Dear Rosebud Families,

 DECEMBER ACTIVITIES

Our custom at Rosebud Preschool, during the month of December, is to keep our activities, snacks, and daily routine geared toward an atmosphere that creates a sense of calm, rather than add to the hectic nature of this time of year. We will spend much needed time outdoors, weather permitting. Please send a jacket, marked with your child’s name, on days that are cold. Our playground is mostly shaded this time of year, so a jacket is often needed.   

The children are enjoying the winter garden and sampling chives and Swiss chard, many for the first time. They are learning how to harvest from the plants, rather than pull the whole plant out by its roots. This is a skill that requires some practice. Most of our gardeners have learned quickly.

 The author, Jan Brett, will be the focus for the next several weeks. She provides many opportunities for activities in the Pre-K class and the large classroom. If your child owns some of her books, this might be a time to enjoy them at home.

 BITING POLICY
We want to provide a safe environment for the children in our care.

 Even though it is developmentally appropriate for young children to bite out of frustration, hunger, or generally not feeling well, we cannot tolerate the behavior at preschool. There are many reasons children bite. If you should be experiencing this at home, please make a staff member aware so that we can help your child have a successful day at preschool. The Rosebud Preschool Board developed a policy concerning biting. I want each of you to be aware how we handle repeated biting. Depending on the time of day, the parent of the child who has bitten will be called to come to preschool and pick up the child. A conference will be scheduled to discuss issues that may aid the staff in understanding the behavior. The conference will be held before the child returns. The second biting will result in the parent being called and there will be a one week suspension. Another conference will be held and we will discuss the possibility that this environment may not be a match for the child. Habitual biting will not be tolerated. The third time the same child bites will result in immediate removal from our preschool.

We are aware that the biter needs to understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. A member of the staff will attend to the biter by explaining that biting hurts and it is not allowed. Another staff member will attend to the child who is bitten. The wound will be washed with soap and water. Ice will be applied if the child agrees. We suggest that your physician be notified if the skin is broken. As with any serious injury, you will be notified as soon as the incident occurs. The biting experience can be very frightening for everyone. Our staff will continue to guide children through each situation that arises. Thank you for your support on this issue.

WINTER VACATION
Our last day is Friday, December 19^th and we will return on Monday, January 5^th.
 

 Our warm wishes for the season,
Cheryl Cushman and the Rosebud Staff

Cheryl Cushman
Preschool Director
(707.544.8600)         Fax: ( 707.542.5109)