Preschool | Community and Events

 

"Participation is an educational strategy that characterizes our way of being
and doing school. Participation involves the children, the families and the teachers
and is viewed not only as 'taking part' in something but even more as being a part;
that is, the essence and substance of a common identity, a 'we'
to which we give life by participating"

 

Carlina Rinaldi, Reggio Emilia

Children of the world (drawing)

Community and Traditions

The St. John's preschool community includes the children, their families, and teachers. We value and expect the participation of all preschool families and welcome their points of view. Families can participate in classroom traditions such as birthday celebrations and Morning Meeting. St. John's Parent Teacher Council also coordinates parental involvement in school activities.

 

We celebrate diversity in our school community by valuing each child's identity, family and culture, and we recognize the multiple ways in which these elements enrich the entire learning experience. As a community of learners, we strive to provide an authentic experience that reflects our philosophy.

 

From emerging school traditions to opportunities in the parish and the broader neighborhood, we take the time to develop and nurture relationships and explore ideas. Each month, St. John's clergy lead the preschool community in a Children's Chapel that includes music and spiritual reflection appropriate to the lives of preschoolers and their families. Four times during the school year, the Preschool hosts an "Issue Night," which provides a forum for parent education and dialogue among teachers and families. Other school-wide events are scheduled throughout the year.

 

 

Preschool Calendar

 

September

• Teacher orientation and planning
• Cubby parties
• Parent Teacher Council Welcome Coffees
• New Parent Orientation Night
• School sing-along-Tuesdays and Fridays weekly
• Chapels - last Tuesday and Wednesday of the month at 9:15 AM.
• Parent-Teacher Council - meets monthly

October

• Admissions Coffees
• Issue Night #1 - "Admissions to Next Step Schools"
• Issue Night #2 - "Back to School Stories and the Reggio Philosophy"
• Admissions Information Sessions and Tours for Prospective Parents
• School sing-along
• Monthly Chapels
• PTC meeting
• Columbus Day Holiday

November

• Parent Teacher Conferences
• Issue Night #3 - "Exploration of Materials"
• Admissions Information Sessions and Tours for Prospective Parents
• School sing-along
• Thanksgiving Chapel and Community Feast
• PTC meeting
• Collaborative Educators' Seminar
• Thanksgiving Holiday

December

• Family Heritage Month
• Admissions Play dates for Siblings and Parish Members
• School sing-along
• Christmas Chapel and Community Sing-along
• PTC meeting
• School tour and discussion for NAEYC conference attendees
• Winter Break Holiday
• St. John's Church - Christmas Eve Children's Pageant

January

• Professional Development Day
• School sing-along
• Monthly Chapels
• PTC meeting
• Collaborative Educators' Seminar
• Martin Luther King Holiday

February

• Admissions Play dates
• Community Reading Group meetings
• School sing-along
• Monthly Chapels
• PTC meeting
• Collaborative Educators' Seminar
• Presidents' Holiday

March

• Community Reading Group meetings
• Preschool-Parish Auction
• School sing-along
• Monthly Chapels
• PTC meeting
• Spring Break Holiday

April

• Issue Night #4 - "Music"
• Professional Development Day
• School sing-alongs
• Monthly Chapels
• PTC meeting
• Collaborative Educators' Seminar

May

• Parent Teacher Conferences
• Preschool Book Fair
• New Parent Welcome Reception
• School sing-along
• Monthly Chapels
• PTC meeting
• Memorial day Holiday

June

• Community 'End of Year' Celebration
• Closing Chapel and Last Day of School
• Reflection days for faculty and staff