Greetings Families,

Happy July!

I hope your summer is off to a great start and all are taking time for a much needed in-breath from all the mayhem of the last year. The time has finally come to celebrate farewells to our graduates in all three classrooms!

One of the most memorable things about graduation is the attention to a huge milestone in preschool. The teachers certainly rose to the occasion with lovely pictures, gifts, and art to help the children remember this big moment. More imporantly though, is the transition for parents from preschool because of the interpersonal connections that are made during their years in a smaller group setting. The honest truth is that elementary school is a whole other ball game, yet an experience that is equally rewarding.

So what are options for this big transition and how can you get involved?

1. Volunteer as a classroom helper or playground monitor

2. Help to chaperone - elementary fieldtrips are so much fun!

3. Offer to be a storytime reader

4. Attend school board meetings

5. Help to fundraise or organize activities 

Last, but certainly not least, join the PTA where you will meet other parents, stay informed, and be part of creating new programs. However, it's also imporatnt to know and remember that it's never a must and always an option to extend time away from home life to support your child's school experience. Whatever you choose, enjoy it because time flies by and soon enough you will have a highschooler!

A few other take aways in preparation for this awesome transition would be to start off small when volunteering, set a boundary so you are not stretched thin, and ask for feedback from teachers and students!

Here some simple activities to do at home during the summer months to help children prepare for kindergarten:

- Read out loud to your children.

- Cut, cut, and cut some more!

- Color, scribble, trace, paint!

Please also visit NAEYC, to read a great article about preparation for kindergarten. 

The EEC wishes all our graduates a wonderful summer and an amazing school year. Take a million pictures as they grow so incredibly fast. = )

Be well,

Natalee and the EEC team