Our Preschool and ThreeSchool Time is Over

It's hard to believe, but our ThreeSchool and Preschool year is coming to an end. The last day for Preschool is Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14. The last day for ThreeSchool is Thursday, May 15.

Please remember that Monday, May 12 is the last day for the curbside drop-off and pick-up program!

We have had a wonderful year at the Lincoln Learning Center! Congratulations to all of our 4 and 5 year old students who are participating in the Graduation Ceremonies on May 13 and 14 and we wish you the best of luck in Kindergarten next year.

For our current ThreeSchool and 3-year-old preschool students, we hope to see you back at the Lincoln Learning Center in September!

Have a great summer!

Spring Break

Remember: there is no Preschool or ThreeSchool next week for Spring Break (March 31 - April 4). Have a great vacation!

DuPage Children's Museum Field Trip

There is still time to register for our 3-year-old classes family field trip to the DuPage Children's Museum!

On Wednesday, March 26 (M/W class) and Thursday, March 27 (Tu/Th classes), we will meet at the DuPage Children's Museum from 9:30 - 11:30am for fun and exploration.

The DuPage Children's Museum is made up of many different exhibit neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is packed with exciting ways to explore art, math, science and how they work together in the world.

Transportation is on your own and carpooling is suggested. Please meet your teachers at the group entrance at 9:30am for check-in.

Pre-registration for this field trip is required. The cost is $7.25 per child and $5.75 per adult. Children 11 months and under are free and all children must be accompanied by an adult. If you have a membership to the museum, you do not need to register for the trip. You can just meet us there!

There is no Preschool on Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 for the 3-year-old classes due to the this field trip.

Location: 301 N. Washington, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org

Hope to see you there!

Pajamas and Pancakes!

Last Thursday and Friday, our 4/5-year-old Preschool classes enjoyed one of our favorite days every year - Pajama and Pancake Day! The students wore their pajamas to school and brought their favorite stuffed animal for show and tell.

As a group, each class worked together to make a delicious pancake batter while learning how to follow a recipe and how to measure ingredients.

Whether the pancakes were plain, with butter, with syrup, or "the works" (butter and syrup), each student enjoyed their special snack.

Vision and Hearing Screenings

Next week, the DuPage County Health Department will offer vision and hearing screenings to all students in the Lincoln Learning Center Preschool program. The screenings will take place on Monday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 11.

These regular screenings are particularly important during the formative years when a child is learning at a rapid pace. The tests administered by the Health Department can be more extensive than tests given by most pediatricians and should be a part of a young child's care. The certified screening technician administering the tests will note observable signs or symptoms of possible vision and hearing problems.

The vision screening is divided into three tests:

• Sharpness of vision
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Muscle balance (eyes' ability to work together)

*The vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor and this screening does not count toward the Kindergarten vision exam requirement.

The hearing screening detects loss sufficient to warrant treatment in about 5% of school children. The discovery of hearing loss is particularly important among infants and preschool children. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent nearly 80% of all hearing damage.

Both of the screenings are optional. You are welcome to do participate in just the vision screening, just the hearing screening, both screenings, or neither screening.

The DuPage County Health Department assesses a fee of $4 per screening. If you would like your child to be screened, please submit cash or a check made payable to the Downers Grove Park District to your child's teacher by Friday, March 7. Please indicate which screening you are choosing.

If you have any questions, please contact Michelle at mpusateri@dgparks.org.

Reminder! Parent/Teacher Conferences

Don't forget that Parent/Teacher Conferences are next week! There is no school on the conference dates indicated below. Please remember to be on time for your conference so we can keep everyone on schedule. Thank you for participating in the conferences. We truly feel this is a great opportunity to discuss your child's progress in Preschool.

Schedule
Wednesday, February 19 - No School for M/W class
Room 201: 3-year-old, Monday/Wednesday class with Mrs. Lipuma

Thursday, February 20 - No School
Room 201: 3-year-old, Tuesday/Thursday classes with Mrs. Sexton
Room 202: 3-year-old, Tuesday/Thursday class with Mrs. Owens
Room G11: 4/5-year-old, Tuesday/Thursday class with Mrs. Davison
Room G13: 3-year-old, Tuesday/Thursday class with Mrs. Rottmann
Room G14: 3-year-old, Monday/Wednesday class with Mrs. Lipuma (for those not having a conference on Wednesday)

Friday, February 21 - No School
Room 202: 4/5-year-old, Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes with Mrs. Norton
Room G11: 4/5-year-old, Monday/Wednesday/Friday class with Mrs. Davison
Room G13: 4/5-year-old, Monday/Wednesday/Friday class with Mrs. Rottmann

Happy Valentine's Day!

Our annual Preschool Valentine's Day parties will be Wednesday, February 12 (M/W class), Thursday, February 13 (Tu/Th and M-Th classes) and Friday, February 14 (M/W/F classes).

We ask that each child bring a signed valentine for each child in his/her class, but please do not address them to specific children.

Remember, there is no school on Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents' Day. 

Preschool Field Trip - Aladdin Stage Production

Tickets are now available on a first-come, first-served basis for the 4/5-year-old field trip to see Aladdin at North Central College! Remember, that you need to request your tickets by Friday, February 7th!

This fun production is presented by AlphaBet Soup Productions - Chicagoland's Premiere Children's Theatre Company. They have been bringing their special brand of Fairy Tale classics to the stage since 1987.

Tickets are $7.00 per person. Children under 2 are free if sitting on a lap. Free children do not need a ticket.

If attending, please meet your teachers at Pfeiffer Hall Theater - North Central College in Naperville by 10:00am. The show begins at 10:30am and will last 60-75 minutes.

Detailed directions and parking information will be sent home prior to this field trip.

Parent/Teacher Conference Sign-up

Parent/Teacher conferences are right around the corner!

Parent/Teacher conferences are an excellent opportunity for you to sit down one-on-one with your child's preschool teacher to discuss his/her progress and development in the classroom. The teachers are in the process of assessing the children through a variety of developmental activities and will present the assessment information to you at the conference.

The M/W Room 201 class will have conferences on Wednesday, February 19. Conferences for the Tu/Th classes will take place on Thursday, February 20. The M/W/F classes will conduct conferences on Friday, February 21.

Sign-ups for parent/teacher conference timeslots will be Monday, January 27 and Tuesday, January 28. The sign-up sheets will be located on your child's classroom bulletin board - all you need to is to write your name on the timeslot you prefer for your conference. Each conference will last 10-15 minutes. We do ask that you do your best to be on time for your conference so we can have time to meet with everyone. There is no preschool curbside drop-off and pick-up on Monday and Tuesday, January 27 and 28 due to the conference sign-ups.

If you cannot meet with your child's teacher on the date assigned to your class, please talk to the teacher so arrangements can be made. Participation in parent/teacher conferences is optional.

Learn Not To Burn - DG Fire Department

Kicking off the month of January at the Lincoln Learning Center is one of our favorite safety programs - "Learn Not to Burn" presented by the Downers Grove Fire Department! A firefighter from one of the Downers Grove fire stations will visit all of the preschool students and will teach them about "stop, drop and roll" and fire prevention. The firefighter will also put on all of his gear as if there was going to a fire. The goal of this demonstration is to show the children that he is still the same person with all of his gear on and not to be afraid of him or run/hide from him if he has to come to their home. He is the good guy trying to help them and is not scary.

The Lincoln Learning Center is very fortunate to be able to provide such a wonderful, fun program for the students. Make sure to ask your child about it...I'm sure they will have a lot to tell you!

As a reminder, there is no preschool on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day.

Preschool and Tot School Open House

The annual winter Preschool and Tot School (formerly ThreeSchool) Open House will take place on Thursday, January 9, 2014 from 7:00 - 8:00pm at the Lincoln Center. The open house is designed for new families to visit the Lincoln Learning Center, tour the classrooms and meet the teachers. Handouts and registration information is also available.

All new students who attend the open house will receive a coupon for $25 off their first tuition payment of the 2014-2015 school year in September 2014.

As a reminder, Preschool is for children who turn 3, 4 or 5-years-old, but not yet 6-years-old by September 1, 2014. Tot School is a Preschool readiness program for children who turn 3-years-old between September 2 and December 31, 2014.

New student resident lottery registration for both Preschool and Tot School will take place Monday, January 13, 2014 - Noon on Saturday, January 18, 2014. A random selection for class time placement will take place on Monday, January 20, 2014. Non-residents may register for remaining class openings on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January 21, 2014.

 

 

 

FUNdamental Sports

What is FUNdamental Sports?

FUNdamental Sports is a sports based program that provides holistic growth to facilitate learning and life skill development in today’s youth. We use sports as an opportunity for kids to connect with others, enhance their skills, and have a positive athletic experience.  

Healthy Development of Children through Sports

Physical activity and participation in sports is fundamental to the early development of children. Skills learned during sports programs contribute to the holistic development of today’s youth physically, psychologically, and socially. Through participation in sport, children learn about the importance of key values such as teamwork, resilience, discipline, confidence, and self-esteem. Most importantly, children build healthy habits and lifestyle choices that encourage life-long participation in physical activity through sports participation.

FUNdamental Sports, an in house child development sports program for the Downers Grove Park District, provides a forum for children to learn the basics of a variety of sports. The philosophy of this program is for children to learn, be active, and ultimately have fun while learning how to play. The structure of FUNdamental Sports is based upon age-appropriate progressive curriculum that keeps children learning new skills each stage of the program. Whether your child is just learning how to play or has some experience with sports, our program individually challenges its participants based on their abilities. 

The nature of youth sports has changed from what it once was. Children now have the chance to take classes of their favorite sports with experienced coaches who can provide one-on-one attention your children deserve. With these classes, children can become happier, healthier, and perform at their optimal level in all aspects of their lives. Take advantage of this opportunity for your children to build their skills and have FUN with the basics in FUNdamental Sports.

Winter Classes:

·         Soccer

·         Basketball

·         Football

·         Volleyball

·         Floor Hockey

·         Sports Mania

o   Sports Mania consists of classes that range from ages 2-4 years. Children are introduced to sports such as soccer, football, basketball, volleyball and more through creative and fun activities. Parent participation is required for the 2-3 year old class.

Ages:  2-12 years

Day:  Monday-Friday

SPACE IS LIMITED, REGISTER TODAY!!!

Visit www.dgparks.org or call 630-960-7250 for more information

Happy Holidays!

The Lincoln Learning Center Preschool and ThreeSchool began their three week winter break on December 16, 2013. Winter break will continue through January 3, 2014. Students will return to school the week of January 6, 2014.

We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday and a Happy New Year! Looking forward to 2014!

Registration for 2014-2015 school year

It's time to register for the 2014-2015 school year! Priority registration began Monday, December 9, 2013 and will continue through noon on January 11, 2014. All current Preschool and ThreeSchool students, as well as siblings can register during the priority registration period.

Information was sent home regarding class dates, times and tuition, but more information can be found in the Winter 2014 Recreation and Parks Guide, as well as online at www.dgparks.org.

A registration form was sent home with your child Monday and Tuesday. If you are registering your child for the 2014-2015 school year, please bring the completed form to the Lincoln Center registration office, along with your $50 non-refundable deposit and proof of residency. Even returning students must show proof of residency through a tax bill or utility bill. All new students (siblings), must also provide a copy of the child's birth certificate for age verification.

A random selection for class time placement will take place on Monday, January 13. You will only be notified if you do not receive your first class choice. Remember, classes do fill quickly so your best chance at receiving the day and time that you want is to register during the priority registration period. After January 13, returning students and siblings can register on a first-come, first-served basis.

New for 2014-2015! Unincorporated or non-residents who contribute taxes in Downers Grove School District 58 receive resident fees at the Lincoln Learning Center Tot School and Preschool.

We sincerely hope you consider continuing with us next year and allowing your children the opportunity to learn and grow at the Lincoln Learning Center.

If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Michelle Pusateri at mpusateri@dgparks.org.

Annual Preschool Holiday Programs

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Time for our Lincoln Learning Center Preschool holiday programs. You and your family are invited to attend this special performance on Thursday, December 12 and Friday, December 13. The children from each classroom will perform a variety of classroom and holiday songs on the Lincoln Center auditorium stage. The children have been working really hard for this performance so you won't want to miss it. Bring your camera!

On the day of your performance, please bring your child to his/her classroom and then proceed to the auditorium. As soon as the performance is finished, you are welcome to go. There is no regular preschool class on the day of the holiday programs and there is no curbside drop-off and pick-up program on holiday program dates.

Please refer to the performance schedule that was sent home because some classes will meet at a different time and some classes will meet on a different day than their normal preschool class.

We hope to see you there!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! As part of our preschool Thanksgiving celebrations, the 3-year-old classes will be making our traditional friendship fruit salad during class on Monday and Tuesday, while the 4-year-olds will be making a delicious pilgrim soup! These two special classroom activities help to teach the children about working together and the importance of giving thanks for everything we have. From an academic perspective, the students will learn the basics of math through counting and measuring ingredients.

For the friendship fruit salad, please send your child with a piece of fresh fruit or a can of Dole or Del Monte fruit. For the pilgrim soup, please send your child with their assigned vegetable. If you have a question about which vegetable was assigned to your child, please talk to your teacher or email Michelle at mpusateri@dgparks.org.

All of the students will receive a bowl of their special creation, if they want, as a special snack for the day. If you have any concerns regarding food allergies or restrictions, please talk to your child's teacher for accommodations.

Remember, there is no Preschool on Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29. We will return to school on Monday, December 2.

From everyone at the Lincoln Learning Center...Happy Thanksgiving!

Final Field Trip to Lyman Woods for 2013

Five field trips to Lyman Woods are done....1 more to go! What a fantastic time the 4/5-year-old Preschool classes have had on their annual field trips to Lyman Woods Interpretive Center so far! Now, the M/W/F 8:45 - 11:15am class in Room G13 with Mrs. Rottmann and Mrs. Owens will get to experience their fun morning in the woods!

Parents of students in the M/W/F Room G13 class should bring their child directly to the Interpretive Center on Friday, November 15. Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the start of your class. When you arrive at the Interpretive Center, remain in the lobby until the teachers are ready for the children to enter the classroom.

 

Remember to dress your child for the weather and for nature, as we will be going outside. Gym shoes are required.

In case of severe weather, please call the Downers Grove Park District Parkline at 630-963-0575 after 7:30am. Follow the prompts on the parkline and you will receive an automated message as to whether the class will still take place at Lyman Woods or if we will be at the Lincoln Center.

Directions to Lyman Woods:  Highland Avenue north to 31^st Street. Turn right. The Interpretive Center is located approximately 2 blocks on your right.

Enrichment programs at the Lincoln Learning Center

As all of you know, there is a great importance for Early Childhood Education and the Lincoln Learning Center strives to provide a quality early learning environment for your child through the ThreeSchool and Preschool programs. However, there is more to Early Childhood Education than just those two fantastic programs.

The Downers Grove Park District offers a variety of early childhood enrichment programs such as music, dance, art, sports, environmental and historical programs, just to name a few. We also offer two specific enrichment programs that were created to directly supplement the Lincoln Learning Center Preschool. Those two programs are: Preschool Connection and Ready, Set, Kindergarten!

Preschool Connection is a supplemental learning program that is an extension of the 3-year-old preschool experience. The class is offered on Fridays from 9:00 - 10:30am in Room 201 with Mrs. Sexton and Mrs. Kornafel. Preschool Connection emphasizes 3-year-old preschool concepts while reinforcing the importance of independence, communication, literacy, arts and sciences, and social, emotional and physical development. Each week, the teachers review the topics learned in preschool while introducing new projects and activities.

Ready, Set, Kindergarten is a supplemental learning program that is an extension of the 4/5-year-old preschool experience. The class is offered on Mondays from 11:30am - 12:30pm in Room G11 with Mrs. Owens and Mrs. Kornafel. Because this program meets directly after our 8:45 - 11:15am preschool classes, the registered children will be escorted from their preschool classroom to the Ready, Set, Kindergarten classroom, essentially adding an hour onto their Monday preschool class. This program focuses more on academics in preparation for Kindergarten and the teachers work closely with the children in the areas of language, literacy, communication, social, emotional and physical development and arts and sciences. A small snack is served during class.

A new session of Preschool Connection begins November 15 - December 6. A new session of Ready, Set, Kindergarten begins November 18 - December 9. Both classes will also start back up in January after winter break. Winter session information will be available in our Winter Guide which will be available online November 15.

To register, please visit www.dgparks.org or stop by the registration desk in the lobby of the Lincoln Center. If you have questions about either program, please email Michelle at mpusateri@dgparks.org.

Lyman Woods Field Trips

It's time for one of our favorite preschool field trips of the year! The 4/5-year-old preschool classes will discover the fall season and their natural surroundings through interactive learning at the Downers Grove Park District Lyman Woods Interpretive Center. Students will spend one class day engaged in active play, activities and projects taught by the preschool staff and staff members from the Interpretive Center.

 

Parents should bring their child directly to the Interpretive Center on the class day listed below. Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the start of your class. When you arrive at the Interpretive Center, remain in the lobby until the teachers are ready for the children to enter the classroom.

 

Remember to dress your child for the weather and for nature, as we will be going outside. Gym shoes are required.

In case of severe weather, please call the Downers Grove Park District Parkline at 630-963-0575 after 7:30am for the A.M. classes and after 10:30am for the P.M. classes. Follow the prompts on the parkline and you will receive an automated message as to whether the class will still take place at Lyman Woods or if we will be at the Lincoln Center.

Directions to Lyman Woods:  Highland Avenue north to 31^st Street. Turn right. The Interpretive Center is located approximately 2 blocks on your right.

CLASS SCHEDULES:

Class Day                Teacher              Room         Nature Center Date    

M/W/F  8:45am        Mrs. Davison         G11            Friday, Nov. 1

M/W/F 8:45am         Mrs. Norton           202             Monday, Nov. 4

M/W/F 12pm            Mrs. Norton           202             Monday, Nov. 4

M/TU/W/TH 12pm   Mrs. Rottmann      G13            Wednesday, Nov. 6

TU/TH  8:45am         Mrs. Davison        G11            Thursday, Nov. 7

M/W/F 8:45am           Mrs. Rottmann       G13            Friday, Nov. 15

 

 

Halloween Costume Parades

Next week is our much anticipated Preschool Halloween Costume Parades! This is a tradition for the Lincoln Learning Center and one that we look forward to every year. Preschool students are encouraged to wear his/her Halloween costume to school on October 30 and October 31.

Please bring your child to his/her classroom at their regular class time and then proceed to the gymnasium (Room 104) to wait for the parade to begin. You can either line up along the perimeter of the gym or you may sit in the balcony. The teachers will parade the children around the gym a couple of times and then each class will line up for a group picture. Bring your cameras!

Siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends...all are welcome to attend!

Note: There is no curbside drop-off and pick-up on October 30 and 31 due to the costume parades.