Welcome to the Blog of the Robin’s Nest Preschool
Welcome to The Robin’s Nest blog! We hope this will be a good way to keep our parents and prospective parents updated on what’s happening in our little preschool here in Palm Harbor. We’ll add our monthly newsletters here, as well as updates on the special happenings that are always happening here at the Robin’s Nest. Add our blog to your blog reader, or sign up for email updates and we will send you an email whenever we post something new. Enjoy!
NEWS FROM THE NEST – OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
PARENT ADVOCATE CLUB (PAC)
Thank you to everyone that attended the first PAC meetings in September. Our PAC officers for the 2016-2017 school year are Jill Pearen, Kayla Marsh, and Leslie Admire. The Robin’s Nest PAC is open to all parents and members of PHUMC who wish to actively support our school. Please join us for the next PAC meetings which will be held on Thursday, October 6st & Friday, October 7th at 9:15 a.m. Future PAC meetings are generally the first Thursday and Friday of the Month at 9:15 a.m. Siblings are welcome!
NOAH’S ARK PARADE
Calling all animals to the ark! The Robin’s Nest 3’s and 4’s programs 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
Two’s classes are invited to watch the parade with a parent.
- Thursday, Oct. 27th: rooms 108, 114, 116
- Friday, Oct. 28th: rooms 102, 104, 108, 110
“BELIEVE”
Thank you to everyone who participated in our fall fundraiser, “BELIEVE.” It’s too soon to know if we’ve hit our goal but we had many wonderful and supportive families participate!
FALL MISSION
Operation Christmas Child is our fall mission. We will be packing shoeboxes! Every shoebox gift delivered by Operation Christmas Child is a tangible expression of God’s amazing love. Details will be sent home in backpacks and by email.
Collection Date: Oct. 10th – 26th Assembly Dates: Nov. 1st – 4th
LUNCH BUNCH
Is your child participating in Lunch Bunch? Lunch Bunch is a great opportunity for children to socialize with friends, including those in other classes. Food is available four days a week and enrichment activities are offered each day. They will have the opportunity to participate in Art, Yoga, Spanish, Music or Science. Children in the 3’s and VPK classes are eligible to attend. Please stop by the office to pick up a form. Fill out your child’s name and class designation. Circle the days you would like your child to stay in Lunch Bunch until 2:00 p.m. and circle any lunches you wish to purchase. Early Care is also available for sign up on this same form and begins as early as 8:00 a.m.
WE’VE GOT SPIRIT…
Join us at the Oldsmar Chick-fil-A, at 3740 Tampa Road, on Thursday, November 10th for Robin’s Nest Spirit night. There will be many fun activities available for children and adults. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to The Robin’s Nest.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Mark your calendars! The annual Breakfast with Santa will be held on December 10th at 9:00 a.m. Tickets will go on sale November 7th in The Robin’s Nest office. You don’t want to miss this wonderful event!
PERKINS PIES
It’s Back! Let Perkins do the holiday baking for you. We will be ordering Perkins pies for the Thanksgiving holiday again. Order forms will be sent home with your child early November!
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
CONGRATULATIONS – We are happy to inform you that the following businesses and/or families have adopted a classroom:
Alicia and Patrick Brannon Audrey and Marc Ford
The Rouse Family (2) The Kendrick Family (2)
The Schmitt Family The Botsolas Family
The Widlacki Family The Cabrera Family
The Aldrich Family The Morkunas Family
The Hanff Family The Wortham Family
Chicken Salad Chick (2) The Hoekstra Family
The Thompson Family (2) The Gonnelli Family
Paula & Jim Hendricks The Verkler Family (2)
The Liu Family The Pellegrini Family (2)
The Emby Family The Long Family
A big thank you goes to all who have participated in the adoption program. Adoption forms are available in the office if you are interested.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Oct. 6 Open House 6:30 (PARENTS ONLY PLEASE)
Oct. 6 PAC meeting 9:15 a.m.
Oct. 7 PAC meeting 9:15 a.m.
Oct. 13 Juggles the Clown (10:30) multipurpose room
Oct. 14 NO SCHOOL
Oct. 17 Fire truck visits rooms 112, 114, 108, 116
Oct. 18 Fire truck visits rooms 112, 108, 110, 102, 104
Oct. 20 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. 21 Conferences for the 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s, and 4’s
NO SCHOOL for all children
Oct. 27 Noah’s Ark Parade at 11:45 a.m. – rooms 108, 114, 116
Oct. 28 Noah’s Ark Parade at 11:45 a.m. – rooms 102, 104, 108, 110
*two’s may watch the parade with a parent
Nov. 5 Time change – set your clocks back 1 hour for Sunday!
NEWS FROM THE NEST – SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
Welcome back: Wow! What a great beginning to the school year! We are so happy to have your children back in our hallways. This school year is truly going to be something special – a year filled with laughter, love and learning. We cherish each and every child, teacher and family that is a part of The Robin’s Nest. Thank you for entrusting your most precious children to us!
Chapel: Chapel started August 29th, all are invited to attend. Chapel will be held on Mondays at 9:05 or Tuesdays at 9:05. If you’re running late on chapel day, please bring your child directly to the sanctuary.
Snacks: Snack time at The Robin’s Nest is a special time for your child. We hope you will help make this a parent/child project by including your child in the selection of the snack. We serve 100% apple juice as the beverage. Snacks must be healthy and low in sugar (no artificial sweeteners). Please save sugary snacks for birthday celebrations only. Also, remember, 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, please feel free to ask your child’s teacher or the office.
Music with Mrs. Groves:
Two’s Classes- The two’s classes are having so much fun in music! They are putting motions to word songs and learning about tempos or speeds of music.
Three’s Classes-The three’s classes are learning to use steady beats and marching patterns. They are starting to play rhythm instruments while singing in different meters or time signatures.
Four’s Classes- The four’s classes are learning various drum patterns and are exploring world music. They are discovering instruments and dance from other cultures.
We would love to have you join us for chapels on Mondays or Tuesdays from 9:05 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Please check with your child’s teacher as to which day they attend.
E-mail Contact: You should be receiving regular information from The Robin’s Nest office. If you have not heard from us we may not have the correct e-mail address for you, so please send a message to us at mailto:amartinelli@phumc.net
Believe Fall Fundraiser: The Parent Advocate Club (PAC) Believe fundraiser will begin on Monday, September 12th, and run through Monday, September 26th. Fundraiser packets will be sent home with your child. This is a great time to complete some of your Christmas shopping and at the same time help out the children and the school. We appreciate the support you give The Robin’s Nest.
Community Partnership Program-Adopt a Class: The Robin’s Nest is beginning our 2016-2017 Community Partnership Program. By adopting a class, music program or the school and making a tax-deductible donation of $150, a local business or individual will receive valuable exposure with students, their families, and church members. The teachers use 100% of the money to purchase classroom materials such as furniture, carpets, manipulatives, books, CD’s, and any curriculum/unit of study supportive materials. If you are interested in adopting a class or would like more information please stop by the office for a brochure. We greatly appreciate all the wonderful individuals and businesses who generously adopted so far this year. Let’s keep it going!
Parent Advocate Club: PAC is a great way to support your child by participating in events and on subcommittees that enrich all of our lives. PAC sponsors a variety of special events for the children and their families, including Santa Shop, Book Fair, Spring Baskets and more. The PAC also sponsors two major fundraisers during the school year. It’s still not too late to turn in your PAC Volunteer Commitment form. Please drop them off in the office.
Two PAC meetings are scheduled the first Thursday and Friday of each month so you may choose which day to attend. We try to keep all meetings to no longer than 1 hour in length. Children are welcome to attend with you! All parents are invited to attend the first PAC meetings on September 8th and 9th at 9:15 a.m. room 201.
Individual Pictures: Picture Perfect Images is our school photographer. School pictures will be taken September 13th, 14th, and 15th.
Open House: Open house for parents will be held the evening of Thursday, October 6st at 6:30. Watch for notices in your child’s bag.
Mark your calendars:
Sept. 5 No school (Labor Day)
Sept. 8 PAC meeting 9:15 a.m.
Sept. 9 PAC meeting 9:15 a.m.
Sept. 12 Believe fundraiser begins
Sept. 13 Individual pictures – Rooms 110, 102, and 104
Sept. 14 Individual pictures – Rooms 112, 114, and 108
Sept. 15 Individual pictures – Rooms 112, 108, and 116
Sept. 26 Believe fundraiser ends
Summer Office Hours
During the summer, The Robin’s Nest office will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
NEWS FROM THE NEST – MAY NEWSLETTER
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.
JOINING HANDS MISSION – What a wonderful mission this was! Thank you all so much for your contributions and support for Joining Hands. We were overjoyed with all of your generous donations. This organization was always thrilled to receive our deliveries. Way to Go Robin’s Nest!
GRADUATION – We want to create an enjoyable and memorable graduation experience for all of our graduates this year. In order to achieve that goal we have photographers that will capture the moment when your child receives his/her diploma. We will also make the video of the entire program available to you at the best possible price. 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.
VPK LAST DAY ATTENDANCE – VPK students are required to attend the last day of school on May 27th. 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 that there will be no Lunch Bunch on May 17th and on May 27th (last day of school) there will be no Lunch Bunch or Extended Day. All students will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m. the last day of school.
TUITION 2016-17 REMINDER – If your child is enrolled for the 2016-17 school year, your first installment payment will be drawn on August 1, 2016. Parents of VPK students, we thank you for your voluntary donation.
VPK CHILD ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE – Don’t forget to get your VPK Eligibility Certificate to us no later than July 1st. Your child can not be enrolled into a class without their certificate unless you are planning to private pay.
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE BEAUTIFUL AND DELICIOUS TREATS ON TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK. IT WAS AMAZING!
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 much 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, writing center, 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
FRIENDLY REMINDERS…
- Final weeks of school are extremely busy; it’s so important that students get to school on time at 9:00 am.
- Afternoon pick up times remain the same – classroom dismissal 12:15, lunch bunch 1:55 and extended care 3:00. Please be on time for pick up.
DATES TO REMEMBER
May 5 Mother’s Day Tea in the multi-purpose room at 11:45 a.m. – 2-day 2’s, 2-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s, and
Bombar/Rashleigh’s 4’s, only
May 6 Mother’s Day Tea in the multi-purpose room at 11:45 a.m. – 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, Martz/Dion’s 4’s,
Hibbens/Karalis’ 4’s, and Blake/Amende’s 4’s only
May 12 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!
May 13 Conferences for the 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s, and 4’s – NO SCHOOL for all children
May 17 PAC Luncheon – No Lunch Bunch
May 26 Last day of school for all T-Th classes
May 27 Last day of school – dismissal at 12:15 p.m. for all classes – No Lunch Bunch or Extended Day
May 27 Graduation 11:00 a.m.
NEWS FROM THE NEST – APRIL NEWSLETTER
Spring 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 out a letter with your class theme and important information about the fundraiser. All baskets are due April 7th. The silent auction begins on April 11th and ends on April 15th at 9:30 a.m. Winners of each basket may pick them up on Friday, April 15th. All proceeds will benefit classroom improvements and technology.
Week of The Young Child
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers and families. On April 11th – 15th The Robin’s Nest joins NAEYC celebrating our youngest learners by participating in Week of the Young Child! Our students will participate in fun and exciting activities including a concert by children’s musician Jack Hartmann, a martial arts demonstration by Pro Karate, a special building experience and a fun day filled with art activities.
Graduation Celebration
The 4’s classes will be participating in a graduation celebration on Friday, May 27, 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 and reservation form. Remember that your VPK child must attend school on May 27th 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 2016 -2017 school year are as follows:
Class Meet & Greet Day First Day of School
VPK Aug. 16th Aug. 17th
2-day 2’s Aug. 18th Aug. 23rd
2-day 3’s Aug. 18th Aug. 23rd
5-day 3’s Aug. 19th Aug. 22nd
3-day 2’s Aug. 19th Aug. 22nd
3-day 3’s Aug. 19th Aug. 22nd
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 7 Spring baskets due
April 7 & 8 PAC meeting @ 9:15 a.m.
April 11-15 Week of the Young Child
April 11-15 Spring Basket Silent Auction
April 25-29 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5 Mother’s Day Tea 11:45
May 6 Mother’s Day Tea 11:45
May 12-13 Parent/Teacher conferences
May 16-20 Spirit Week
May 17 PAC and Volunteer Luncheon – child care provided
May 26 Last day of school for all T-Th classes
May 27 Last day of school for all M-W-F & VPK classes
May 27 4’s Graduation 11:00 a.m.
NEWS FROM THE NEST – MARCH NEWSLETTER
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 visited the classrooms, watched Jeff the Juggler, enjoyed a treat from Kona Ice, and went shopping at the book fair. Thank you so much for your encouragement and support for this wonderful event!
Scholastic Book Fair – The Scholastic Book Fair was a great success. We thank all of you who participated by buying books and working at the book fair. Your participation will allow us to continue our Scholastic Weekly Readers and keep our school library current by obtaining new books.
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 come to each VPK class 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
Week of the Young Child – Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association. The Robin’s Nest will join the celebration by filling that week, April 11 – 15, with fun and exciting activities for our students. More details to follow soon….
Silent Auction: Basket Fundraiser April 11th – 15th – 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. The basket silent auction begins on April 11 and ends on April 15 at 9:30 a.m. Winners of each basket may pick them up on Friday, April 15. All proceeds will benefit future improvements.
Dates to Remember –
March 3 & 4 PAC meetings 9:15
March 12 Spring Forward! Daylight Savings Time
March 17 & 18 Easter Parties
March 21 – March 25 No School – Spring Break
March 28 No School – Easter Monday
March 29 Classes Resume
NEWS FROM THE NEST – FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
REGISTRATION SCHEDULE 2016-2017
Registration will take place in The Robin’s Nest office starting at 9:30 on the designated days below.
• Tues., February 2, 2016: VPK registration for currently enrolled 3 year olds
• Wed., February 3, 2016: VPK registration for currently enrolled 3 year olds
• Thurs., February 4, 2016: Registration for currently enrolled 2 year olds
• Wed., February 10, 2016: Registration for siblings of currently enrolled students of
The Robin’s Nest, Westlake Christian School and Stars & Comets
• Thurs., February 11, 2016: Registration for Palm Harbor United Methodist Church
members’ children
• Fri., February 12, 2016: Open registration for all ages (will be held in the main church
hallway)
Please print all your registration forms from our new web site at robinsnestpalmharbor.org. All forms must be completely filled out before bringing them to registration along with a check for your $150 registration fee and $100 activity fee. Note: VPK students are not required to pay registration or activity fees but have the option 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.
Scholastic Book Fair
The book fair will be held Monday, February 22nd thru Friday, February 26th in room 120. Money raised will be used to enhance our preschool literacy program.
Dad’s Night
Dads of children in the 3’s, and 4’s classes are invited to come to school with your child for a special evening Thursday, February 25th. You will be receiving an invitation, but we’d like you to have an early notice so you can plan to attend! Be ready to visit your child’s classroom and see a show!
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 of any kind or any nut butters are allowed.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Feb. 15 School closed-Professional Development Day
Feb. 16 Class pictures for rooms 112, 108, 110, 114
Graduation pictures for rooms 114, 110
Feb. 17 Class pictures for rooms 112, 108, 102, 104, 116
Graduation pictures for rooms 104, 116
Feb. 22 – 26 Scholastic Book Fair
Feb. 25 Dad’s Night at The Robin’s Nest 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
March 3 PAC meeting – 9:15 a.m.
March 4 PAC meeting – 9:15 a.m.
March 17 Easter parties for 2-day 2’s, 2-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s
March 18 Easter parties for 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s and all 4’s classes
March 21 – 25 Spring break – school closed
March 28 Easter Monday – school closed
Happy Valentine’s Day!
NEWS FROM THE NEST – JANUARY NEWSLETTER
We hope you had a wonderful and joyous holiday season. Welcome back!
It’s wonderful to see all the children back in school. We know the holidays are always busy, yet we had many parents volunteering their time. We thank all of you who have volunteered at The Robin’s Nest during the year. Parent participation is very important to the school and the children love it too!
The children enjoyed a busy and exciting holiday season at The Robin’s Nest. On the evening of December 3rd more than 500 people attended the annual Christmas program presented by Mrs. Kelly Groves and The Robin’s Nest children. It was enjoyed by all!
Breakfast with Santa was a fun and festive morning for children and their families on December 12th. Robin’s Nest wants to thank Waffle House and Sam Norman for sponsoring our breakfast. We are so blessed to have such wonderful support again this year. We would also like to thank our volunteers, cooks, and teachers for making Breakfast with Santa a success.
SANTA SHOP
A big thank you to Jill Pearen, Kayla Marsh, Autumn Helms, Linda Heywood, 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!
REGISTRATION FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR
Registration begins February! To register for next year’s program, parents are required to complete a new set of application forms. Please be sure to fill out the application completely. When you fill out the emergency pick up form, please be sure to put the full address as well as the phone number for each person you have listed. A non-refundable registration fee is required at the time of registering. It is not necessary to get a new health and immunization forms unless you are notified that your current forms are expired.
DRESS CODE
Dress code reminder: For the safety of the children no sandals, open-toed, or open-back shoes are to be worn to school. Girls who are wearing a dress to school must wear shorts. (Please refer to your parent handbook for all the policies and procedures).
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
We thank you for your cooperation and hope to get through the season with as few illnesses as possible.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Jan. 4 School closed
Jan. 5 School resumes
Jan. 14 & 15 PAC meeting at 9:15 a.m.
Jan. 15 Lunch purchase not available for lunch bunch or extended day students
Jan. 18 School closed – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Jan. 21 Wonders of Nature
Feb. 2 Registration begins
Feb. 15 School closed – Professional Education Day
Feb. 16 & 17 Graduation and class pictures
Feb. 22 – 26 Book Fair
Feb. 25 Dads Night 6:30, 3’s and 4’s only
News From The Nest – December Newsletter
Dear Parents,
It’s hard to believe that December is upon us already. Please pay close attention to the events and dates noted in the newsletter as it will be a very busy month. 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!
Jump for Joy, It’s Christmas! CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
On Thursday December 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary, The Robin’s Nest will be presenting its 19th annual Christmas program; “Jump for Joy, its Christmas!”. Kelly Groves and the classroom teachers are working with the children to prepare for this special musical presentation. Please drop your children off promptly at 6:15 p.m. in their classroom.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM DVD
The Christmas Program on December 3rd 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.
THE SANTA SHOP IS ALMOST HERE!
The Robin’s Nest annual Santa Shop will be open Dec. 7 – 11th! This is a special store for children to shop for gifts for everyone in their family. All items are priced $3, $4, & $5. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to experience the joy of shopping on their own for their family and friends.
Look for shopping gift lists and return envelopes to be sent home with your child. Your child’s teacher will let you know the day their class will shop. Please return your child’s shopping list to their teacher by Friday,
Dec. 4th. Unfortunately if a shopping list with the enclosed payment is not turned in by that date, your child will be unable to shop. Additional forms are available in the Robin’s Nest office.
If you have multiple children shopping, each child will need their own shopping list to be able to shop with their class. Please complete a form for each child in your family that will shop.
CHRISTMAS CHAPEL & PARTIES
The Robin’s Nest has a very exciting day planned for you and your child. The day will begin with a special Christmas chapel followed by holiday carols. On your child’s class day listed below, please go directly to the sanctuary that morning with your child at 9:00 a.m. and plan to stay until 9:30 a.m.
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. During our Christmas chapel, your child will have the opportunity to place the gift he/she helped choose in front of the manger. The gift should be new, in the range of $5.00-$10.00 and for a child age infant – 17 years old. Please do not wrap the gift.
Wednesday, December 16th
Bollenbacher/Glass 3-day-2’s, Hudson/Parent 3-day 3’s, , Hibbens/Karalis’ 4’s, Blake/Amende’s 4’s
Thursday December 17th
Bollenbacher/Glass 2-day 2’s, Parent/Wheeley 2-day 3’s, Robertson/Rogers 5-day 3’s, Martz’s/Dion’s 4’s,
Bombar/Rashleigh’s 4’s
After chapel you will take your child to their classroom. Christmas festivities will start soon after!
FRIDAY DISMISSAL!
All Robin’s Nest students will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec 18th. There will be no Lunch Bunch or Extended Care offered that afternoon.
DATES TO REMEMBER
December 3 Christmas program 6:30 p.m.
December 7-11 Santa Shop
December 12 Breakfast with Santa
December 16 Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. special Christmas chapel
Parents attend chapel in the sanctuary with their child
Classroom Christmas parties
December 17 Thursday at 9:00 a.m. special Christmas chapel
Parents attend chapel in the sanctuary with their child
Classroom Christmas parties
Dec. 21 – Jan. 4 Christmas holidays – school closed
January 5 Classes resume
THE ROBIN’S NEST STAFF WISHES YOU
AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON FILLED WITH PEACE AND JOY!
News From The Nest – November 2015
THANK YOU
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.
JOINING HANDS MISSION
We are overjoyed to be able to directly assist people in need in our community. This organization started out as a Sunday morning worship opportunity with a free breakfast for the homeless and impoverished families with children. After seeing such a need to help the homeless we were inspired to offer free laundry and shower facilities for people in need. PHUMC recently donated 4 washers and dryers and The Robin’s Nest is excited to partner with them to provide much needed items to help make this mission a success. Be watching for monthly donation items that will assist in this partnership. Look for the large labeled container in the Robin’s Nest hallway for your donations.
For the month of November we will be collecting travel size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, etc.).
LUNCH BUNCH
Children in our three and four year old programs are eligible to stay for Lunch Bunch on any school day. Lunch Bunch begins immediately after our regular day and ends at 1:55 p.m. The cost is $10.00 per day. Enrichment activities and play time with friends are included. Lunch is available to purchase four days a week for an additional $4.00. Pizza is available on Mondays and Thursdays, Chick-fil-A on Wednesdays, and a turkey sandwich from Westlake’s cafeteria on Fridays. Sign up forms are available outside the school office door. The Robin’s Nest is a nut and peanut free school. This means no nuts or nut butters of any kind.
GIVING TREE MUSIC
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 Friday, November 13th. Their only rule- ‘if you don’t drum, you have to dance!!!”
THANKSGIVING FEASTS
On Thursday, November 19th, and Friday, November 20th, the children will celebrate Thanksgiving with a special feast snack. To help with the celebration, the room mothers will 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 more details as we get closer to the Feast date.
THE ROBIN’S NEST SANTA SHOP
The shop will be open December 7th – 11th. All the children have the opportunity during school to do some Christmas shopping for their family, grandparents, and other loved ones. The gifts range in price from $3.00 to $5.00. All proceeds from The Santa Shop help buy classroom equipment and curriculum. Watch your child’s backpack for more information.
PERKINS PIE FUNDRAISER
Help raise money for our school by pre-ordering your Thanksgiving Holiday pies. Ordering forms are coming soon! Check your child’s backpack or folder. Extra forms will be available in the Robin’s Nest office. We are also collecting pumpkin pies for donation from Perkins, which will be served to the less fortunate over the Thanksgiving holiday by members of PHUMC.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
The Robin’s Nest PAC is proud to present Breakfast with Santa on December 12th in the multi-purpose room. Breakfast buffet includes waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, and choice of one 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 go on sale beginning Monday, November 9th in the school office. Tickets are $8.00 and available for purchase Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (children under two are free, but must share a seat). There will be one seating this year at 9:00 a.m. so get your tickets early!
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM — ADOPT-A-CLASS or ADOPT-A-SCHOOL
A big Thank You to our new Community Partners!
Ted and Karin Small
REINDEER RUN
Join our community as we run to end human trafficking. Saturday, December 5 the race will start and end at Pop Stansell Park, located at 797 Florida Avenue in Palm Harbor. From there you will travel along local streets, trails and parks to end up at the finish line. All participants will receive a medal, water and food after. There will be a timed 5k, 1 mile and a tot trot for our littlest runners (ages 2-10).
Register, volunteer and view sponsorship opportunities at www.phumc.net
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Nov. 5 & 6 PAC meeting and gift wrapping 9:15
Nov. 9 Tickets go on sale for Breakfast with Santa
Nov. 19 & 20 Thanksgiving feasts
Nov. 23 – 27 School closed – Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec. 3 Christmas program @ 6:30 p.m. – Sanctuary
Dec. 7 – 11 Santa Shop opens – Sponsored by PAC – Forms will be sent home
Dec. 12 Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 16 Christmas chapels 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (parents must accompany their children)
Classroom Christmas parties for 3-day 2’s, 3-day 3’s,
4’s Hibbens/Karalis & 4’s Blake/Amende
Dec. 17 Christmas chapels 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (parents must accompany their children)
Classroom Christmas parties for 2-day 2’s, 2-day 3’s, 5-day 3’s,
4’s Martz/Dion & 4’s Bombar/Rashleigh
Dec. 21 – Jan. 4 Winter holidays – school closed (classes resume Tues. Jan. 5th)