Welcome to the Blog of the Robin’s Nest Preschool

WE ARE THANKFUL!

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches and we count our many blessings, we are once again reminded of what a genuine privilege it is for all of us at The Robin’s Nest to work with you and your children. We would like to say THANK YOU for all the support we have received in the way of donations: To the volunteers in the classrooms, lap readers, and to the PAC volunteers for all their help. We appreciate everything you do!

COOL WEATHER REMINDER!

With the cooler weather approaching, we’d like to remind you to label jackets and sweaters and perhaps exchange long pants in your child’s extra clothes bag at school.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Our Fall Mission is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind and we need your help to make this a success! Operation Christmas Child uses gift filled shoeboxes to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. The Robin’s Nest is involving our children in this mission project. On November 4^th, THEY will begin building the boxes and talking in their classes about the difference they will be making to a child in need. There are additional boxes available if you would like to build boxes at home with other children or as a family. Our goal is set for each Robin’s Nest child to build a box totaling 144! Each box will be filled for a child between the ages of 2-4 years old. Please place your donated items in the Operation Christmas Child bin, located in the Robin’s Nest hallway or the office.

GIVING TREE MUSIC

We will drum, dance, sing and laugh together as we learn to “talk” to each other on the drum.  Imagine an interactive circle of kids, all drumming together, holding a common pulse and weaving a facilitated rhythm into a cohesive musical experience. This is what The Robin’s Nest students will be experiencing when Giving Tree Music brings their drumming program to the school on Wednesday, November 13^th. Their only rule- “if you don’t drum, you have to dance!!!”

GRANDPARENTS DAY!

Calling All Grandparents!!! A relationship between a grandparent and their grandchild is a special one and can be a child’s strongest connection to family heritage. They are a true gift to a child. The Robin’s Nest would like to recognize and honor grandparents by holding a special chapel on your students chapel day, November 18^th or 19^th at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.

THANKSGIVING FEASTS

On Thursday, November 21^st, and Friday, November 22^nd, the children will celebrate Thanksgiving with a special feast snack. To help with the celebration, the room mothers may be asked to help set up the snack. This is not a party for all parents to attend. We ask that each child bring in a specific food item. Look for the feast sign-up sheet posted outside your child’s classroom.

THE ROBIN’S NEST SANTA SHOP

This is an exciting event for the children! The shop will be open December 9^th – 13^th. All children will have the opportunity during school to do some Christmas shopping for their family, grandparents, and other loved ones. There are many volunteer opportunities available! Check your email for a link to sign up on line or sign up in the Robin’s Nest hallway. All proceeds from the Santa Shop help keep our classroom equipment and curriculum current and new. Watch your child’s backpack for more information.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 

The Robin’s Nest PAC is excited to present Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 14^th  at 9:00 a.m. in the multi-purpose room. Breakfast buffet includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, and choice of beverage. Your child will have an opportunity to visit with Santa so bring your camera! Advance reservations are required. Tickets are $10.00 on sale beginning Monday, November 4^th in the school office (children under two are free, but must share a seat).

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

A big Thank You to our new Community Partners: The DePetris Family and Shannon & Chris Sprowls who adopted two classrooms! Thank you so much for your program adoptions. It’s never too late to adopt your child’s classroom!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Nov. 7 & 8                     PAC meeting and gift wrapping 9:15

Nov. 4 – Dec. 6            Tickets go on sale for Breakfast with Santa

Nov. 13                          The Giving Tree (special event)

Nov. 18 & 19                 Grandparents Chapel @ 11:30 – Sanctuary

Nov. 21 & 22                 Thanksgiving feasts

Nov. 25 – 29                 School closed – Happy Thanksgiving!

Dec. 9 – 13                   Santa Shop opens – Sponsored by PAC – forms will be sent home

Dec. 9                            Christmas chapel 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, room 104, room 110

Dec. 10                          Christmas chapel 2-day 2’s, 2-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s, room 114, room 116

Dec. 14                          Breakfast with Santa @ 9:00 a.m.

Dec. 17                          Christmas program @ 6:30 p.m. – Sanctuary

Dec. 18 & 19                 Christmas parties

Dec. 20 – Jan. 6             Winter holidays – school closed (school starts back Tues., Jan. 7^th)

PARENT ADVOCATE CLUB (PAC)

Thank you to everyone that attended the first PAC meetings in September. Our PAC officers for the 2019-2020 school year are Sarah Thompson, Brittany Proefke, LeighAnn Sarantopoulos and Tracy Kinney. The Robin’s Nest PAC is open to all parents and members of PHUMC who wish to actively support our school. PAC meetings are generally the first Thursday and Friday of the Month in room 201 at 9:15 a.m. Come join a committee and make new friends. Siblings are welcome!

YANKEE CANDLE FUNDRAISER

Yankee Candle online sales will continue through January 15th so you can download the app, register and send out invitations as well (tax applies to all online orders). It’s a great way to get some early shopping done for the holidays, thank you’s and birthdays!. Let’s make this the best fall fundraiser ever!

FALL MISSION

Operation Christmas Child is our fall mission. We could not be happier to take part in this amazing cause. Let the packing of shoeboxes begin! Every shoebox gift delivered by Operation Christmas Child is a tangible expression of God’s amazing love. Flyers will go out October 7^th with important details.

Collection Dates: October 7^th – 25^th                                    Assembly Dates: November 4^th-8^th  

NOAH’S ARK PARADE

Calling all animals to the ark! The Robin’s Nest 3 and 4 year old’s classrooms have been practicing for this fun event! Parents are asked to bring in an animal costume labeled in a bag (no masks allowed; shoes are required) the day of your child’s event. Everyone is invited to come and watch the Noah’s Ark Parade at 11:45 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Parents of two year olds may dress up their child and attend the event together.

• Wednesday, Oct. 30th: Parent/Wheeley, Martz/Lilly, Bombar/Brinton          
• Thursday, Oct. 31th: Dominie/Raborn, Parent/Wheeley, Dorsett/Terrio, Blake/Biewend

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Mark your calendars! The annual Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday,

December 14^th at 9:00 a.m. in the multipurpose room/gym. Tickets will go on sale November 4^th in the Robin’s Nest office. You don’t want to miss this holiday event!

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

CONGRATULATIONS – Our list of community partners is growing, 38 and counting! We are happy to inform you that the following businesses and/or families have adopted a classroom:

The Knable Family                                                                     The Jowett Family                

The Schmidt Family                                                                   Sean & Heather Cooper          

Rashael Stasney                                                                         Nichole Agostino

Hawkeye Construction                                                              Ed & Mary Eady (2)

The Christensen Family                                                            The Bache Family

The Thompson Family                                                              The Turner Family

The Fazzini Family                                                                      The Admire Family

The Cox Family                                                                           The Savor Family

Bill & Ashley Gonnelli                                                                James & LeighAnn Sarantopoulos

John & Jenny Goad                                                                   Brain & Spine Neuroscience Institute

The Denicourt Fmaily                                                                Makenzie Attuso’s Grandma (2)

The Ford Family                                                                         Jason & Brittany Proefke

The Clement Family                                                                   The Smith Family

George & French                                                                        The Schmidt Family

The Heuchan Family                                                                  Costal Wave Marine

Good2GTo Chiropractic                                                            The Egger Family

Grant & Jennifer Chenoweth                                                    Tristan Morgan

IT Entertainment                                                                         The McDade Family

The Reback’s                                                                              The Thornton Family

The Bergstrom Family                                                                             

A big thank you goes to all who have participated in the adoption program. Adoption forms are located on the table outside the office!

DATES TO REMEMBER

Oct. 3 & 4               PAC meetings 9:15 a.m.

Oct. 9                     Fire truck visits rooms 102, 104, 108, 112, 114

Oct. 10                   Fire truck visits rooms 108, 110, 112, 116

Oct. 14                   NO SCHOOL (Columbus Day)

Oct. 17                   Conferences for the 2-day 2’s and 2-day 3’s classes

No School for 2-day 2’s and 2-day 3’s

Please note 5-day 3’s and 4’s (VPK) will have class!

Oct. 18                   Conferences for the 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s, and 4’s

NO SCHOOL for all children

Oct. 21                   Special Chapel Dorsett/Terrio

Oct. 22                   Special Chapel Bombar/Brinton

Oct. 30                   Noah’s Ark Parade at 11:45 a.m. – rooms 108, 114, 116

Oct. 31                   Noah’s Ark Parade at 11:45 a.m. – rooms 102, 104, 108, 110

                                    *two year old students may watch the parade with a parent

Nov. 2                    Time change – set your clocks back 1 hour for Sunday!

PARENT ADVOCATE CLUB  –  Join us Thursday, Sept. 5 or Friday, Sept 6 for coffee and community while we highlight the Parent Advocate Club’s Fundraisers and Activities. Meetings start at 9:15 a.m., please choose the morning that works best for you.  We try to keep all meetings to no longer than 1 hour.  Children are welcome to attend with you!

INDIVIDUAL PICTURES –  Picture Perfect Images is our school photographer. School pictures will be taken September 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th. This year as an option, you can use their on-line PhotoDay where you can see more photos before you buy them, customize packages, and choose from a wide range of high-quality photo products. This ‘early bird” method will also provide FREE shipping! Watch for your Picture Envelope and be sure to read it thoroughly before turning it into your teacher.

YANKEE CANDLE FALL FUNDRAISER  –  COMING SOON! SEPTEMPBER 16^TH. The Robin’s Nest is excited to have Yankee Candle as our fall fundraiser again. They are the world’s #1 candle brand and offer a wide range of premium candles, fragrances and décor items! The fundraiser will run from Sept. 16^th – Oct. 4^th.  Packets will be sent home with your child. This is a great time to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping, birthdays, and special occasions. Proceeds will go to playground improvements. We appreciate the support you give The Robin’s Nest!

CHICK-FIL-A FAMILY FUN NIGHT  –  Sept. 18^th, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Countryside Chick-fill-A, 2525 Countryside Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33761. Join us for a night together with our school community.  The kids can play and we can all get to know more families, while enjoying dinner. A percentage of the proceeds from our purchases will be donated to the Robins Nest.

SNACKS  –  Reminder . . . the Robin’s Nest is a PEANUT/TREE NUT FREE school. Please read the snack notice carefully when it is your child’s turn to be snack helper. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your child’s teacher or the office.

EMAIL CONTACT – You should be receiving information from The Robin’s Nest office. If you have not heard from us we may not have your correct e-mail address, so please send a message to us at amartinelli@phumc.net.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM – ADOPT A CLASS – The Robin’s Nest 2019-2020   Community Partnership Program has begun. Individuals, families or businesses may adopt a class, music program or the school by making a $150 tax deductible donation. 100% of your donation goes directly to your child’s classroom. Teachers may purchase classroom materials such as furniture, carpets, manipulatives, books, CD’s, and any curriculum materials. If you are interested in adopting a class or would like more information please ask your teacher or stop by the office for a form. We greatly appreciate all the wonderful individuals and businesses who generously adopted so far this year. Let’s keep it going!

Bill & Ashley Gonnelli                                      Brain & Spine Neuroscience Institute

Jenny  & John Goad                                       James & LeighAnn Sarantopoulos

Ed & Mary Eady (2)                                           IT Entertainment

Tristan Morgan                                                  The Turner Family

Hawkeye Construction                                   Nichole Agostino

The Thompson Family                                   The Bache Family

The Christensen Family                                 The Egger Family

Good2GO Chiropractic                                  The Knable Family

Sean & Heather Cooper                                 The Schmidt Family (2)

The Clement Family                                         Jason & Brittany Proefke

The Ford Family                                                Makenzie Attuso’s Grandma (2)

The Denicourt Family                                      Coastal Wave Marine

The Heuchan Family                                       George & French

It’s hard to believe that the school year is almost over. It has been a joy to watch your children grow spiritually, mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally this year. We are happy for them but also a little sad to see them grow up so quickly.

GRADUATION – WOW! Graduation is almost here! We are so excited to have our professional photographers, Felton Video, capture the moment when your child receives his/her diploma on May 15^th during graduation rehearsal. They will also make a video of the entire program using multiple cameras from different angles with clear sound available to you at the best possible price. Get your DVD/USB order forms in before graduation! For your part we are asking that you simply sit back and enjoy the program. You may still take a photo from your seat. The children and the teachers have worked hard and we want to honor their efforts by not interrupting the program with unnecessary distractions. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

All 2’s and 3’s will be dismissed at 10:45 that day and are invited to graduation. Don’t forget to drop your order form with payment at the Robin’s Nest office before graduation!  See you in the sanctuary, May 15^th at 11:00 a.m.!

VPK LAST DAY ATTENDANCE – VPK students are required to attend the last day of school on May 15^th. Any VPK child not present on the last day will be listed with the Early Learning Coalition as not having completed the VPK program. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

NO LUNCH BUNCH/EARLY DISMISSAL – Please note there will be no Lunch Bunch or extended day May 15^th. Also, two and three year old classes will be dismissed at 10:45 a.m. on May 15^th.

TUITION 2019-20 REMINDER – If your child is enrolled for the 2019-20 school year, your first installment payment will be drawn on August 1, 2019. Parents of VPK students, we thank you for your voluntary donation!

URGENT! VPK CHILD ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE – Don’t wait until summer! Please get your signed VPK Certificate of Eligibility to us as soon as possible. Your child can not be enrolled into a class without their certificate unless you are planning to private pay.

ADOPT-A-CLASS – As the year begins to wind down, we would like to give a great big thank you to all who so generously donated to our Adopt-A-Class program this school year. Your donations were greatly received and used directly by your child’s teachers to purchase many needed materials and supplies for their classrooms. Here is a short list of some of the wonderful ways your generous donations were used to enhance your child’s classroom experience:

Math and language games, manipulatives, materials for writing centers, sensory tables, sensory items, doll house and furniture, sorting kits, sand and water activities, cash register, alphabet mystery box, krazy cut scissors, prayer boxes and prayer bears.

DATES TO REMEMBER

May 1                                               Mother’s Day Festivities:  Multi-Purpose room at 11:30 a.m.; 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, VPK A, VPK B

May 2                                               Mother’s Day Festivities:  Multi-Purpose Room at 11:30 a.m.;  2-day 2’s, 2-day 3’s,5-day 3’s, VPK C, VPK D

May 6-10                                         Teacher Appreciation Week

May 14                                             Last day of school for 2-day classes

May 15                                             Last day of school for all 3-day and 5-day classeS –  All 2’s and 3’s will be dismissed at 10:45 a.m.

May 15                                             4’s Graduation 11:00 a.m.

No Lunch Bunch or Extended on Last Day!          

SPRING BASKET FUNDRAISER

Get in on the fun and excitement with our Spring Basket Fundraiser in the Robin’s Nest hallway. Don’t let your favorite basket walk away with someone else! Fundraiser begins April 1^st and ends promptly April 5^th at 9:30 a.m.! Want to know what’s available… click here: https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vTukC2I8T4u51Y81zVzqBk6L438oRQWCGKDHcdp5vDK5tIwNUV_grsk3s2pK2XRnKy8gu63CsBfEosc/pub

LAST PAC MEETING!

Don’t miss out on our April PAC meeting! Plans and preparations will begin for Robin’s Nest 2019-2020 school year. Our parent volunteers play a big role in supporting our preschool program. PAC needs your support. There are many opportunities to serve. Please come join us on April 11^th, 12^th or email us at robinsnestpac@gmail.com. Children welcome!

SPRING MISSION Our spring mission will begin April 23^rd. The Robin’s Nest will be collecting new socks and underwear for the Clothes to Kids drive. Watch for updates, Amazon link and collection bins in our hallway!

GRADUATION CELEBRATION

The 4’s classes will be participating in a graduation celebration on Wednesday, May 15, at 11:00 a.m. The graduation celebration will take place in the Palm Harbor United Methodist Church sanctuary. Please watch for your special invitation. Remember that your VPK child must attend school on May 15^th in order to be listed with the state of Florida as having completed the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Back to school dates for the 2019 -2020 school year are as follows:

Class                             Meet & Greet Day               Time                     First Day of School

VPK A&D                       Aug. 16^th                                10:00                            Aug. 19^th

VPK B&C                       Aug. 16^th                                 11:00                            Aug. 19^th

2-day Classes              Aug. 16^th                                10:00                            Aug. 20^th

3-day Classes              Aug. 16^th                                 11:00                            Aug. 19^th

5-day 3’s                       Aug. 16^th                                 11:00                             Aug. 19^th

DAD’S NIGHT

Dads Night was a fun-filled special event. It was wonderful seeing the children so excited to attend with their dad, grandpas, or uncle. The children and their dads watched the Wonders of Nature Show, enjoyed a treat from Kona Ice, visited the classrooms, and went shopping at the book fair. Thank you so much for your support!

SAFETY FIRST

Please remember to hold your child’s hand when walking to and from the parking lot. Also make sure your child avoids the bushes and climbing or jumping on the outdoor bins. These areas are not safe play spaces.

DATES TO REMEMBER

April 1-5                                           Spring Basket Fundraiser

April 10                                            Play-N-Around Theater, “Little Red Riding Hood” 11:00

April 11 & 12                                   PAC meeting @ 9:15 a.m.

April 17                                            Easter Parties for 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, VPK B, VPK D

April 18                                            Easter Parties for 2-day 2’s, 2-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s, VPK A & C

April 19                                            No school, Good Friday

April 22                                            No school, Easter Monday

April 23                                            Spring Mission/Clothes to Kids begins

May 1                                               Mother’s Day Festivities:

Multi-Purpose room at 11:30 a.m.

3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, VPK A, VPK B

May 2                                               Mother’s Day Festivities:

Multi-Purpose Room at 11:30 a.m.

2-day 2’s, 2-day 3’s,5-day 3’s, VPK C, VPK D

May 6-10                                         Teacher Appreciation Week

May 14                                             Last day of school for 2-day classes

May 15                                             Last day of school for all 3-day and 5-day classes

May 15                                             4’s Graduation 11:00 a.m.

No Lunch Bunch or Extended on Last Day!          

SILENT AUCTION: BASKET FUNDRAISER – PAC is sponsoring a basket fundraiser. Room mothers from every class will make a basket for the silent auction from the items donated by the parents. The room mothers have already sent you a letter with your class theme and important information about the fundraiser. If you or someone you know owns a business or runs a home business and would like to donate to our fundraiser, please stop by the office to give them an information form. The basket silent auction begins on April 1^st and ends on April 5^th at 9:30 a.m. sharp! So don’t let your favorite basket walk away with someone else. Wahoo…let the bidding begin!

CAMP CUBBER 2019 – Registration coming soon! Current Robin’s Nest families will have priority registration days, on March 5th – 7th and 12th – 14th by appointment only. Camp CUBBER offers your rising K-8th graders a fun filled exciting summer in a family-friendly safe environment. This summer’s theme, “Dream Big:  What Do I Dream to Be?” will focus on the question that so many kids ask – What do I want to be when I grow up? Each week will have activities and field trips themed around a few potential dream jobs for the future – things like marine biologist, scientist/engineer, actor/director, animal researcher, and more! Summer camp runs weekly from June 3 – August 2. You can sign up for the whole summer or just the weeks you want! For more information about Camp CUBBER and to download the camp registration paperwork (coming soon), please visit the camp’s website at http://www.cubber.org.  Don’t miss it!

SPRING MISSION – This year for our spring mission, the Robin’s Nest will be doing a sock and underwear drive for Clothes to Kids. Watch for updates, Amazon  link and collection bins in our hallway!

Safety First– Please remember to hold your child’s hand when walking to and from the parking lot. The parking lot is very busy at drop off and pick up times. This is not a safe play area.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Feb. 25 – March 1      Scholastic Book Fair

Feb. 28 & March 1     PAC meetings 9:15

March 11 – 15             Spring Break – No School

March 21                    Jack Hartmann Concert

April 1 – 5                    Spring Basket Silent Auction

April 10                       Play-N-Around Theater

April 17 & 18               Easter Parties

REGISTRATION TIME IS HERE! Forms are available on our website or in the office. Open registration to the public is February 8^th. Robin’s Nest parents please enroll your child to secure a seat!

Important: EVERY line on the forms must be filled out. VPK vouchers due no later than June 1, 2019. Download our REGISTRATION CHECKLIST to make sure you are prepared!

Note: A check for $150 registration fee and $100 activity fee are required for registration. VPK students are not required to pay registration or activity fees but are asked to make a voluntary donation of $250 at registration. This is to cover the cost of extra enrichment activities that are not covered by the amount that we receive from the State of Florida.

SCHOOL SPIRIT WEEK   Robin’s Nest is having a spirit week starting February 4^th. There will be exciting opportunities to dress-up and be silly. Watch for the flyer that lists daily themes!

FAMILY FUN NIGHT  Don’t miss out on our family fun Night, February 7^th at Chicken Salad Chick, 3:00-8:00. There will be children’s activities from 5:00-7:00

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR – The book fair will be held Monday, February 25^th

through Friday, March 1^st in room A120. Money raised will be used to enhance our

preschool literacy program. We need volunteers!

DADS NIGHT!  Robin’s Nest has a special night planned for the 3’s and 4’s classes on February 28^th starting at 6:00. If Dad is not available, grandpas, uncles, or other adult male friends are welcome. Watch for an invitation coming your way soon!

COLD AND FLU SEASON IS HERE!  This is a great time of year to help your child focus on forming good healthy habits. It is especially important that during cold and flu season parents keep sick children at home to prevent spreading illnesses to others.

The best way to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy during the cold/flu season is to:

• Keep sick family members home;
• Contact your health care provider if you or your child are experiencing flu-like symptoms; and
• Follow your doctor’s guidance on treatment.

SPRING BASKET AUCTION – Can you believe it? We’ve already begun thinking about our Spring Basket Auction! With your help, each class will create a unique class art project and put together a fun-filled basket based on a designated theme. A list of the themed baskets is hanging on the PAC bulletin board in the Robin’s Nest hallway.

In addition to the class baskets, we often get generous donations from local businesses. Our auction usually has over 100 items to bid on!

If you know of any businesses that would like to make a donation – or would like to make a donation yourself- please let your room mom, PAC Officer Kristina Menke or the Robin’s Nest office know. We can provide any needed paperwork.

The Spring Basket Auction will run the week of April 1 – 5.

SNACKS – Please remember that we strive to provide the children with nutritious food snacks. Highly sweetened treats, such as cookies (all types), potato chips, brownies, granola bars, gummy bears, and fruit roll -ups, will be permitted only for special occasions. As a reminder, The Robin’s Nest is a peanut free school. No nuts or nut butters of any kind are allowed.

We hope you had a wonderful and joyous holiday season. Welcome back!

We hope you enjoyed your holidays! It’s wonderful to see all the children back in school. We thank all of you who have volunteered at The Robin’s Nest and especially during the busy holiday season. Parent participation is very important to the school and the children love it too!

The children enjoyed a very busy and exciting holiday season at The Robin’s Nest. December 3^rd through the 7^th our annual Santa Shop was opened serving over 400 shoppers! On the evening of December 6^th more than 500 people attended the annual Christmas program presented by Mrs. Jenny Knott and The Robin’s Nest children. The program was priceless. December 8^th was a festive morning featuring Breakfast with Santa for children and their families. On December 10^th and 11^th we hosted two very special Christmas Chapels for Robin’s Nest children and their families. Topping off the holiday season at the Robin’s Nest were classroom visits with Santa, a Christmas story time and of course the festive classroom Christmas parties. What an exciting and busy month!

SANTA SHOP

A big thank you to Sarah Thompson, Brittany Proefke, Tina Savopoulos, Heather Dominie, and all of our volunteers for their help with shopping, organizing, wrapping, and staffing the Santa Shop. The Santa Shop would not be the success it is without you!

PEACEMAKERS – The Robin’s Nest is helping to create a new generation of peacemakers by having our VPK students participate in the Peacemakers program. The Peacemakers program is a holistic program developed to empower children and youth to live peaceful lives. Mr. John and Ms. Kim will visit each VPK class the during January and February,  providing a 4 week Peace curriculum addressing peace, peacemaking skills, individuality and diversity, identifying & expressing feelings, safety planning and respect for the environment. Make Peace!

“The more peace there is in us, the more peace there will be in our troubled world.”  – Etty Hillesum

ROBIN’S NEST REGISTRATION FOR 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR

Registration begins January 29! To register for next year’s program, all parents are required to complete a new set of application forms. Please be sure to fill out the application completely. When filling out the registration forms, please do not skip any lines or information requested. Two checks will be needed at the time of registration, one check for the registration/activity fee, and a voided check for payments through electronic funds transfer. It is not necessary to get new health and immunization forms unless your current forms are expired.

Registration Appointments for Currently Enrolled Robin’s Nest Families: A SignUpGenius link will be sent out by email one week prior to your registration date!

Jan. 29^th               VPK registration for currently enrolled 3”s

Jan. 30^st               VPK registration for currently enrolled 3’s

Jan.31^st                3’s registration for currently enrolled 2’s

Feb. 1^st                 3’s registration for currently enrolled 2’s

Feb. 6^th                 Registration for all siblings of Robin’s Nest, Westlake Christian, Stars and Comets

Feb. 7^th                 Registration for all PHUMC members and previously enrolled families

Feb. 8^th                 Open registration!

ILLNESSES

Our school takes the health of our students very seriously and takes many precautions to control the spread of illnesses and to protect the health of your child. There are additional measures you can take at home to protect your child’s health as well, including:

• follow the basic prevention measures of hand washing, cough and sneeze etiquette and regular cleaning of high touch surfaces
• monitor your child for signs and symptoms of illness
• keep your child home from school and other activities when ill
• keep children home until they no longer have symptoms of illness and are feeling well and able to fully participate in daily programs – children must be free of fever and vomiting for 24 hours before returning to school
• seek medical attention if your child becomes ill, especially if they are at increased risk for complications from illness

DATES TO REMEMBER

Jan. 10 & 11                              PAC meeting at 9:15 a.m.

Jan. 21                                     School closed – Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday

Jan. 24                                     Wonders of Nature (special event)

Jan. 29                                     Registration begins

Feb. 11                                     Special Chapel 3-day 3’s

Feb. 12                                     Special Chapel 2-day 3’s

Feb. 13                                     Do Dad’s (special event)

Feb. 18                                     School closed – Professional Education Day

Feb. 19 & 20                             Graduation and class pictures

Feb. 21 & 22                             Parent Teacher conferences

Feb. 25 – March 1                      Book Fair

Feb. 28                                     Dads Night 6:30, 3’s and 4’s only

DEAR PARENTS,

It’s hard to believe that December is upon us already. As we begin this holiday season and are faced with the many events, “have-to-do’s” and “have-to-get-done’s,” I urge you to keep in mind the real meaning of Christmas. It is a time of God showing His great love for us; a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus; a time to invite Him into our hearts and a time to Rejoice! And so, as you celebrate your faith and family this holiday season…The Robin’s Nest wishes the light of the Christmas star to you; the warmth of home and hearth to you; the cheer and good will of friends to you; the hope of a childlike heart to you; the joy of a thousand angels to you; the love of the Son and God’s peace to you!  ENJOY the season!

THE SANTA SHOP IS ALMOST HERE!

The Robin’s Nest annual Santa Shop will be open Dec. 3 – 7^th! This is a special store for children to shop for gifts for everyone in their family. All items are priced at $5. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to experience the joy of shopping on their own for their family and friends.

Please make sure your child’s shopping list has been turned into their teacher. Unfortunately if a shopping list with the enclosed payment is not turned, your child will be unable to shop. If you have more than one child shopping, they must have their own shopping list to be able to shop with their class. Additional forms are available in the Robin’s Nest office.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS CHAPEL

We invite you to join us for our special Christmas chapel. The 4’s will be helping deliver the message at 9:15 a.m. on December 10^th and 11^th in the sanctuary. Please help your child choose a toy gift to bring to the sanctuary and place on the stage. The gift should be new, in the range of $5 – $10’s for a child age infant – 17 years old. Please do not wrap the gift. The Robin’s Nest is participating in a Christmas mission for our Feast clients and Metropolitan Ministries in need. This is a great opportunity to help teach your children the joy of giving.

All classes will attend one of the following days:

Monday, Dec. 10^th at 9:15 a.m.: 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, room 110 and room 104

Tuesday, Dec. 11^th at 9:15 a.m.: 2-day 2’s, 2-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s, room 114 and room 116

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

On Thursday December 6, at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, The Robin’s Nest will be presenting its 22^nd annual Christmas program; “For Unto Us a Child is Born”. Jenny Knott and the classroom teachers are working with the children to prepare for this special musical presentation. Please drop your children off promptly at 5:45 p.m. in their classroom (parents bring 2’s to the church choir room).

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM DVD

The Christmas Program on December 6^th will be videotaped by Felten Video. Please note that the center aisle of the sanctuary will be roped off the night of the program so that the children’s performance will not be interrupted and the videographer will be able to capture the best possible photos of your children. A great way to enjoy the program and preserve the memories is to pre-purchase the DVD. Look for an order form in your child’s backpack or folder. Additional forms will be available in the Robin’s Nest office.

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

Tuesday, December 18^th

2-day-2’s, 2-day 3’s, room 104, room 110

Wednesday December 19^th

3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s, room 114, room 116

THURSDAY DISMISSAL!

All Robin’s Nest students will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20^th. There will be no Lunch Bunch or Extended Care offered that afternoon. School will be closed for the Holidays Friday, Dec. 21^st through January 7^th. School resumes Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019!

DATES TO REMEMBER   

December 3-7                Santa Shop

December 6                   Christmas Program 6:00 p.m

December  8                  Breakfast with Santa

December 10 &11          Special Christmas chapels

December 18 & 19        Classroom Christmas parties

December 21 – Jan. 7    Christmas holidays – school closed

January 8                       School re-opens, classes resume

THE ROBIN’S NEST STAFF WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON FILLED WITH PEACE AND JOY!

WE ARE THANKFUL!

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches and we count our many blessings, we are once again reminded of what a genuine privilege it is for all of us at The Robin’s Nest to work with you and your children.

COOL WEATHER REMINDER!

With the cooler weather approaching, we’d like to remind you to label jackets and sweaters and perhaps exchange long pants in your child’s extra clothes bag at school.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Our Fall Mission is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind and we need your help to make this a success! Operation Christmas Child uses gift filled shoeboxes to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. The Robin’s Nest is involving our children in this mission project. THEY will be building the boxes and talking in their classes about the difference they will be making to a child in need. There are additional boxes available if you would like to build boxes at home with other children or as a family. Our goal is set for each Robin’s Nest child to build a box totaling 144! Boxes will be built November 5^th thru 8^th. Each box will be filled for a child between the ages of 2-4 years old. Please place your donated items in the Operation Christmas Child bin, located in the Robin’s Nest hallway.

GIVING TREE MUSIC

We will drum, dance, sing and laugh together as we learn to “talk” to each other on the drum.

Imagine an interactive circle of kids, all drumming together, holding a common pulse and weaving a facilitated rhythm into a cohesive musical experience. This is what The Robin’s Nest students will be experiencing when Giving Tree Music brings their drumming program to the school on Wednesday, November 14^th. Their only rule- “if you don’t drum, you have to dance!!!

THANKSGIVING FEASTS

On Thursday, November 15^th, and Friday, November 16^th, the children will celebrate Thanksgiving with a special feast snack. To help with the celebration, the room mothers may be asked to help set up the snack. This is not a party for all parents to attend. We ask that each child bring in a specific food item. Look for the feast sign-up sheet located outside each classroom.

REINDEER RUN IS COMING!

Get out your reindeer antlers and lace up those running shoes! The 2018 Reindeer Run is coming Saturday, December 1, 2018. The race will kick off at 8:00 a.m. at Pop Stansell Park, located at 797 Florida Avenue in Palm Harbor. There will be a 5K run, Virtual 5K run, 1 Mile Fun Run and Tot Trot races for our littlest runners. Register, volunteer and view sponsorship opportunities at www.phumc.net

THE ROBIN’S NEST SANTA SHOP

This is an exciting event for the children! The shop will be open December 3^rd – 7^th. All children will have the opportunity during school to do some Christmas shopping for their family, grandparents, and other loved ones. There are many volunteer opportunities available! Check your email for a link to sign up on line or sign up in the Robin’s Nest hallway. All proceeds from the Santa Shop help keep our classroom equipment and curriculum current and new. Watch your child’s backpack for more information.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 

The Robin’s Nest PAC is excited to present Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 8^h at 9:00 a.m. in the multi-purpose room. Breakfast buffet includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, and choice of beverage – orange juice, milk, or coffee. Your child will have an opportunity to visit with Santa so bring your camera! Advance reservations are required. Tickets are $10.00 on sale beginning Monday, November 5^th in the school office (children under two are free, but must share a seat).

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

A big Thank You to our new Community Partners Kemp Stucco LLC, James and Leigh Ann Sarantopoulos and Makenzie’s Grandma did it again and partnered with the Robin’s Nest Music Program! Thank you so much for your program adoptions. It’s never too late to adopt your child’s classroom!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Nov. 1 & 2                     PAC meeting and gift wrapping 9:15

Nov. 5 – 30                   Tickets go on sale for Breakfast with Santa

Nov. 13                          PAC Santa Shop Prep @ 10:30

Nov. 14                          The Giving Tree (special event)

Nov. 15 & 16                 PAC Santa Shop Prep @ 9:00

Nov. 15 & 16                 Thanksgiving feasts

Nov. 19 – 23                 School closed – Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov. 28                         We Are One Chapel

Dec. 3 – 7                     Santa Shop opens – Sponsored by PAC – forms will be sent home

Dec. 6                           Christmas program @ 6:00 p.m. – Sanctuary

Dec. 8                           Breakfast with Santa @ 9:00 a.m.

Dec. 10                         Christmas chapel 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, room 104, room 110

Dec. 11                          Christmas chapel 2-day 2’s, 2-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s, room 114, room 116

Dec. 18 & 19                 Christmas parties

Dec. 21 – Jan. 7           Winter holidays – school closed (school starts back Tues., Jan. 8^th)