We know that many of you send your children to the Weekday Program because a Christian education is important to your family. The congregation of FUMC Plano has adopted a strategic plan for the future called Deeper Discipleship. This plan tells us that a disciple of Jesus Christ:
 
1.     Loves Jesus passionately
2.     Follows Jesus every day
3.     Grows deeper in faith
4.     Invites others to know Jesus
5.     Forgives quickly and reconciles eagerly
6.     Helps people in need
7.     Works for the transformation of the world
 
As a mission of First United Methodist Church we take this strategy very seriously, but as an NAEYC accredited preschool we also want to make sure that every aspect of our program is developmentally appropriate. That is why we present Christian concepts in a way that is hands-on, fun, and gets the children involved in ways that are appropriate for their age and cognitive development. The following are some of the ways that we celebrate and learn about GOD in the Weekday Program:
 

• Children begin to say prayers before snacks and meals in the one-year-old class. They do this every day. These songs and chants help them to know that God is a part of our lives and that everything we have is because of Him. It also helps them to begin to learn about being thankful for the many blessings that God has given us.
• When children begin to have daily music class, in the two-year-old classes they learn and practice chapel songs every day. While singing they may play instruments, march and dance as they praise God with their beautiful voices.
• Bible stories are often a part of large group time as well as being read to children individually when asked.
• Once a week our 2s, 3s and Pre-K classes gather to go to God's House in the Chapel. It is a very special time for the children and staff to share together as we praise Him and learn more about how He blesses us. During this time we praise God through stories, songs, sign-language and prayer. Below is a special prayer the children learn in God's House.
• God's House Prayer: "God be in my head. God be in my heart. God be in my right hand. God be in my left hand. God be in my whole life. Thanks be to God. Amen." If you would like to know more about the lessons that are learned and a summary of what we talk about each month in chapel, go to: http://www.fumcplanoweekday.org/chapel.shtml.  The themes, verses, songs and prayers can be used at home, to support what is learned at school.
• Children read stories and create art work that expands on the lessons that they learn in God's House every week.
• Teachers create an atmosphere that promotes character traits of respect, loving, sharing, telling the truth, obeying, and being honest and forgiving. We do this through modeling Christian behavior and helping the children to understand that these behaviors are expected and appreciated.
• Children are encouraged to be good stewards of our church and our school by taking care of our property, using supplies sparingly and recycling.
• Children are also encouraged to participate in community service projects such as collecting items for area charities, creating cards for our troops, and helping those in need in other ways.  

We feel that through these daily experiences along with your support at home and their experiences at church, together we can provide each child with a developmentally appropriate love and knowledge of God.

Sincerely,

Donna

Unfortunately we have had several new cases of flu in the last week. In total we have had about a dozen teachers and children treated for flu since this outbreak began last month.

Originally we were being told that a positive test for Influenza A was being assumed to be H1N1 flu, because it was too early for seasonal flu. This week doctors have been telling people it is seasonal flu. And today we were told that the flu test is only 50% positive. Due to all this conflicting information, we have decided that once a child or teacher in your child's class is showing flu-like symptoms, or is being treated for the flu, we will send an e-mail. We will not wait for an official diagnosis.
 
We will no longer be putting notes in folders, because we do not want to waste paper and feel that e-mail is a more immediate way to communicate. 
 
We continue to disinfect the classrooms several times a day and are encouraging children and adults to wash their hands throughout the day. According to the CDC these are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.
 
If your child gets a fever, has a sore throat, is coughing and/or has body aches, please keep him/her home from school and have him/her see a medical professional. Early detection and treatment helps cut the time of infection significantly.  We have also been advised that people who have had pneumonia in the past should get a pneumonia vaccine to help to prevent further infections, which can cause complications when combined with H1N1.
 
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns, and please let us know immediately if your child is diagnosed with Influenza A, H1N1 or any other communicable illness.