We had a wonderful time at our annual end-of-the-year fundraiser.
You can view a full album of photos here.
Thank you to all who attended and to all who give back to RPCNS.
What to consider when touring a school
It’s important that you tour your child’s potential school before enrolling. But even if you do take a tour, do you know what to look for?
Here are some things we feel you should definitely take notice of:
- Does the school feel warm and inviting?
- Is it clean and organized?
- What kind of work is on the walls?
- Do you see a playground and indoor play space?
- Do the children seem happy?
- Are they busy or bored?
- Are they having positive interactions with teachers and other classmates?
- Do the teachers enjoy being there?
- What activity do you see? Are the children working cooperatively?
- Ask yourself,”Is this the kind of environment I can see my child thriving in”?
Call (718) 548-8260 to set up a tour of Riverdale Presbyterian Church Nursery School.
“Tummy Time” class
RPCNS is happy to announce the addition of a summer “Tummy Time” class. This class for 4- to 7-month-olds will be held on Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. The class will run for a total of 5 weeks, beginning on June 28th and ending on July 26th.
The indoor (air conditioned) class will include belly time and song. The cost of the session is $75.
Please let us know if you would like to enroll your baby in this class. We may be reached at 718-548-8260.
The class will be taught by the school’s director, June Cohler.
In recognition of the transition between the end of winter and the beginning of spring, RPC Nursery School held “Pajama Day.” We culminated our study of hibernation by taking down our hibernation caves in every classroom. Each class voted on what appropriate food it wanted to prepare in honor of the occasion. The children not only enjoyed preparing their chosen breakfast food, but also eating and playing in their pajamas.
May trip to The Metropolitan Museum of Art
An early reminder that we are taking the children to The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Tuesday, May 22, 2012. We will be leaving school at 9:15 and returning by 1:30 p.m.
If you are interested in accompanying us as a chaperone, please let us know. This is a museum and playground event and we will be eating lunch in the playground on picnic tables (weather permitting).
The trip includes a walk through the Egyptian Wing, Temple of Dendur, and the Armour Room. They will also see the Tiffany Glass panels and fountain.
Lunch should be sent to school in paper bags labeled with your child’s name.
We will send out another reminder closer to the date of our trip.
RPCNS recently celebrated the Chinese New Year.
We hope everyone has a wonderful Year of the Dragon!
Don’t Call Introverted Children ‘Shy’
Imagine a 2-year-old who greets you with a huge smile, offering a toy. Now here’s another child who regards you gravely and hides behind his parent’s leg. How do you feel about these two children? If you’re like most people, you think of the first child as social and the second as reserved or, as everyone tends to interpret, “shy.” From a very young age, we categorize children as one or the other, and we usually privilege the social designation.
Read more: http://ideas.time.com/2012/01/26/dont-call-introverted-children-shy/?iid=op-main-lede&hpt=hp_bn8#ixzz1l2rzzvRF
Volunteers in the Classroom
Volunteers in the ClassroomBy Marie E. Cecchini, MS
As educators know and research verifies, a critical factor in a child’s educational success is parent involvement. A positive home-school connection not only benefits the child; it also benefits the teacher.
Parental involvement through volunteer contributions, either physical or material, can lighten the teacher’s load significantly. And when the teacher has the support of the parents, she finds “her children” come to school better rested and with assignments completed. Parental support also means consistent assistance in dealing with any behavioral or academic concerns she may have regarding the child.
Step One: Parent Volunteers
The first step in seeking volunteers is to extend the invitation. This can be done via the class newsletter or website, personally during a Parent’s Night, Open House, or other school function, or individually through the use of a parental letter.
The first step in seeking volunteers is to extend the invitation. This can be done via the class newsletter or website, personally during a Parent’s Night, Open House, or other school function, or individually through the use of a parental letter.
The invitation, however you choose to issue it, should let parents know you value their time. Their child’s education is important to you, and with their help, all students will be better able to reach their full potential academically, socially, and developmentally. You are asking for their time, expertise, and talents—whatever they have to share. All contributions, large or small, are welcome. Everyone has something to offer. Finally, request that those interested contact you to discuss convenient times and activities that will be mutually beneficial.
Step Two: Parent Activities
Parents can help out in many ways, both in and out of the classroom. Keep the list of possibilities below handy when discussing volunteering with parents so you can reassure them if they feel they have nothing to contribute.
Parents can help out in many ways, both in and out of the classroom. Keep the list of possibilities below handy when discussing volunteering with parents so you can reassure them if they feel they have nothing to contribute.
Working with Students: There are a number of ways parents can work with children in the classroom. They can help prepare for activities, work with small groups or individual children on special projects, read to the class, chaperone a field trip, help supervise the class at recess or in the library, and assist with a classroom party. They may also want to share information about their careers, cultures or ethnic backgrounds with the class. Some may even be able to share a special skill by involving the children in a unique activity.
Working with the Teacher: Parents who really prefer not to work with a group of children can lend a hand by making copies, assembling student-made books, proofreading newsletters, helping to plan a class or all-school event, assembling parent packets or party gift bags, or collecting recyclables to use for art. Many of these kinds of jobs can be done at home when the parent can squeeze in a few minutes between work and family obligations.
Additional Ways to Help: With a little imagination, parents may even come up with unique ways in which they can be of assistance. For instance, those who are connected socially may know of people who would be interested in donating materials, like clean copy paper or card stock headed to the recycle bin for art projects, and services, like newsletter printing. Fathers who feel they have nothing to contribute may be available to repair broken inside play toys or playground equipment. They may also be able to put together a much needed bookcase using scrap lumber – perhaps donated by a home supply store. The list is virtually endless.
Step Three: Parent Information
In order for your volunteer program to work, you will want to make sure your parents have the following information.
• They need to be on time. They should be aware of the fact that the school day runs on a schedule. Their promptness is essential. They should also know the length of their scheduled time.
• Confidentiality is a must. Stress the fact that it is inappropriate to share behavioral or academic information about other children in the class with anyone other than you.
• Volunteers should know where materials are kept so they can locate them if they need to.
• Parents should also maintain a positive, upbeat attitude when working with children, and they need to know your guidelines for how to handle those that don’t want to cooperate.
• Most importantly, they should have fun with the children and enjoy the time they spend in the classroom.
In order for your volunteer program to work, you will want to make sure your parents have the following information.
• They need to be on time. They should be aware of the fact that the school day runs on a schedule. Their promptness is essential. They should also know the length of their scheduled time.
• Confidentiality is a must. Stress the fact that it is inappropriate to share behavioral or academic information about other children in the class with anyone other than you.
• Volunteers should know where materials are kept so they can locate them if they need to.
• Parents should also maintain a positive, upbeat attitude when working with children, and they need to know your guidelines for how to handle those that don’t want to cooperate.
• Most importantly, they should have fun with the children and enjoy the time they spend in the classroom.
Step Four: Parental Feedback
Obtaining feedback from your volunteers will assist you in making improvements to your program. Take time to talk with each volunteer regarding the contribution he or she has made. Reinforce the fact that parental help is appreciated. Ask if volunteers would be interested in contributing again, and find out if they have any suggestions to offer that might improve the experience for themselves, other volunteers, or the children. Keep an open mind. Finally, have the children show their appreciation by thanking the parent for coming in.
Obtaining feedback from your volunteers will assist you in making improvements to your program. Take time to talk with each volunteer regarding the contribution he or she has made. Reinforce the fact that parental help is appreciated. Ask if volunteers would be interested in contributing again, and find out if they have any suggestions to offer that might improve the experience for themselves, other volunteers, or the children. Keep an open mind. Finally, have the children show their appreciation by thanking the parent for coming in.
In many classrooms, parent volunteers are still an untapped resource. There are parents who genuinely do want to help, but they may need a little encouragement. If you have yet to incorporate volunteers into your program, this may be the year to alter that situation.
Marie E. Cecchini has written several books for educators and continues to write articles for both parents and teachers.
The Pre-K Underground
It was 6 p.m. on a Friday in early June, and my children’s dinnertime coincided with the moment the New York City Department of Education posted acceptance letters online for 4-year-olds seeking prekindergarten spots in public school.
With Blocks, Educators Go Back to Basics
Huddled together on the reading rug of a prekindergarten classroom on the Upper West Side, three budding builders assembled a multilayered church with a Gothic arch. Nearby, another block artist created a castle with a connecting courtyard.
All Work and No Play: Why Your Kids Are More Anxious, Depressed
For more than fifty years, children’s free play time has been continually declining, and it’s keeping them from turning into confident adults
When you thought I wasn’t looking
A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry. When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I looked at you and wanted to say, ‘Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.’
- Anonymous
Summer Camp 2012
We’ve added the Summer Camp 2012 enrollment form to our website. Check the ‘Apply Online’ section of the RPCNS website.
A parent's role in education
“Parents more focused on their children’s education can also make a huge difference in a student’s achievement.”
- Thomas Friedman
