Joseph H. Messina Children's Center News
VPK OPEN HOUSE/ORIENTATION
VPK is a 540 hour free educational program that is designed to build the foundation for children’s educational success. The VPK program offers each child an opportunity to perform better in school and throughout life by offering a developmentally appropriate curriculum with a focus on early literacy skills, accountability and increased teacher credentials. Parents of VPK children should plan on attending the VPK Open House and Orientation on Friday, August 4th from 5:00-6:00PM. You will receive your VPK orientation packet and have an opportunity to meet the teachers.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Thursday, August 10th — First day of class for VPK 2017-2018 school year. We welcome all new students to our center, wishing you all a great school year.
Summer's been great--swimming in the neighborhood pool, playing until dark, going to bed late at night, sleeping in every morning. Now, in a very short time, the routine has to change. What can you do now to make going back to school a pleasure, not a nightmare of nagging and yelling, delaying and dawdling?
Here are some tips for back to school:
• Start getting kids in bed early. Begin a week before school gets underway. You can't force them to sleep, but you can see they're snuggled in bed looking at books. Lay out the clothes for the next day and lunch too.
• Get yourself up and ready first. If you work outside the home, this step is crucial. All goes more smoothly those first days when you're available to guide your children each step of the way.
Remember your goal: You want your children up and out the door on time, and to move securely through the school day so each can reach his/her academic potential.
DIY tugging box 
