We are thrilled to share that we have been re-certified for level 3 Paths to Quality! In fact, we passed with flying colors and the Paths to Quality evaluator, shared how impressed she was with the interaction of our staff with the children. She could tell that they truly care about each child in their care...we couldn't agree more!
There are many components that come in to play when being a level 3 school. One of these components is having at least 50% of your staff with 20 hours or more of yearly training in early childhood education. At this time we would like to recognize those staff members:
Shannon Allen
Lynn Bowers
Tammy Clark
Kelly Eichenburger
Heather Gable
Gail Hacker
Heather Hampton
Judy Harrison
Annette Messer
Malia Rigg
Claire Schmitt
Katie Strahan
Donna Sutton
Julie Voigt
These staff members will be treated to a catered lunch as well as a few other surprises. Please take a moment to congratulate them on their hard work and dedication to the field of early childhood.
Important Info
REMINDER: We take the children outside to play every day as long as it is at least 33 degrees or higher. Please remember to send in a coat, hat gloves or mittens and boots when appropriate and please LABEL, LABEL, LABEL everything.
Also, speaking of clothes, please check your child’s cubby to make sure they have weather appropriate clothes as well as clothes that are the correct size. If extra pants and underwear at home we can use all sizes. We do not need any donations of pants, coats, or diapers.
As always, if you have any questions, please be sure to reach out to us.
Calendar of Events at Polly Panda
February 6 - Hearts & Flowers
On Thursday, Feb. 6th from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. the Dragonflies and their mom (or special someone) will be treated to a catered dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The evening will also include entertainment by the children as well as a special child created a gift for mom. We hope everyone will be able to join us on this special evening.
February 14 - Valentine's Day
Love is in the air this month as the Panda celebrates Valentine’s Day. Check with your child’s teacher to see what is needed for parties and how they would like Valentine cards to be addressed.
February 21 - Field Trip
The two’s and preschool children will enjoy a visit from Silly Safaris as they present their dinosaur show on Friday February 21st. The cost of the show is $9.00. Your child’s teacher will let you know if you need to pay.
Current Curriculum
Preschool Themes for February
3-7 Healthy Me and the Five Senses (letter X)
10-14 Hugs and Kisses (letter V)
17-21 Prehistoric Times (letter D)
24-28 Preschool Royalty (letter Q and U)
Math Concept
Graphing
Nursery Rhyme
Hey Diddle Diddle
Toddlers/Twos Themes:
3-7 Astronauts in Space
10-14 Hearts and Hugs
17-21 Historic Animals
24-28 Super Hero’s
Nursery Rhyme
I’m A Little Tea Pot
Color of the Month Pink
February Birthdays:
Markie Niehaus Feb. 10
Emily Spence Feb. 10
Gail Hacker Feb. 18
Kelly Eichenberger Feb. 24
Work Anniversaries:
Debby Dougherty 2/13/17
Employee of the Month
February EOM is Annette Messer!
Annette joined us in September 2019 as the Sea Turtle teacher. At the January staff meeting, the staff voted for Annette to be the EOM. This really speaks volumes about Annette’s character since she has only been here a short while.
Annette has her CDA and 32 years of experience in working in early childhood education. She has also completed 2 years of classes towards her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood. Annette’s education and many years of experience show as she has an enormous amount of patience and a true understanding of early childhood education.
She loves planning messy hands-on activities for her kiddos to enjoy. Annette also enjoys teaching the children in her care sign language. She shared that she gets true satisfaction out of helping a child express their wants and needs when their verbal skills are limited during certain ages or situations. There is nothing like seeing their little faces light up when they know someone understands what they need or want.
In Annette’s spare time she loves going to rock concerts and amusement parks. She also has four fur babies that she loves to spoil in addition to her seven nieces and nephews.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Annette on a job well done!
Healthy Valentine's Day Treat Ideas
Say "I Love You" with some of these special and healthier Valentine's Day treats!
If Marion County is under a snow emergency Polly Panda will automatically be closed. In the event of winter storms, a decision will be made to close only if the staff is unable to arrive safely. Closing announcements will be made on Ch. 8 (WISH), Ch. 13 (WTHR) and FOX59 (WXIN). The ticker will ready Polly Panda-Indy. Parents will also receive an email as well as the information being posted on our Facebook page.
Save your Spot at Summer Camp!
Hey Mom & Dad! Our Summer Camps are now enrolling!
Summer Camp runs from June 1-July 24 for Pre-K to 5th-grade children.
The campers will enjoy weekly field trips, craft projects, games in the backyard, participating in the library's summer reading program and a variety of other activities.
If you are interested or if you know someone who is in need of care for the summer please stop by the office to pick up a registration packet.
February EOM is Annette Messer!
