3160 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074  •   Phone: 972.423.4910   •   Fax: 972.633.9126
Web address: www.fumcplanoweekday.org   •   Ann Danielson   •   Director, Donna Kirkwood
Directors Report

Dear Parents-

               Many of you might be surprised to see how excited your children are to see their friends after Christmas Break. We love watching them reunite with the friends after a few days off.  Their excitement and delight are such a pleasure to observe.

             While friendships in early childhood are very different from that in adulthood and even in middle– and later-childhood, they are very important.  We spend a great deal of time working with the children to help them build their social  relationships and refine their social skills. Research has shown that as children are exposed to social situations earlier in life (through preschool and childcare) those early relationships are becoming increasingly important and often last into adulthood. Exposing children to social opportunities early in life provides them with    experiences that are not available through relationships with adults or siblings. With friends his or her own age, a child experiences opportunities to negotiate, compromise and problem solve. They are encouraged to express their opinions and ideas and respect others.  Interaction with and acceptance by peers can have long-term effects on a child’s life. Preschoolers develop social competence in three main areas: initiating interactions, maintaining ongoing relationships, and solving conflicts with other children.

             While some children easily join a group in play, others have more difficulty. We can help children learn social strategies for entering play groups  or for talking to other children about what they want. We need not be too concerned when children change friends or even say that a certain child is not their friend anymore. At this young age, friendships may only last for an afternoon of play.  Our main objective is to be sure that all of the children are creating relationships with other children and learning to respect the feelings of others. 

             You can help to increase your child’s positive experiences by asking them about their friends at school and inviting classmates over to play after-school and on weekends.  We are thrilled to have our little friends back from the holiday and look forward to watching their relationships grow and flourish. We are looking forward to a great New Year!

 
     
Enrollment for fall 2009

It is that time again!! Reenrollment will take place this month. Again this year, we would like to make reenrollment as easy as possible.  On January 6th, we will distribute enrollment surveys  to currently enrolled families. This survey should be returned to our office on or before January 16th with 1/2 of the enrolment fee.  If possible we will use this survey to place current students in classes, rather than having parents come up to enroll in person.  Confirmation will be sent to parents on January 21st. We will only do first-come-first-served basis if necessary due to interest.    Registration for church members will begin on January 26th and will be open to the public on January 27th.  

Information on pricing and programs offered may be found at: http://www.fumcplanoweekday.org/tuition09-10.shtml

We look forward to another year with your families. Please let us know if you have any  questions.

 
     
Special Events-Spaghetti with Santa

The Weekday Program Parent Teacher Connection’s 6th annual Spaghetti with Santa that was held on November 30th was a huge success! Over 400 people, young and old, assembled in the Gathering Area to have pictures taken by Kim Peichel with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Macaroni Grill.

This annual event was started in 2003 to raise funds for the Weekday Program Scholarship Fund and has been gaining momentum ever since. Funds are raised though ticket sales and a silent auction. The most popular auction items are always projects made by each of the classes: quilts, hand-painted ornaments, hand-decorated wreaths and Christmas trees were some of the favorites this year.

Children also brought hundreds of toys that were donated to Plano Santas. We were very lucky this year to have National Junior Honor Society student volunteers from Plano East and Jasper High School in addition to our parent volunteers. Another great addition this year was the bell choir, the band “Eden” and a Tuba/Euphonium quartet from Plano East and Williams High. It was a wonderful event!

We are looking forward to the 7th Annual Spaghetti with Santa next year on December 11th!

 
Special Announcements
  • WEEKDAY PROGRAM BOARD: If you are interested in serving on the Weekday Program Board, we have the following positions available:  At-large member (3 year term, must be church member), CDO Representative (1 year term, must have child in the infants', ones' or twos' class), My Friends' Place Representative (1 year term, must have child enrolled in My Friend's Place)
  • PICTURES: All the pictures your child's teacher takes are available to print at www.weekdayprogram.shutterfly.com. Please stop in the office to get the password for our account.
  • TAX TIME: Please let us know in writing if you need a receipt for tax purposes. We will try to get a receipt to you within 48 hours of your request.
  • INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: In the event of inclement weather, The Weekday Program preschool (9:00-2:00 program) and extended day (before- and after-school program) will close if PISD is closed or releases students early.  If PISD opens late, preschool (9:00-2:00 program) will be closed for the full day and the extended day (before– and after-school program) will open at the same time as PISD. Please consult local TV and radio stations for information whenever inclement weather is predicted for information.

Upcoming Events

January

1 Christmas Break-No Preschool or LFP

2 Christmas Break-No Preschool**

5 Christmas Break-No Preschool**

6 Preschool Resumes

6 Enrollment Surveys sent home to currently enrolled students

16 Enrollment Surveys and first 1/2 enrollment fee due for currently enrolled students due

19 MLK Holiday-No Preschool or LFP

21 Enrollment Confirmation sent to currently enrolled students

Jan 26 Enrollment for church members and wait list begins

Jan 27 Open enrollment begins

 

February

16 PISD Student Holiday-No Preschool**

25 PISD Early Release-Preschool out at 11:30**

 

 March

1 Second 1/2 enrollment fee for 2009 due

13 PISD Early Release-Preschool out at 11:30**

16-20 Spring Break

23-April 3 Family Conferences for 3s and Pre-K

 

April

10 Good Friday-No Preschool or LFP

20 Scholastic Book Fair

21 Scholastic Book Fair

22 Scholastic Book Fair

22 Scholastic Book Fair

23 Scholastic Book Fair

24 Scholastic Book Fair

 

May

13 PISD Early Release-Preschool out at 11:30**

22 Last Day of Preschool

 

**Little Friends’ Place open 7:00-6:30