sensorial: Letter Tracing, Sight Words Practical Life: Community Helpers, Setting Tables, Pouring Skills Art: Cutting Skills, Family Banners

Strongsville Center ~ Mrs. Sue Kemp

Themes: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Transportation, Apples, Leaves & Fall

Welcome to a new Kindergarten year! KRT testing will take place during the month of September. The Kindergarten Parent Orientation will take place as well. I am asking that at least one parent attends the meeting. Parent/teacher communication is vital for a successful Kindergarten experience.

Math: Compare and Sort Objects, Numbers 0 to 5

Language: Letters A, B, C, D, Sight Words Science: Living and Non-Living, Apples, Look at Leaves and Changes that are Taking Place

KINDERGARTEN KORNER

Parma Center ~ Emily Manista

Themes: My Family, My Neighborhood, My Community, Fall Colors and Weather

This month we will be discussing who is part of our family, the people who are important to us, buildings, and jobs in our neighborhoods. With the fall season approaching, we will explore the colors, weather and harvest that Autumn brings.

Math: Math: Number Recognition

Language: Sight Words and Guided Reading Social Studies: Maps Science: Weather Art: Family Trees, Self Portraits

Pool News

Parma ~ Solon ~ Westlake

We will start off the school year reviewing pool rules and water safety. Our new swimmers will be working on basic water skills such as blowing bubbles in the water. Our returning swimmers will be working on pool aerobics and the basic front crawl.

Employee Spotlight Ashley Minnich

Westlake

This month we shine our spotlight on Ashley Minnich. Ashley is the Preschool Supervisor and has been with Westlake Montessori since March 2017. She has her Child Development Associates Credential, and will be working toward her Bachelor’s Degree. Thank you, Ashley, for your continued dedication!

Westlake Center ~ Diane Runner

Themes: Transportation, Apples, Leaves As this year’s group settles into the routine of Kindergarten, we are spending time assessing where each child is, in terms of recognizing letter and numbers. We start right off at the beginning writing names with proper upper and lower case letters. Kindergarten will examine the parts of an apple, and have apples for snack. We will make a list of ways to get “from here to there.” As we begin our study of geography, we start September with North America.

Math: Leaf Counting and Sorting, Counting Apple Seeds Language: Letters A-D, Letter Sequencing Social Studies: North America Map, Sort Days of the Week Science: Apple Labeling, Apple Discovery (hands-on) Art: Name Tower, Initial Sequin Outline, Apple Puzzle/Mosaic

KINDERGARTEN KORNER

$25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A

FAMILY THAT ENROLLS FULL TIME

WITH THE START OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR, IT IS IMPERATIVE ALL PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, ETC. HAVE A KEY FOB TO GAIN ENTRANCE INTO OUR CENTERS! KEY FOBS ARE $10 EACH AND EVERY FAMILY NEEDS TO HAVE ONE IF THEY ARE PICKING UP THEIR CHILD. PLEASE SEE THE OFFICE IF YOU NEED A KEY FOB.

~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY~~

MAY TODAY BE AS EXTRAORDINARY AS YOU!

~~HAPPY ANNIVERSARY~~

SHARING THE JOYS THAT BLOSSOM EACH YEAR IN YOUR DEVOTION

TO CREATIVE PLAYROOMS MONTESSORI & CHILD CARE CENTERS!

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES

CORPORATE Terri Jacobson 09/16 NONE

INDEPENDENCE Donna Kupiecki 09/16 Brandy Parsons 1 Yr.

Laura Medvec 09/23 Khema Perera 1 Yr.

Hannah Senti 09/14

Karly Smith 09/01

MAPLE HEIGHTS Rashima Henderson 09/17 Jackie Lombardo 17 Yrs.

Jackie Lombardo 09/30 Yvonneda Nathan- 26 Yrs.

Jill Moliff 09/23 Chambliss

Christina Ramson 09/12 Carolyn Qadir 17 Yrs.

Michelle Spencer 09/09

PARMA Isavella Nieves-Stames 09/09 Alexandria Brathwaite 1 Yr.

Latreese Hines 1 Yr.

SOLON Molly Bartl 09/30 Brenda Early 14 Yrs.

Kathleen Milliken 15 Yrs.

Tracy Warner 7 Yrs.

.

STRONGSVILLE Rebecca Comprix 09/04 Charles Daniel 1 Yr.

Caroline Sucku 09/01 Richard Martinek 6 Yrs.

Heidi Menoes 5 Yrs.

WESTLAKE Aracelis Casiano 09/26 Jaime Houck-Tomblin 18 Yrs.

Maria Pena 1 Yr.

Nicole Teper 3 Yrs.

S E P T E M B E R