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About OakPark Preschool

PROVIDING THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR A PROMISING FUTURE...

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Welcome to our Summer Program!! Adults and children alike are thrilled that school is out and the long days of summer are upon us! Summer allows for a more relaxed schedule and lots of outdoor enjoyment. Outdoor time is essential for our health and general well-being. The sense of peace and pleasure we experience as we take in fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun, smell the flowers, and watch the birds & butterflies is immeasurable. The Creative Curriculum considers the "Outdoor Environment" as one of the learning centers to be used in the educational planning. We intend to utilize this opportunity to the fullest. With the support of the Step Up to Quality 2 Star Award the center has earned, for the second consecutive year, we have renovated the outdoors play areas. There is a large sand area, water play, art and space to run, play soccer, kickball and other sports. We added picnic areas and a variety of plants, and a bird feeder!

Come out and enjoy the new play gardens!

Science education is a natural outcome as children learn about planting flowers, vegetables and herbs. They will be planting, watering, weeding, harvesting and even eating many of their specimens! Summer reading & literacy skills will continue for all ages. Social skills and cultural awareness are enhanced as children work cooperatively with one another and share about themselves and their families. Many teachers are requesting family photos brought in as children learn about the world around them. The cultural music & dance will be a great addition as well.

Splash Days: Water play is another highlight of summer. Children will enjoy using the water tables, bubble play, running through the sprinkler and whatever their imagination allows. Weekly splash days are scheduled for each class.

Reminders: SHOES: All children must wear closed toed shoes or sandals with straps in the back. Please help us keep your children safe by adhering to this request. SUNSCREEN: Please do one application before bringing your child in and we will continue throughout the day as needed.

 

Cultural dance  Cultural dance will be incorporated into our weekly yoga sessions. Nicole Garlando will be introducing the children to the following three types of dance during the summer months. Miss Nicole has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and has become an integral part of our movement program for all ages for the past several years. Dance & Yoga are held each Tuesday morning.

African Dance: Rhythmic dance based on isolations of the body parts, telling a story through movement, improvisational expression, and tied closely with drumming and percussion music. Fast paced and fun, we will learn some traditional West African steps and warm up techniques.

 Middle Eastern Dance: Rhythmic dance also incorporating isolations and percussion music, as well as small gestures of hands and other body parts. Uses props including hip scarves and veils. We will learn both male and female steps while having a blast with shimmees and hip bumps.

Chinese and Japanese Dance: Slower and more relaxed than the others, we will learn some movements from the slow martial art of TaiChi, healing exercises of QiGong, and some aspects of the traditional Japanese dance called Buto. These forms are about relaxation, focus, control, and breath, breath, breath!

Security Notes: Pick Up & Drop off: Safety is our first priority. Summer brings more challenges with increased time outside. When picking your child up from the playground, we require you to enter the playground and speak to the teacher just as if your child is in the classroom. Please close and latch the gates securely each time thru Computer Use: Do NOT share your code with others. It is critical that each person use their assigned codes. If you need a new code, let us know. Remember to sign your child out on the computer even if they are on the playground. Thank you for helping to keep our children safe.

 

Reminders: SHOES: All children must wear closed toed shoes or sandals with straps in the back. Please help us keep your children safe by adhering to this request. SUNSCREEN: Please do one application before bringing your child in and we will continue throughout the day as needed.