May has arrived and the 2008-2009 school year is drawing to a close.  As we enter these last few weeks of school I want to thank all of the staff for their hard work making this is a positive and enriched experience for both the adults and children enrolled in our classes.  I also want to thank the parents who work hard to ensure that the children are safe and cared for during their time in school.  It is because of this cooperative link between families and teachers that Bright Beginnings is able to provide support and learning for all of our students.  As we look forward to summer school and classes for next year, it is important to take time to remember and value this unique time in our lives.

CONGRATULATIONS NATALIE VIDUNAS: ACE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Each year the district acknowledges one teacher and one classified employee at each school site.  This year the Adult Ed Teacher of Distinction is Natalie Vidunas.  For those of you in Natalie’s classes you know what a fun, dedicated teacher she is.  Natalie has taught at all levels in our preschool program from Infants to Pre-K.  She is responsible for developing the curriculum for several of our most popular classes including Count Me In a preschool math-base class offered each summer.  Natalie is a Master Teacher who shares her knowledge and skills with parents, children and staff alike.  She is a very special person who is a valuable member of the Bright Beginnings family.  Congratulations Natalie!

Summer Preschool & Gymkids classes June 14 through July 23:  A full array of classes will be offered this summer.  A flyer has been posted in your classroom and is also available on the main Parent Ed webpage.  Registration begins Friday, May 8 on our website www.fuhsd.org and continues until classes are full.  You may also register in person or by phone beginning Monday, May 11

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4 – 8.  Help celebrate your teachers & aides.  Let them know how special they are.

Parent Board:  The parent board has worked hard this year to support our school:
Book Fair Update:  Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make the Book Fair successful.  A special thank you to Debbie Smith and Anees Siddiqee who co-chaired the book fair this year.  Thanks also to all of you who supported this event .  The book fair earned $1,245 for school improvements.
Spring Basket collections:  Thank you for your generous support.  Because of you, 25 beautiful Spring Baskets full of treats, books and toys were distributed to low-income children in our community.
International Day:  The date has been set for our first ever International Day family celebration.  Rachna Bhatt is coordinating activities and volunteers for this event.  We are looking for volunteers who will help introduce school members to their culture through food, music and fun activities.  Email Susan Robertson susan_robertson@fuhsd.org if you are interested in volunteering or helping to plan this event.  
 
FALL PRESCHOOL registration:  Registration for fall preschool classes continues in the office.  The 2009-2010 school year begins on September 8.  All preschool classes will have orientation the week before school begins.   Information about orientation, class requirements, and the first day of school will be emailed in early June.  All forms for continuing students need to be completed and returned by June 30
Student Information: It is very important to keep your contact information current.  Please inform the office if you change your address, phone number, or email address.

Swine Flu:  At this time, we are following school health policy and the direction of the County Department of Health.  Anyone who is unwell is asked to stay home.  If you develop flu symptoms, please report it to the office.  While at school, make sure to help your child to wash their hands.  Use the antiseptic wipes provided to wipe down doorknobs and other common areas.  New information will be communicated to all students as quickly as possible and will be posted on our website and the district website www.fuhsd.org.

Preschool Graduation and Carnival for all Level 9 and 10 students is scheduled for Wednesday,  May 27.

May has arrived and the 2008-2009 school year is drawing to a close.  As we enter these last few weeks of school I want to thank all of the staff for their hard work making this is a positive and enriched experience for both the adults and children enrolled in our classes.  I also want to thank the parents who work hard to ensure that the children are safe and cared for during their time in school.  It is because of this cooperative link between families and teachers that Bright Beginnings is able to provide support and learning for all of our students.  As we look forward to summer school and classes for next year, it is important to take time to remember and value this unique time in our lives.

CONGRATULATIONS NATALIE VIDUNAS – ACE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Each year the district acknowledges one teacher and one classified employee at each school site.  This year the Adult Ed Teacher of Distinction is Natalie Vidunas.  For those of you in Natalie’s classes you know what a fun, dedicated teacher she is.  Natalie has taught at all levels in our preschool program from Infants to Pre-K.  She is responsible for developing the curriculum for several of our most popular classes including Count Me In a preschool math-base class offered each summer.  Natalie is a Master Teacher who shares her knowledge and skills with parents, children and staff alike.  She is a very special person who is a valuable member of the Bright Beginnings family.  Congratulations Natalie!

Summer Preschool & Gymkids classes June 14 – July 23:  A full array of classes will be offered this summer.  A flyer has been posted in your classroom and is also available on the main Parent Ed webpage.  Registration begins Friday, May 8 on our website www.fuhsd.org and continues until classes are full.  You may also register in person or by phone beginning Monday, May

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4 – 8.  Help celebrate your teachers & aides.  Let them know how special they are.

Parent Board:  The parent board has worked hard this year to support our school:
Book Fair Update:  Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make the Book Fair successful.  A special thank you to Debbie Smith and Anees Siddiqee who co-chaired the book fair this year.  Thanks also to all of you who supported this event .  The book fair earned $1,245 for school improvements.
Spring Basket collections:  Thank you for your generous support.  Because of you, 25 beautiful Spring Baskets full of treats, books and toys were distributed to low-income children in our community.
International Day:  The date has been set for our first ever International Day family celebration.  Rachna Bhatt is coordinating activities and volunteers for this event.  We are looking for volunteers who will help introduce school members to their culture through food, music and fun activities.  Email Susan Robertson susan_robertson@fuhsd.org if you are interested in volunteering or helping to plan this event. 
 
FALL PRESCHOOL registration:  Registration for fall preschool classes continues in the office.  The 2009-2010 school year begins on September 8.  All preschool classes will have orientation the week before school begins.   Information about orientation, class requirements, and the first day of school will be emailed in early June.  All forms for continuing students need to be completed and returned by June 30
Student Information: It is very important to keep your contact information current.  Please inform the office if you change your address, phone number, or email address.

Swine Flu:  At this time, we are following school health policy and the direction of the County Department of Health.  (See district letter posted on main web page.)  Anyone who is unwell is asked to stay home.  If you develop flu symptoms, please report it to the office.  While at school, make sure to help your child wash their hands.  Use the antiseptic wipes provided to wipe down doorknobs and other common areas.  New information will be communicated to all students as quickly as possible and will be posted on our website and the district website www.fuhsd.org.
 

March is a busy month in preschool.  Third quarter is ending, the fourth and final quarter of the 2008-2009 school year begins, and we are pre-registering for 2009-20010 preschool classes.  Spring is just beginning and the teachers are busy preparing many special activities for you and your child.  Make sure to read your quarter schedule so you don’t miss any of the fun!

FALL PRE-REGISTRATION
Pre-registration is open for enrolled students wanting fall Multi-Day preschool classes.   Register by calling 408-522-2707 or coming in to the parenting office.

OPEN REGISTRATION for One-Day classes and remaining spaces in Multi-Day classes will begin on Wednesday, March 18 at 9 AM in the Parenting office.  This is a Walk-In registration only.  Phone-in registration begins on March 19.

SUMMER SCHOOL classes are listed in the back of the Quarter 4 catalog.  On-line registration begins May 8.  Additional information has been posted on our website.

BOOK FAIR IS COMING* Date change for Family Night!!
Save the date for our fun Family Night, “Evening Under the Stars” on Tuesday, April 7, 6:30-8PM.  Volunteers are needed.  Lists will be posted in your classroom. Check the website for information: http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/acebrightbeginnings

SPRING BASKETS
It’s springtime and time, once again, to make sure that needy children in our community have an opportunity to celebrate with a Spring / Easter Basket of goodies.  Our goal is to fill and donate 24 baskets: one from each preschool class.  A sample basket will be placed in your classroom.  You can donate goodies for the baskets: wrapped candies, small/individual size packages of cookies, crackers, granola bars, new books, small toys, pencils, crayons, markers, small games, small stuffed animals.  All items should be new. 
If you don’t have time to shop but would like to contribute, a donation envelope will also be available.
 
SPECIAL DATES:
Third quarter ends on Monday March 16.
Fourth Quarter begins on Monday, March 23.
No classes Tuesday, March 17- Friday, March 20
Spring Basket donations March 30 – April 3 (in classrooms)
Book Fair April 6 – 13
Family & Friends Night/ Reading Under the Stars, Tuesday, April 7
Parent Board Meeting, March 24, 7-8 PM in Room 4.
 

Monday, March 2 7-9PM  $10-individual / $15-couple.
If you have more than one child, you know how challenging sibling relationships can be.  Let Julie Graham, licensed psychologist; teach you some simple strategies to encourage positive sibling interactions.  Register on line: ace.fuhsd.org or by phone 408-522-2707.

Newsletter – February 2009

Third Quarter is off to an exciting start.  As February begins we are looking forward to Valentine’s Day celebrations and the Winter Holiday.  January was a busy month with lots of sun and fun play at preschool.  We are getting ready to begin our pre-registration for Fall Classes you will be getting the information through e-mail .  

Special Request
Due to ongoing budget problems in the State our school budgets have been frozen.  We are requesting donations of facial tissue, baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, paper plates and paper cups.  Collection boxes have been placed in all of the classrooms and the gym.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Direct Donation Drive
To date the Direct Donation Drive has collected $3,211.  This money will be used for a shade structure to cover one of the small pay structures.  We are still collecting donations that will be used toward the purchase of the second shade structure and to help with preschool supplies during this difficult budget time.  Donations in any amount are appreciated.  Forms are available in the office, room 4. 

Perks Café
There is something new on campus.  Perk’s Café, located in the cafeteria building behind the district office, is a work-based learning site for students in our district.  They sell coffee (Starbucks), espresso, lattes, mochas, cappuccinos and hot chocolate plus a variety of teas and flavors for your coffee drinks.  The price ranges from .50 for an espresso shot to 1.25 for a large latte, mocha, etc.  The café is open Tuesday – Friday from 9-1.  If you are dropping your child in a multi-day class why not join your friends at the cafeteria and help support this great program.  The coffee is really good and you can’t beat their prices.

February Parent Board Meeting – Tuesday, February 24 from 7-8pm in room 4

Volunteers Needed:  The Parent Board is interested in hosting our first International Day celebration in May.  If you would like to help plan this fun, family event email susan_robertson@fushd.org

Holidays & Important School Dates:
School is closed for the Winter Recess from Saturday, February 14 through Sunday, February 22.  Classes resume on Monday, February 23.

In-class registration for Quarter 4 is February 23-27.

Please remember to check your email for class & field trip information from your teacher.  It is important to keep up with your class even if you are not in school because of illness or vacation.

Attendance:  The state pays part of your class fee when you attend.  Your attendance and participation is critical to the quality of program we can offer and to keeping your fees low.  Attending parent board meetings and events like the Book Fair help to make up missed attendance.  Check with your teacher or aide if you have absences to make up.  They may have additional make-up opportunities for you.

Book Fair:  Our annual Book Fair will be held the week of April 6 with a special Family Night event ‘Reading Under the Starts’ on Wednesday, April 8.  So mark your calendar and plan to attend.  We will have special community guests reading stories and lots of fun things to do. 

Sibling Solutions Workshop
Monday, March 2 7-9PM  $10-individual / $15-couple.
If you have more than one child, you know how challenging sibling relationships can be.  Let Julie Graham, licensed psychologist; teach you some simple strategies to encourage positive sibling interactions.  Register on line: ace.fuhsd.org or by phone 408-522-2707.
 

Information about Fall 2009-2010 Preschool classes will be posted in February.  Open registration will be on Wednesday, March 18.  We are busy preparing our Fall schedule.  Please check back in Febuary for details.

Welcome back to school.  I hope you had an enjoyable holiday.  January 5 - 9 is make up week in the preschool and gym.  We have no classes on Monday, January 5.  No gym classes are scheduled for Wednesday, January 7.  We expect to have regularly scheduled classes (both preschool and gym) on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of this week.  If you have a question about your class schedule, please check with your teacher.  

Third Quarter begins Monday, January 12. 

Holiday Food Drive

The Parent Ed program is collecting canned and dry food for donation to Sunnyvale Community Services. Donation boxes have been placed in all preschool classrooms and donations will be accepted through December 15. Please drop off your donations between 8-3PM. Thanks in advance for your generous support of the needy in our community.