November 26, 2008

Wednesday's Menu 11-26-08

Breakfast
Cheese Sandwich
Bananas
Lunch
Chicken Nuggets
Tatter Tots
Mixed Vegetables
Apples
Snack
Animal Crackers

November 25, 2008

Surprised!

I had my first surprise family daycare home inspection conducted by the department of health and I'm happy to say there were no violations, all my paperwork was in order and all safety and physical environments were up to code and in great condition. It was a relief to get through the process. The inspection paperwork is up on the information board for all those who would like to take a look.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Wanted to wish all the parents, children and your families a blessed Thanksgiving. May your home be always filled with warth, love and the abundance of food! Be safe in your travels and gobble to you wobble!

Thanksgiving Feasting
When the Halloween pumpkins are gone,
And the leaves have all fallen to ground,
When the air has turned windy and cold,
Then Thanksgiving will soon be around.
Thoughts of loved ones all feasting together,
Pleasant pictures from past times appear
To dwell in each heart and each mind--
Then Thanksgiving is finally here!
The kitchen has scrumptious aromas,
The dining room looks oh, so fine,
Decorations with pilgrims and turkeys,
And now we are ready to dine!

First the napkins are placed on our laps;
Now the prayer for the meal to be blessed,
Then we stuff the good food in our tummies,
And we hope for it all to digest!

Tuesday's Menu 11-25-2008

Breakfast
Pancakes w.Bananas
Lunch
Turkey
Mashed Pototoes
Vegetables
Sweet Potatoes
Corn Bread
Rolls
Snack
Sweet Potatoe Pie/Graham Crackers
Ice cream

November 24, 2008

Since you been gone Video-

Monday's Menu 11-24-08

Breakfast
Cinnamon Toast w.Bananas
Lunch
Wheat Bread
Fish sticks with cheese
Mixed Vegetables
Pears
Snack
Apples and Raisins

Reminders

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Two photos of your child were due today so that they can create their own personalized decoration to put on the tree. Since it's a short week and the tree won't be up for at least another week please send in by Friday December 5th.

Wipes were also due today

Thanks to those who have already sent in your photos and wipes!

We are going to have a grand feast tomorrow here is what everyone is bringing in..
Aiden-Turkey and mashed potatoes
Izaiah-pie and ice cream
Karissa-Rolls
Lucas-Corn Muffins
Tre-Sweet Potatoes
Zohar-Vegetable

Our Thanksgiving Children

So cute...will add those who are missing soon.








November 21, 2008

Thanksgiving-to those in need

Hi, all -
I thought I would put together a quick list of ways you can donate to help the hungry and homeless in Bridgeport this Thanksgiving. If you know of someone who needs help you can pass this information along. Here it is below.

From The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport :
"Did you know that every day 30,000 people run the risk of going hungry in Greater Bridgeport? Of this number, approximately 30% are children? And most of the other 70% are homeless teens, seniors, and adults with acute personal, medical, job or life problems that seriously impact their ability to earn a living wage? Although it is unsettling to learn that national figures cite Bridgeport as among our nation's cities with the highest child poverty rates, the number of working poor is particularly disturbing. In one of the wealthiest states in the country, even with at least one parent in the workforce, 26% of Connecticut children are living in poverty."

** The Hunger Outreach Program of The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport provides support services to a network of 34 local congregations and community groups that provide direct services to our neediest neighbors in Bridgeport, Stratford, Trumbull, Monroe and Fairfield. Hunger Outreach also applies for and distributes funds from FEMA to pay for immediate needs — food and necessary equipment — and works to secure long-term funding from U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. Hunger Outreach also works with community partners to find long-term solutions to the growing problem of hunger in our community, and serves as an advocate for both the individuals facing hunger and the groups who work to help them. Staff coordinates community efforts to recruit of volunteers needed at local sites and assists with local and national food drives. Feeding Sites - Hunger Outreach, working with local congregations and community groups prepared and served over 1,000,000 meals last year. This network of over 34 food kitchens, pantries and mobile units is made up of mostly volunteers, and works seven days a week, 365 days a year to feed needy families and individuals. Hunger Outreach programs currently serve about 50% of those suffering from hunger in the Greater Bridgeport area. We want to do more. And with your help we can. For more information, please contact Byron Crosdale at byroncrosdale@ccgb.org. Or go to www.ccgb.org that lists the feeding sites.

** Thanksgiving Day Feast at United Congregational Church:
Thanksgiving Day November 27, 12:00 Noon – 3 pm. No Charge, No Reservations, Good Food, Good Music, Good Fellowship at United Congregational Church, 877 Park Avenue.

This is United's 8th Feast and with each year their guest numbers increase. They offer a delicious meal, with as many extra helpings as one would want, as well as bags of fresh fruit, toiletries and a vast array of warm clothing from Joyce's Closet. This year with our economy being what it is, with folks losing jobs, struggling with mortgage/rent payments and utilities costs, they anticipate a larger number than ever to partake in United's invitation to dinner. With this in mind, they are asking members and friends of United for donations of hats, coats, scarves, gloves, warm clothing of any kind. For information, 203-335-3107 or go to www.uccbridgeport.org

** Black Rock Food Pantry To Open
Black Rock Food Pantry is set to open on November 22. To schedule a shopping appointment, individuals or heads of families may call the Food Pantry at 522-6247. A volunteer will either schedule your appointment after ascertaining that you qualify or, return your call as soon as possible if you leave a message with your return number. The Pantry is conveniently located at the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Princeton Street in Black Rock. If you are in need, don't hesitate to give us a call, now. If you know of an individual or family in need of assistance to supplement their food budget through this service, tell them about us.There are no costs associated with this service to the Black Rock community. All qualifying individuals and families should avail themselves of this opportunity. The plan for now is to open every Saturday of the month by appointment. More days may be added as need arises. The Black Rock Food Pantry thanks all those individuals who volunteered their time to make this community service possible.

** Greater Bridgeport Salvation Army Seeks Donations for Thanksgiving Food Aid
The Greater Bridgeport Salvation Army seeks donations of nonperishable food items and cash in support of its annual Thanksgiving food distribution for families living in Bridgeport and three nearby towns.Major Michael Sharpe, the organization's area coordinator, said the number of families seeking help has increased dramatically due to the poor economy.

"At present, we serve an average of 600 to 1,000 mostly working families monthly in our food pantry," Sharpe said. "For Thanksgiving, we anticipate serving 1,500 to 2,000 eligible families in the greater Bridgeport area, which is double the number served last year."

Food items that can be donated include stuffing mix and instant potatoes; canned fruits, yams, vegetables and gravy; packaged desserts and mixes; and juices, coffee, tea and soda. In addition, cash donations are needed to purchase turkeys and other perishable food items.

The local Salvation Army provides programs year-round to support children, families and senior citizens. Last year, its emergency food pantry provided more than 200,000 meals to about 12,000 families. Its Weekend Backpack program provides seven meals each weekend to eligible children in three Bridgeport schools. Thanksgiving food donations can be dropped off weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by Monday, Nov. 24 at the Salvation Army downtown office, 30 Elm St. Checks can be dropped off at, or mailed to (zip code is 06604) the same location. Call 334-0995

** Bridgeport Rescue Mission - Thanksgiving Compassion In Action
Bridgeport Rescue Mission w has recorded a 60% increase in meals provided from 2007 to 2008. And we expect to see record number of folks joining us for meals during the Thanksgiving day holiday. The week of Thanksgiving the mission is preparing to provide an expected 6,400 meals to the hungry and homeless of Fairfield County. We anticipate at least a crowd of 1,400 at our annual Great Thanksgiving banquet on Sunday, Nov. 23 at Golden Hill Methodist Church. We'll also distribute Thanksgiving Pantry Boxes through our mobile kitchen as it travels to sites in Bridgeport, and South Norwalk.

We are calling on friends like you to assist with the massive amounts of food we will need to feed so many people during the holidays and all year round. Please bring donations to our kitchen at 1088 Fairfield Avenue. See web site for list of types of food needed If you are unable to shop or would prefer to make a monetary donation, online at www.bridgeportrescuemission.org to help cover the additional costs of Thanksgiving and Christmas. We believe that no one should go hungry especially during the holidays.

Here's how you, your school, church, business, community organization, Youth Group, or Sunday School class can help during the holidays: Pantry Box Distribution Volunteer Teams -Help us distribute Thanksgiving Pantry Boxes to the working poor - Thursday, November 20 thru Wednesday, November 26 , Must be 18 years old.

Bridgeport Rescue Mission Great Thanksgiving Banquet – Sunday, Nov. 23, Golden Hill United Methodist Church, 210 Elm Street, Bridgeport. Questions? Call (203) 333-4087 and leave a message or go to www.bridgeportrescuemission.org

** The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County is lower Fairfield County's primary hunger-relief organization. We provide food to about 100 non-profit agencies and programs that serve low income people in our six town service area through bags of groceries and congregate meals. These include soup kitchens, food pantries, child care programs, homeless shelters, senior centers, domestic violence safe houses, and rehabilitation programs. 203) 358-8898 www.foodbanklfc.org To serve as an efficient and effective provider of nutritious food to non-profit organizations that feed the hungry in Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford and Wilton (note: does not serve Bridgeport), while seeking to raise awareness of and promote action to combat hunger in those communities.

You can also find a comprehensive list of over 40 places in Bridgeport where you can donate food at this email address: http://tinyurl.com/6xzzmr

New Videos

These videos are taken from Nelson's video camera from the last time we were outside. Wanted to see how well they transferred to the blog. Enjoy!

Friday's Menu 11-21-2008

Breakfast
Cheerios and apples
Lunch
Cheese Ravoli with tomato sauce
Oranges
Snack
Applesauce

New Policy

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After much thought I have decided that parents no longer need to provide a snack for their child. Your child still will be given 1-2 snacks a day. It just makes it easier for me to give everyone the same snack. If you have a questions just let me know.

November 21, 2008

Up and Coming Events
Tuesday November 25th-Thanksgiving arts and crafts and lunch. We would like that each child bring in something to share for a Thanksgiving lunch. I will be supplying turkey. Please let me know what you will be bringing i.e. corn muffins, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, pie

News
-My neighbor has offered the use of her driveway for the parents of the daycare for quick drop off and pickups.
-Scholastic Book is having a customer appreciation warehouse sale. Save 25-80% off the cover price on books, software, gifts, and more at our Holiday Warehouse Sale. This has nothing to do with the book you purchase directly from me but I figured it would be a great place for you to get a great sale for the holidays. Information below:

Warehouse sales are exclusively for educators, homeschoolers, and Book Fair chairpeople / volunteers. It's our way of thanking you for your commitment to helping children become life long learners.

Register for a sale now! Sign up to get your Fast-Cart Pass to bypass the sign-in lines and you'll receive a valuable coupon worth $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. To get started, enter a zip code or select a state to find a book sale near you. http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/events/warehouse/

Scholastic Book Fairs
90 Old Sherman Turnpike
Danbury, CT 06816(800) 272-2665
Sat., 12/06/2008 - Sat., 12/13/2008
Monday 12/8 - Friday 12/12 - 11am-8pm
Saturday 12/13 - 9am-4pm
Closed Sunday

Reminders
-The daycare is closed on Thanksgiving Thursday 27th and Friday 28th. Some parents have told me that they will be picking up their child early or they will not be attending at all Wednesday. Please let me know as I have moved the Thanksgiving activities to Tuesday.
-After the Thanksgiving holiday please bring in 3 packs of sensitive wipes refills. These are used for diaper changes as well as for little hands after each meal.

Question of the week
Would you pay more for a daycare that included wipes and diapers?

November 20, 2008

Thursday's Menu 11-20-08

Breakfast
Pancakes and Bananas
Lunch
Cheeseburger
French Fries
Oranges
Snack
Vanilla Cookies

November 19, 2008

Wednesday's Menu 11-19-08

Breakfast
Scambled eggs and toast
Lunch
Turkey Sandwich
Tomato Soup
Apples
Snack
Peanut Butter Crackers

November 18, 2008

Tuesday's Menu 11-18-08

Breakfast
Cinnamon Toast
Apples
Lunch
Spaghetti, Sauce and meatballs
Oranges
Snack
Graham Crackers

Monday's Menu 11-17-08

Breakfast
French Toast Sticks
Bananas
Lunch
Chicken Nuggets
Tatter Tots
Mixed Veggies
Apples
Snack
Animal Crackers

November 17, 2008

Everyone on Board?!

There is a slight problem with everyone not receiving the automatic emails for the blog. Everyone needs to verify their google email account address here. https://www.google.com/groups/signin

Once you have confirmed your address let me know and I will test for you. If you haven't been on the blog for a while you can check out the past posts that also have pictures and videos.

Wanted to know how everyone felt about the weekly updates. Would anyone rather have the lunch menus posted everyday? I know sometimes it's hard to come home and cook and you probably rather not make the same meal I made for lunch. Let me know your thoughts on this as I can easily send that information everyday and leave reminders, updates and any news for Fridays. You can shoot me an email or post your comments directly on the blog.

Just a reminder that we have a field trip to the playground at Trumbull mall. There will be no cost associated with this trip. I will ask that some of you leave us your child's car seat. Transportation consent forms will be waiting by the sign in sheet for each child today.

November 14, 2008

November 14, 2008

BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE!….and dark for that matter.
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Please be careful when walking up the driveway, stairs or through the grass. When it’s cold and wet it’s hard to see the slippery spots. Please make sure the little ones don’t step on the rocks as they can hurt themselves. I’ve begun to put my car in the carport so that you have access to the driveway if needed. Please do not block the driveway!

PARENT ASSIGNMENT:
I would love to know more about you, your child, your views and thoughts. Please feel free to be funny in your answers. Remember there are no wrong answers! You can send back through email. Here are a couple of questions I would like you to answer:

  • How would you describe your parenting style?

  • After you pick up your child from daycare what are your evenings like?

  • Describe how you perceive your child’s behavior, attitude, disposition, style etc.

  • Describe how you perceive your child in the future.

  • What is your child’s schedule on the weekends? i.e. meals, sleeping, bedtime, wake up time etc.

  • Do you have any questions of me about the daycare or even about my family? (Feel free to ask anything)

  • Up and Coming Events
    Trumbull Mall playground trip scheduled for Tuesday


    News
    -We will be putting up a Christmas tree and a Hanukkah Manora very soon. We will have a day in December to talk about Hanukkah. Zohar’s mom Osi, will help with that special day’s activities including the meal of Latkas (potato pancakes) and Suvganyot (jelly donuts).


    -Please send in at less two photos of your child by November 24th so that they can create their own personalized decoration to put on the tree (remember you can purchase pictures that I have already taken on Kodakgallery.com).

    Reminders
    -Please bring in juice next week. (All juice should be 100% juice)

    Monday
    B: Wheat Bagels and oranges
    L: Grilled Cheese, hardboiled eggs, bread, corn and apples
    S: Animal Crackers

    Tuesday
    B: French toast sticks w. bananas
    L: Chicken Nuggets, Rice, black beans, Corn, Grapes
    S: Graham crackers

    Wednesday
    B: Pancakes and Bananas
    L: Chicken Nuggets, wheat bread, Mixed Veggies, Oranges
    S: goldfish

    Thursday
    B: Oatmeal and applesauce
    L: Scrambled eggs w. cheese, Green beans, wheat toast and apples
    S: Cheese Crackers/Peanut Butter Crackers

    Friday
    B: Cheerios and Bananas
    L: mac and cheese, carrots, grapes
    S: applesauce and graham crackers


    November 12, 2008

    Books Orders

    December Book Orders are due this Friday.

    I've just received a scholastic flyer for holiday gift books The flyer contains 12 pages box sets and gifts for grades K-6. Great ideas and affordable gifts for those last minute holiday gifts. I will leave the flyer in your child's bin. To get these items before the holiday this flyer will be due by the 21st.

    November 10, 2008

    Helping Hand Video

    It's cute to see when the kids start showing empathy and want to help someone close to them. Watch in this video on how simple jumping around turns into lessons on helping each other up. If you are on the floor at home ask your child to help you get up. I'm sure you can come up with other things they want to help you with--all great lessons.

    Change of Plans--Thursday

    The weather report for Thursday is looking like rain and noticing that several children are sick we will be having a slumber movie Thursday. Please bring your children in their PJ's as we will be taking it easy and watching a movie that has yet to be determined.

    November 7, 2008

    November 7, 2008

    Now that we have everyone on board I wanted to reiterate some of the rules and policies.

    Sign In/Out Procedures-Parents are expected to sign their child in and out each and every day of attendance. Please help your child with their personal effects before leaving by placing them in their bins or hooks provided.
    Personal Belongings -Parents are asked to see that their children do not bring toys from home. Please do not put me in an uncomfortable situation where I have to take the item away or say no to the child. Please NO small things that the little ones could put in their mouths. Property brought to day care is not my responsibility. I cannot and will not be responsible for lost or broken items.
    Toilet Training-Potty training should begin at home over a long weekend or holiday. Thanksgiving holiday is coming this would be a great opportunity to work with your child over the 4 day vacation. It is not responsibility to implement toilet train but rather to continue the work you have successfully started.
    Immunizations-Children will not be retained unless all immunizations are up-to-date. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure timeliness of immunizations.
    Administering Medications-I will not administer any type of medication! In the past I have made an exception or two but I will not anymore. Please do not ask.
    Late pick up fees- I have been very lenient when it comes to late pick up fees. I will now be holding parents responsible for any late pickups as they do interfere with the personal time. Parents are granted a grace period of 15 minutes after their scheduled pick-up time, after which the following overtime rate, applies: $10 per every 15 minutes the parent is late. Even if you call to tell me you are going to be late or ask me to watch your child past the contracted agreement this fee applies. Overtime fees are to be paid before or at your next drop off.

    News
    I am currently working on our 2009 rates. Though I will be increasing my rates significantly I will not be passing on the full rate increases to those who are currently attending. I will let you know in advance what your increase, if any, will be.

    Up and Coming Events
    -Trumbull Mall playground trip scheduled for Thursday

    Reminders
    -Tuesday is Veterans Day. We are opened.
    -Scholastic orders are due November 14th. You can either give me cash or check or go online and pay by credit card.

    Menu for the week:

    Monday
    B: French toast w.bananas
    L: “Patty Melt”: Ground beef on toast with cheese, Broccoli and corn, apple slices
    S: Animal Crackers

    Tuesday
    B: French toast sticks w. bananas
    L: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, broccoli and applesauce
    S: Graham crackers

    Wednesday:
    B: Cornbread and apples
    L: Chicken Nuggets, wheat bread, French fries, Mixed Veggies
    S: cheese crackers

    Thursday
    B: Cheerios w. bananas
    L: Mac and cheese with hot dog bits, corn, peaches
    S: corn muffins

    Friday
    B: Pancakes and apples
    L: Fishsticks, cheese, wheat bread, apples
    S: TBD

    November 3, 2008

    Halloween Pics

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    TAKE TWO!

    We are going to the movies at 10:00am this Thursday, November 6th to see Diego at Connecticut Post 14 Cinema de Lux in Milford!
    It's $6 for admission. $10 if you want to buy a snack for the cinema if not please supply a juice box and snack for your child.