Gan Yeladim Early Childhood  Jewish Education in Skokie     

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December 14, 2007

Dear Families,

This is the first of what will be weekly e-mails from Gan Yeladim. It is our hope that these e-mails will keep you informed of what's happening in your children's school.

We have just wrapped up our Hanukkah curriculum. It is our hope that your children took pleasure in celebrating the holiday with family and friends and that you enjoyed the presents they lovingly made for you. We certainly took pleasure watching them learn about driedles, hanukiot and the brave Maccabees. We were happy to see so many of you at the Hanukkah Happening on Tuesday night. I think a good time was had by all.

We are now ready to move into our winter curriculum. As you can tell, the weather is cooperating beautifully. Our winter unit gives us ample opportunity to incorporate science into our learning. We talk about temperature, experiment with melting snow and observe and discuss what happens to the animals when it is cold and snowy outside.

Many of you have asked what happens if we need to close the school because of the weather. I make that decision as early as I can. I then notify the teachers who in turn will call you. I also let the local radio stations know so you can check that way as well. I do try not to close if at all possible, but at times that can't be helped.

I would like to remind you, that if you make a change in your child's schedule and even if you have verbally checked and received an okay from me, I need it in  writing. In the course of a day (or even an hour), I receive many requests and have many conversations. Although I would like to remember and keep track of everything, the only way I can really do this, is if I have it in writing. Thank you in advance for your help .

Please send snow pants, boots, mittens and hats to school. The children love to frolic outside if it is not too cold out. This also gives us the opportunity to help them learn self-help skills as they work at putting on their outdoor clothes.

I wish you all a restful and peaceful Shabbat,

Betsy Rotberg, Director, Gan Yeladim

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