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Dear Beaty Parents,

As many of you know, Plano Independent School District’s Prekindergarten curriculum content is based

upon the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines. We use a variety of materials to support the general education

curriculum as well as to meet students’ individual learning needs. These materials utilize best teaching

practices for young children. Young children learn through their experiences so the instructional day at

Beaty has been designed to embed the learning in various, relevant activities throughout the school day.

Some of the many excellent features of our curriculum materials are listed below:

• Embrace the joy of learning.

• Provide comprehensive, integrated instruction in all domains.

• Balance intentional instruction with child-centered learning.

• Offer a strong daily routine that develops key social skills and emotional control.

• Value individual differences.

• Empower children with choices in self-directed activities.

• Honor the power of strong teacher-child interactions.

• Use research-based principles of learning as the cornerstone of instruction.

• Provide materials in English and in Spanish.

At Beaty the teachers and other staff members make an effort to provide your child with a stimulating and

challenging education each and every day. If you have observed in our classrooms you’ve seen the

students in action. Our classrooms are busy, engaging, and challenging! If you ever have any questions

about the instructional methodologies or curriculum, I encourage you to contact your child’s teacher or call

me at 469-752-4210. We realize we are building our future through your children and we take that job very

seriously!

Susie Vaughan

Principal

1717 Nevada Drive - Plano, TX 75093 Tel.: (469)752-4200 Fax: (469)752-4201

Principal’s Pen

The Beaty Gazette December 2013, Volume 12, Issue 4

B Calendar Reminders

12/13 Staff Birthday Celebration

12/19 Classroom Parties

12/20 Early Release; No PM session

12/23–1/3 Winter Break

1/6/14 Student Holiday; No school

1/7/14 Classes Resume

Tax Ratification Election Results

Plano ISD held a Tax Ratification Election (TRE) on Tuesday, November 5.

Combined early voting and election day voting results are as follows:

For: 12,236 (62.91%)

Against: 7,215 (37.09%)

The outcome of this election sends a strong message about the value of

education in our community and will allow the district to continue to provide

an excellent education for all students. Thank you for your help and support!

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Dear Beaty Parents,

As we approach the end of 2013, one way to participate in this season

of giving is to help welcome new families to Beaty. Our school is

unique in that children become eligible to attend all year ‘round, so

there is always an opportunity to share a smile, introduce yourself, and

help orient new (and often nervous) parents and kids to the school

environment. As the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), we strive to

make the transition easier, and invite everyone to help us in this

important effort. And to those parents who have already volunteered,

attended a meeting or program, or donated baked goods for our staff

birthday celebrations, I extend our sincere thanks. We couldn’t do it

without you!

And it's never too late to join the PTA… we still have volunteer

opportunities available on the board and for general members who

would like to help out on an as-needed basis. Share your talent and

enthusiasm with us, and learn more about the PTA on our brand new

website: www.beatypta.org. Becoming a PTA member is easy, all you

need to do is fill out the membership form online, or in this newsletter

and return it in your child's backpack.

If you are interested in a board position, or would like more information

about how you can help, visit our website or email me personally at

BeatyPTAPresident@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you,

and Happy Holidays!

Dana Withers

PTA President

President’s Post

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Caption describing picture or graphic.

Join the Beaty Parent Teacher Association-PTA!

The PTA brings together parents and teachers. Being a member helps you and your child feel more at home at the school.

Help Us Meet Our Goal and Be a Part of

Something Beautiful!

Simply complete the membership form in the newsletter and return the form & payment in your

child’s backpack.

Beaty PTA Membership Form 2013-2014

Parent(s) Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: __________________ Zip: ____________ Phone Number: ________________________

E-mail: ___________________________________________________________________

Child’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Teacher: ____________________________________________ AM or PM (circle one)

Family Membership: $10.00

Please make out check to Beaty PTA or enclose cash in a sealed envelope and attach to form. You may return form and dues in your child’s backpack.

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Page 2

Counselor’s Corner

Hello Beaty families,

I have had a fabulous first semester getting to know the students. It has been a joy to visit

their classrooms every two weeks and see their beautiful smiles and eagerness to learn.

They are always excited to have a shake, hug, or huggle-buggle from the orangutan

puppet, Tengku. During classroom guidance lessons the students and I share songs, stories,

games, and lots of fun. Our guidance lessons have covered many topics, including:

• Feelings

• Sharing

• Dealing with Anger

• Self Esteem

• Listening and Following Directions

• Problem-Solving

• Manners

Many of our families will celebrate religious or cultural holidays during the next month. The

holidays can be amazing opportunities for bonding as a family, but they can also be a

challenging time for parents. Many parents have unrealistic expectations of the holidays.

We wish our homes were like the magical scenes portrayed in books, magazines, movies,

and on TV commercials. We feel we “should” be able to offer that experience to our

children. These unrealistic expectations can make holidays very stressful.

To de-stress your holiday you can start by evaluating your traditions. Continue those

traditions that are bringing your family joy, and discontinue those traditions that are not

worth the time and effort. Consider ways to avoid family conflicts. Chances are that your

family members will not change to become more delightful for the holidays, but you can

change the way you interact with them. Plan your new responses in advance, so you will

be prepared. Set aside time for your own rest, and try to respect your child’s sleep needs to

avoid overtired misbehavior. Remember that preschoolers have a short attention span. It is

unrealistic to think they will enjoy spending long periods of time shopping, cooking,

decorating, or sitting at the table with relatives. Make allowances for their age. Share your

traditions in a brief, age appropriate manner. Avoid unnecessary financial stress. Small

children can be very happy with inexpensive gifts, such as art supplies, bubbles, play

dough, or preschool board games. How many times have you seen your child play with the

box longer than the gift inside? Children can experience a wonderful holiday on a budget.

If your recipe for holiday fun includes traditions, togetherness, and lots of laughter, it is sure

to be a success.

I wish you a month full of joy, family unity, and peace.

Sincerely,

Jan Hughes

Beaty ECS Counselor

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Library Lines

The first semester of school has flown by! The students are becoming very

selective in choosing books in our library. I am pleased that the children are

beginning to ask for books on specific topics. . . “I want a book about sharks or

princesses”. They are appreciating books for the information (non-fiction books)

provided as well as entertainment (fiction books).

We are continuing to talk about book and print awareness so that the students

can begin to understand the following concepts: the parts of a book; that a book

has a title, author and illustrator; that print carries a message; that print runs

from left to right and top to bottom; and that illustrations carry meaning but

can’t be read. We are also working on phonological awareness activities that

involve identifying rhymes and rhyming sounds in familiar words through

participation in rhyming songs, nursery rhymes and games. As you read with your

child, talk about the title, the jobs of the author and illustrator, where you start

to read the text, follow the direction of the print and repeat any rhyming words.

During story time we will read some of the following selections: Duck at the Door,

Duck Soup, Chicken Soup, Big Smelly Bear, and Time to Sleep. We will talk about

what some animals do in winter. Our nursery rhymes will be: “Jack Be Nimble” and

“Jack and Jill”. Some bilingual classes will read Siesta and Counting Ovejas.

Activities that involve reading are excellent for relaxing and enjoying family time

during the winter break.

Dennise Schuler

Teacher/Librarian

“The more you read, the more you grow…” Dr. Suess

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NN

December 2009 ●

Volume 8, Issue 4

● Beaty Gazette ●

(469) 752-4200

Nurse’s Note

Dear Beaty Parents,

It is hard to believe that winter season is upon us. As the weather is

changing, please send a jacket or sweater (with your child’s name on the

inside) to school everyday. The PISD guidelines for cold weather are as

follows, “if the actual temperature falls below twenty (20) degrees

Fahrenheit or the wind chill factor falls below ten (10) degrees Fahrenheit, it

is recommended that students be kept indoors for the recess period.”

The staff will certainly use discretion and take all weather factors into

consideration, but your child should come to school on a daily basis prepared

to go outside in cold weather. If you have not already done so, please send a

warm change of clothes for your child so we do not have to send them home in

shorts in the cold.

I am finishing up with the vision and hearing screening. If you do not hear

from me, it means that your child passed the screening. If I have any

concerns I will contact you.

The flu season is here. It is recommended that young children receive the

vaccine against the flu as well as keeping up to date on routine health exams

and immunizations. Please help everyone, students and staff, from getting ill

by vaccinating your children.

As we try to minimize the spread of illness within the school, we continue to

work with the children on “Cover Your Cough”. Practice leads to consistency,

so please remember to reinforce with your child to cough into their elbow not

their hands. Please follow the illness guidelines regarding exclusion from

school. In order for illness to be an excused absence, you must send in a note upon their return. In order to avoid any confusion, if your child has

fever, please indicate the actual days they had fever on the note. They must

be fever free for 24 hours without the use of any fever reducing medication

in order for them to return to school. DO NOT give your child fever reducing

medication and send them to school.

The holidays are soon approaching. Following is a partial article on Holiday

Safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). For the complete

article go to http://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Holiday-

Safety-Tips.aspx .

Have a happy holiday season!

Desiree Peterson, RN 469-752-4209 School Nurse Desiree.barnardpete@pisd.edu

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Holiday Safety Tips

The holidays are an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday season, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Decorations

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or

nonleaded metals.

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles

where they will not be knocked over.

In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimmings with

small removable parts out of the reach of children to prevent them from swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Avoid

trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.

Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair." Follow container directions

carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are

opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child or can cause a fire if near flame.

Toy Safety

Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety

hazards for younger children.

Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.

To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into

an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.

Children under age three can choke on small parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that

toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.

Children can have serious stomach and intestinal problems – including death -- after swallowing button batteries and

magnets. Keep them away from young children and call your health care provider immediately if your child swallows

one.

Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Remove strings and ribbons from toys

before giving them to young children.

Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.

Parents should store toys in a designated location, such as on a shelf or in a toy chest, and keep older kids’ toys away

from young children.

Happy Visiting

Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with

alcohol or tobacco.

Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.

Keep a list with all of the important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency.

Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222. Laminating

the list will prevent it from being torn or damaged by accidental spills.

Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child's stress levels. Trying to

stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy

the holidays and reduce stress.

Fireplaces

Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see

that the flute is open.

Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can

cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.

Do not burn gift wrap paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

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Party Information

2013-2014 School Year

1st Party Date: December 19, 2013

Our Beliefs

Holidays may add unnecessary and potentially overwhelming stimulation to children who may already experience holiday hype from the media and marketers of children’s products.

Children should continue in a consistent routine at school during the holiday season because the activities of the season may be changing the routine at home.

There are many different cultures and ways that people celebrate holidays in our school community. We could never do justice to all the cultural differences and special events. A respect for everyone’s tradition is essential and important.

We do not want to expose children to superficial or stereotypical holiday symbols because of limited time and appropriateness for children’s developmental level.

We are sensitive to the possibility of some families feeling the financial stress of the holidays.

Although we believe and value holidays for their fun, cultural diversity, and ability to bring families and friends closer together, it is important to understand that the emphasis should be placed on holidays at home and not in the school setting.

Guidelines for Parties

Plano ISD’s policy allows for three parties during the instructional day each year. Party dates are determined at the campus level.

Parties are planned keeping in mind the developmental levels of the children and the cultural composition of the classes.

A consistent daily routine should be followed as a calming counterpoint to seasonal excitement.

Special activities will be developed by teachers. These activities may include cooking, crafts and games.

Noncompetitive games will be planned in order to avoid having a “winner”.

Distribution of materials is not permitted in the classrooms during school hours, with the exception of the three (3) annual parties designated by the district.

Listed below are some items that are not to be brought to classroom parties in order to ensure student safety: * Balloons * Hard candy or foods that present a choking hazard * Water balloons * High allergy foods (nuts, strawberries) * Water Guns

District Distribution Policy

Students may distribute materials to other students during arrival and dismissal, or before or after school. Distribution is not permitted in the classroom or hallways during school hours, with the exception of the three annual parties, which are usually the Winter Holiday party, Friendship Day party, and the End of School party.

The party date for this year is December 19th

Your child’s teacher will send home more info. about how you can help.

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PTA Order Form Forma de Venta del PTA de la Escuela Pre-Escolar de Beaty

www.beatypta.org

Parent(s) Name (Nombre de Padres): __________________________________________________

Student Name (Nombre de Estudiante):_________________________________________________

Email (Correo Elect):_______________________________________________________________

Teacher Name (Nombre de Maestra):_________________________________AM or PM: _______

Address (Domicilio):__________________________________Phone (Telefono):_______________

PTA MEMBERSHIP (Membrecia para PTA) Price (Precio) Quantity (Cantidad) Membership Subtotal

Membership (Membrecia) $10.00 FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

Beaty Spirit Wear T-Shirts (Camisetas) Color

Pink (Rosa)

Blue (Azul)

White (Blanco)

Size (Tamano)

Youth XS (4)

Youth SM (6-8)

Youth Med. (10-12)

Quantity (Cantidad) Price (Precio)

$10.00

T-Shirt Subtotal

Decals (Calcomania de Auto) Price (Precio) Quantity (Cantidad) Decal Subtotal

$1.00

School Supplies (Materiales Escolares) Price (Precio) Quantity (Cantidad) Supply Subtotal

$35.00

Please make all checks payable to “Beaty ECS PTA” (Por favor haga el cheque a Beaty ECS PTA).

All returned checks are subject to a $40.00 return check fee. (Todos los cheques devueltos por el banco por

insuficiencia de fondos generaran una multa de $40.00 a cargo del signatar).

For Use of the Beaty PTA (Para el uso del PTA) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quantity (Cantidad) Subtotal Membership (Membrecia)

T-Shirts (Camisetas)

Decals (Calcomania de Auto)

School Supplies (Materiales Escolares)

Grand Subtotal

Payment Method Name on Check: Check #

Circle One: CASH/CHECK

Order Completed By ________________________________________ Date Delivered _________________

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Treasurer’s Report

Beaty ECS PTA Cash Flow Report

10/1/2013 – 11/5/2013

Year to Date Totals

Beginning Balance $11,804.29

Receipts $248.00

Disbursements $7,309.85

Ending Balance – 11/5/2013 $4,742.44

Wear it Everyday! Volunteers Needed

Thank you for your hard work and donations during

our recent school events. Your contributions are greatly appreciated!

If you would like to become a Beaty volunteer* or

have any questions, please contact Shanda Harris, VP Volunteers, at:

Beatyptavolunteers@gmail.com

*All volunteers are required to complete an online volunteer

application. This is a requirement of Plano Independent School district. The application can be found at www.pisd.edu/volunteer.

Friday, December 20th

No P.M. Session

----2014 Student Holiday----

Monday, January 6th

No school

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Winter Break !!

December 23 rd through January 3rd

(Student Holiday: Jan. 6, 2014)

Have a safe and happy winter break!

CLASSES RESUME: JANUARY 7

RECYCLE!

SAVE THE ENVIROMENT AND HELP BEATY SCHOOL!

Donate your cell phone and ink cartridges!

To participate in the recycling initiatives just drop off your cell

phone and cartridges in the labeled container outside the PTA

room (next to library). It is that simple!!

(BEATY RECEIVES THE MOST FROM COMMERICAL INK

CARTRIDGES!)

For more details check out www.beatypta.org

Weather Closings

School delays or cancellations because of weather are reported as

follows:

Television: All major television stations, including KDFW Ch.

4; KXAS Ch. 5; WFAA Ch. 8; and KTVT Ch. 11

Web: www.pisd.edu

Radio: Major radio stations, including KHKS 106.1 FM; KPLX

& KLIF 99.5 FM and 570 AM; KRLD 1080 AM; KVIL 103.7

FM; and WBAP 820 AM

Beaty ECS http://k12.pisd.edu/beaty-early-

childhood-school

Beaty PTA http://www.beatypta.org

Plano Independent School

District http://www.pisd.edu

Texas PTA

http://txpta.org

National PTA http://www.pta.org/

Please refrain from using your cell phone when dropping off

or picking up your child. A driver using a cell phone is likely to

be distracted, whether they are using a hand held cell phone

or a hands-free set. Let’s err on the side of safety for

ourselves, our students, and our staff. Thanks so much for your

cooperation.

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ATTENTION BEATY PARENTS!!

Staff Appreciation Week is May 5 - 9, 2014

Even though it is still 2013, it is not too early

to start thinking about the 2014 Staff

Appreciation Week.

We will need a LOT of help and are looking

for volunteers for all kinds of jobs, both big

and small.

We will be showering the Beaty teachers

and staff with gifts and niceties that they

deserve all week. We graciously accept

any donation, big or small.

If you have anything you would like to

donate or know of any businesses in the

area that would like to donate

goods/services to our wonderful staff,

please contact your Beaty Staff

Appreciation Chair, Melinda Castellon, at:

mkcastellon@att.net To order a T-shirt, contact

Justyna Allred at: jallred3@gmail.com

FRIDAY IS SPIRIT DAY!

Every Friday is “Spirit Day” at

Beaty.

We encourage the children to

wear their Beaty T-shirts or the

school colors of blue, green

and purple.

JOIN THE FUN!

Beaty Parents,

so much for your amazing

participation in the Square 1 Art

fundraiser! We hope you enjoy your

child’s unique pieces of art and

keepsakes for years to come.

Your child’s items will be delivered to

your home or the school on

December 18th, just in time to be

wrapped up as a holiday gift!

Also, a huge goes out to

all of the

who helped the kids

with the artwork. We all worked

together to accomplish a successful

fundraiser. Great job!!

Thank you to all who

donated pies last month!

Our staff was thrilled!

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We love our staff! The Beaty PTA would like to celebrate our staff birthdays all year long! Once a month, we would love to provide birthday cakes or baked goods for their birthday celebration. If you know any businesses in the area that would like to donate a birthday cake or other baked goods, or if you would like to help with dessert donations, please contact Ashley Wheeler at:

Ashley.Wheeler11@live.com

We appreciate the help in making the staff’s birthdays great!

DECEMBER STAFF BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION IS:

The Beaty Gazette is a monthly publication of the Beaty PTA. Send contributions to:

Beatynewsletter@gmail.com