The Prouty Voice: November 2018
Participating in our Democracy
By Chloe Learey, Executive Director
It is never too early to talk with our children about how to be a part of a community – from family to classroom to town to state to country, these different levels of ‘community’ offer opportunities for us all to participate in creating and building the kind of world we want.
Voting in elections is a great way to expose children to formal participation in the governance of our communities. Again, there are different levels of this, from Town Meeting to local, state and national elections. While the language and issues that surround this current election can feel difficult to talk with children about, modeling participation is a way to help children understand that we have agency to act no matter what our politics or beliefs. Here are just a few ideas for making elections and the importance of voting part of your family’s world…. Continue Reading
Welcome Starr!
Starting Tuesday, November 6, visitors, ELC families and Prouty staff members will be welcomed at the front desk by Starr Wolfe, our new Administrative Assistant. Please introduce yourself to Starr as she gets to know all of the many people and programs of Winston Prouty!
Early Learning Center Classroom News
Acorn Room
October was filled with leaves, apples, gourds and pumpkins. We went out to look at what our garden produced and brought in those things to explore in our sensory bin. Leaves were especially a big hit. We made lots of applesauce and put it away for a cold winter’s day! Apples were donated by Green Mountain Orchards. We also received squash from Kathy Hallock’s garden and have purred squash for future snacks.
November brings the beginnings of family gatherings, lots of food and also Day Light Savings. This is a big event for our babies as it throws their rhythm and sleeping schedule off a bit. To the young child, the shorter days and longer nights seem a mystery as also the cold weather and new restrictive clothing that comes with it can also be a challenge. Through story and song we welcome the winter beast as it settles on us here in New England and watch the children acclimate and experience the beginnings of the winter season with wonder.
Elm Room
Maple Room
October was a fun month in the Maple Room! We started our month out with home visits which were very nice and we appreciate everyone welcoming us into their homes. We had a fire safety day and the Brattleboro Fire Department taught us how to “stop, drop, and roll”, showed us what they look like in all of their fire gear and we got to go into the fire truck. We added some costumes to our dramatic play area and everyone has really enjoyed putting on the different costumes. We cut pumpkins and gourds open to explore what was inside of them and what it felt like. We made orange play dough, and everyone helped put ingredients in and helped knead the dough.
Birch Room
Oak Room
Dates to Remember
Wednesday, November 7 – Individual photo retake day, 9:30am
Wednesday, November 7 – ELC closes at 3:30 for ELC Staff meeting
Monday, November 12 – Center closed for All-staff in-service
Thursday & Friday, November 22 & 23 – Center closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Wednesday, December 5 – ELC closes at 3:30 for ELC Staff meeting
View the full school year calendar
Celebrations & Recognitions
Happy Birthday!
11/14 – Leah is 4
11/17 – Happy birthday, Nancy M and Lisa A.
11/21 – Rue is 3
11/23 – Alex H is 3
11/24 – Cortland is 3
11/24 – Payton is 3
11/25 – Alex D is 3
Congrats to Luisa Oakley on receiving her Early Intervention certificate last month!
Resources & Events for Families
The Building Bright Futures Families & Communities Committee seeking parents leaders
BBF’s Families & Communities Committee is actively recruiting parents to join its membership. Monthly evening meetings, starting November 5th. Click here for more information
Executive Function at School and Home: What is it and Why does it matter?
Thursday, November 15th pm at the Arts Barn at Hilltop Montessori School – Click here for more information
Brattleboro Reformer’s Remarkable Women Award Ceremony
Thursday, November 8th – Winston Prouty Executive Director Chloe Learey is a finalist in this community award. Click here for more information
Wishlist
Our Family Support and Family Supportive Housing programs are seeking the following items:
Queen beds (Mattress set, frame)
Twin beds (Mattress set, frame – or bunk beds)
Toddler beds
King bed frame
Crib
Crib mattresses
Bed sheets/warm blankets
Dressers
Pots and pans
Silverware
Cooking utensils
Oven mitts
Glasses, cups
Plastic kids plates/cups
Toaster
Microwave
Ice trays
Living room furniture
Thank you!