Joseph H. Messina Children's Center News

PARENT CONFERENCES

Teachers are busy finishing up the Winter Checkpoint period for all students in our Early Childhood Education Program.  Teachers will be putting out their conference calendar for you to sign up on.  Conference with parents occur three times per year.  At this time teachers will go over where your child is on the developmental spectrum and discuss the goals for the next period.  Teachers and parents reinforcing the same skills at home and at school helps the child to reach the next level.  Conferences will be held between February 15^th and February 28^th.

MANGROVE PROJECT

Chervon Delne, a first grade student in our After School Program has made “Saving the Mangroves” his personal project.  The Trail Blazers 4-H group introduced the project to the school age children several months ago.  The focus of this project was to bring to the students the importance of caring for the environment.  Chervon has been dedicated to the mangrove babies and took the initiative to spearhead the project.  Chervon carefully monitors the water levels in the mangrove containers.  The Mangroves will be planted on conservation land in the near future.

This project was featured at SWFL Parent & Child magazine in January. View the article here

VOLUNTEERS ROCK!

On January 25th, the Teddy Bears' class had a visit from a volunteer.

Ms. Paula spent the day helping in the classroom.  She participated in playing activities with the children, singing, marching, building with blocks, and reading books to them.  We all enjoyed her visit and the great help. Thank you Ms. Paula!

If you want to volunteer, please let us know!

PARENTING

Reading To Kids Creates Habit

It’s never too soon to read to a child.  There’s no set timetable.  Each child learns to read at his or her own pace.  But forget the flashcards!  The most important factor in reading development is whether or not a child was read to regularly. 

• Make reading a priority.   Do it every day.
• Keep a variety of books around---pattern, board, plastic, pop-up and    noise-making.
• Never withhold stories as a form of punishment.
• Encourage questions about words and pictures.
• Take advantage of “environmental print” you see in daily travels.
• Make sure your child has a comfortable spot to read.
• Be a role model.

HEALTHY HABITS FOR LIFE

The "Get Moving Today Activity Calendar" developed by Head Start Body Start provides fun ways to help preschoolers be active. Check out the February Calendar.  There is an activity you can do at home with your child every day of the month!

NUTRITION CORNER

LOVE POTION SMOOTHIE

1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1 small carton of yogurt
1/2 Cup ice cubes
1 cup apple juice

Place strawberries, raspberries and juice in blender. Blend several seconds.  If you would like a thicker smoothie add more fruit or for a drinkable smoothie add 1/4 Cup more juice.  This is one of those Valentine recipes that can be used year round.

TRY THIS AT HOME

DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A BLOG?

http://www.ccswfl.org/blog