December 2013 Newsletter

Miss Kathy reading a Dr. Seuss favorite to our schoolagers on a late start morning! =)

HELLO SCHOOL AGE PARENTS!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! November was a great month here at JN and our schoolagers enjoyed crafting during their time off from school! We enjoyed making "Thankful" trees out of paper bags and discussing all of the people and things we are thankful for. 

This month, we have many school closings and fun activities to look to as Christmas and New Years gets closer! Mark your calendar for these important dates:

Tuesday, December 17th from 6:15-7:30: The annual JN Gingerbread making night! 

Join us to make festive houses this year! All you need to bring are your empty containers--milk, orange juice, etc--to build your gingerbread house. We supply the rest! Candy donations are much appreciated.

 

December 23rd-January 3rd: GHAPS school district holiday closings (Joyful Noise remains open)! 

Please remember to let JN know right away if you have changes, additional needs or absences planned for your schoolager during this vacation time.

JN CLOSING EARLY on Friday, December 6th for our annual holiday staff event!

JN CLOSED on December 24th & 25th, as well as January 1st.

REMINDER: Please send your child with warm winter gear every day! It gets very chilly at the bus stop, and we do play outside if possible when children arrive after school, even in the snow! Our fresh air is very important to us. 

Necessary gear: snowpants, boots, hats, gloves, and scarves. Dressing in layers is suggested! It's always a good idea to have extra clothes on hand in case socks or pants get wet. ;)

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What else is new?

The children have really been enjoying playing hangman lately! 

It's much fun to guess the words and wonderful practice for our budding readers and writers.  In the afternoons, while we play, we have been working on game etiquette and manners. You can talk with your child about taking turns while speaking, good sportsmanship, and being aware of children at different ages/development levels as we play together in this diverse environment.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday! Thank you for sharing your children with us. As always, please contact us with any questions you may have!

(616) 847-6600

November 2013 News

Hello School Age Parents!

We've enjoyed working with your children this fall and November is no exception! We have had lots of fun on our "in-service" days building, playing, and relaxing!

We had some fun weaving and braiding bracelets and more with embroidery thread!

Our schoolagers found some new and very creative ways to use our waffle blocks--check out these superhero masks!

WINTER GEAR REMINDER!

• Please dress your child warmly with layers and send labeled winter gear to JN for outdoor play including hats, gloves, snowpants and boots!

If an item is misplaced, feel free to check our lost and found bin outside of the office.

 A note about homework:

Please note that schoolagers have snack at 4 p.m. in the afternoon and head out for the playground shortly after, weather permitting. To ensure proper staffing, all children must stay with the group and join in with the outdoor fun.  There may be a short period before going outside where students can work a bit on homework in their backpack, but it is important to remember that students are responsible for their own items, progress, and staying on track. As colder weather approaches, children will be spending more time in the afternoons utilizing the rec room downstairs. This is an appropriate time for school age children attending JN to work on their homework if they desire! At JN, we understand that homework is an important part of learning! Research suggests that the best environment for homework is a quiet space where parents can be active participants in their child's learning, offering help when needed and observing important aspects of the homework process: what children are learning, what they are struggling with, and concepts they have mastered.

Do you have more questions about how to play a positive role in your child's homework? Check out this great article!

Homework Tips for Parents

UPCOMING CLOSINGS FOR NOVEMBER:

Please note that Joyful Noise will be closed on Thursday the 28th and Friday the 29th in observance of Thanskgiving. Have a safe and wonderful holiday!