Important Dates/Information

Background Check:

Step 1.  Contact Mrs. Malatesta and let her know you would like to have your background check.  She will send the information for Smart Tuition payment. (mmalatesta@sjbdel.org)

Step 2.  Pay $30 on Smart Tuition and then you will receive a confirmation with needed steps to complete form.
 

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September 19  Back to School Night 6:30
September 23  Independence Day: Students Get to Walk to the Classroom by Themselves
September 24  Bishop visits SJB
October 4        St. Francis Mass 9:30
October 4        Blessing of the Pets 2pm by the hall.  Please let me know if you would like your child to attend
October 14      No School
October 25      Ashland visits the class
October 31      Halloween Parade 8:30.  Parents will wait on the back parking lot for our arrival.  Students may come to school in costume (uniform under the costume for easy change)
October 31      Halloween Class Celebration 
November 1     All Saints Day Mass 9:30
November 15   Field Trip to Delaware Children's Museum (must have background check and volunteer form completed)
November 25   Thanksgiving Feast 10
November 25 Early Dismissal 11:35
November 26 Early Dismissal 11:35
November 27-29 No School

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DAILY UPDATES:


 

September 17

What a TERRFIC Tuesday.  We were busy, busy busy!  This morning we learned a new poem: You Are.  The students identified the You word again.  The students also followed directions to highlight the You words in the poem.  I modeled for the students and they did it right with me.  I am encouraging students to listen and follow directions.  This is a skill we will continue to practice throughout the year!  I am pleased with how many friends are catching on!

           

We also read a poem about our names.  We know that our parents named us all special names.  We should be proud of our names!!!  We discussed the story Chrysanthemum.  In the story many classmated teased Chrysanthemum because her name was different.  By the end of the story the students realized her name was very special.  During tray work the students had a chance to make their very own Chrysanthemum.  They turned out really cute!!!

 

ALL ABOUT ME STUDENTS!

In the sensory table this week their is colored rice and letters.  The students are making a rice shaker that holds the letters to their name.  Every child will get a turn to work at the sensory table to complete this activity.

Lastly, the students want to share their pre school smiles!  They have been painting each morning to complete their smiles.  I think they turned out fantastic.  I love their PRE SCHOOL SMILES!!!











Have a wonderful night!
Mrs. Albert

September 16

Welcome to All About Me Week!  The students love this week.  They have the opportunity to share things about themselves and their friends get to learn about them in the process!  Today we had five friends share their All About Me Bags!  A BIG thank you to those parents who had to remember one extra thing on a Monday morning!  You are all amazing.  The students were able to stand in front of the class and share their items.  They did such a TERRFIC job.  The students that were listening also did a TERRIFIC job!  they were respectful and gace the speakers a chance to talk about themselves.  Not always easy to do at 4 years of age!


               

The students also read a poem today:  Y-O-U.   We identified the new word You, spelled the word and identified the word in the poem.  They really enjoyed this activity.  I was really impressed with how well the students followed my directions and stayed with me as they highlighted the word You in the poem!  I can tell we are going to have lots of students eager to read this year!!!



During tray work time the students shared what they want to be when they grow up.  They then made a person that looks just like them!  They turned out great.  You will have a chance to see them Thursday at Back to School Night.

A reminder that Thursday September 19 is Back to School Night for our class.  It will begin at 6:30 in the classroom.  This is an informative night for parents.  Please make arrangements for childcare that night for yoru child.  I look forward to see you all and answer any questions you may have.

Lastly, next Monday will be Independence Day for the Early Childhood building.  That means your child will be saying good bye at the entrance doors and walking to the classroom with their friends.  Start perparing now.  If your child can walk down bu themselves tomorrow let them.  As you can see your child is thriving and doing great once in the classroom.  If you have questions or concerns feel free to email me.  I will also discuss further at Back to School Night!

Have a Marvelous Monday-
Mrs. Albert

September 13

FUN FRIDAY!!!  I just love having fun and I love Fridays, so we just celebrate the day (even tough every day is fun in EC4B!)  This week we really came a FAR way with adjusting to Pre-School.  The students are starting to walk to the classroom by themselves while others are walking into the classroom with no tears!  I have to say I am SO PLEASED with both accomplishments.  The confidence of all students is amazing!I think we are at the top of that hill and ready to move forward.

Today we read the story Splat the Cat.  What a CUTE story about Splat going back to school.  He had a problem... he could only share one thing he did over his summer vacation.  He did so many fun things that we understood why it was hard to pick.  Ask yoru child what he decided to share.  It was a really sweet ending!  During tray work time the students had a chance to make their very own Splat the Cat.  They had to use their black bag they painted the other day to piece together Splat's face.  I love how they turned out!!!!  They are turning our to be crafty students.



After lunch today we celebrated our week with an ice pop.  This was a special treat that the students enjoyed.  I loved when they are told me to look at their lips... they all had lip stick on.  Of course I fed into the idea and acted like all their faces were different colors (luckily for me the ice pops didn't change any of their faces :)  Easy clean up!

            



After recess teh students were introduced to their Handwriting Without Tears book.  We focused on a few important handwriting skills, sitting up tall, two feet on the floor and bellies to the table.  The students also had the page we were working on in front of them.  The last important skill we focus on is the pencil grip.  Encouraging your child to grip closer to teh point helps them have better control.  I have to say they all did a GREAT job with their handwriting activity.  We had to point, aim and color.  It was really about control.  They enjoyed this "game" as one of my friends yelled out!  Boy, if I can get them to love writing I am one happy teacher.

Lastly, since we ended our first FULL week of school I am sending home a little treat in their backpacks.  I really am so proud of how far we have come in a short period of time.  

Next week we will focus on our All About Me theme.  Remember to work on their bags and send them in the day they are assigned.  

Have a Fantastic Weekend!
Mrs. Albert



September 12

The students looked so handsome and beautiful as they arrived at school.  We went to get our pictures taken at 8:30.  They all gave their BEST smiles.  I know these pictures turned out perfect.  Every smile captured their pre school moment!

             

After pictures we had to quickly get in our snack and then head to technology and then gym.  They did a terrific job getting to the specials and listening to their teachers.  During lunch we had a cupcake surprise for our friends Evan's birthday!  It was so yummy!

             

During recess today the students had a chance to play with some truck I brought outside.  They worked really hard to share with each other.  I explained that they won't get a chance everyday to play with every truck.  This is part of our school experience: sharing and taking turns.  We are getting there!

      





       

After recess we came inside and cooled down using our breathing technique.  The students are so good with this.  It really helps them settle down and relax.  I love this part of the day and I think the kids do too!  We then had a religion lesson on belonging.  We learned that school is like their home.  We care and love for each other.  God wants us to continue to care and love our friends.  Independently all the students colored students and even drew a picture of themselves in a big mirror.  They did a wonderful job with this activity, even if some of my friends were begging to get to rest time!  

Tonight in your child's folder is a brown bag with directions.  Next week each child is assigned a day to share a few items to tell about themselves.  Please take time with your child to complete this activity and send in on their assigned day.  I have to say the students LOVE sharing!  Have fun with it!

Have a Terrific Thursday night-
Mrs. Albert

September 11

Wonderful Wednesday!  The students were busy, busy, busy today!  We started the morning with open stations where students self selected the items they wanted to interact with.  Everyone had one must do and that was to paint a bag black for a craft we will complete on Friday.  I love watching the students interact with each other, listen to each other, and share.  This is one of the reasons they come to school.  These are skills students need to function in the real world.  Sometimes we want something someone else wants.  I guide the students by using their words to express these feelings.  We are big problem solvers in EC4B!










Today I read the story If you Took a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff.  Another silly story!  The students love reading and love to help me predict what is going to happen!  During tray work the students made their very own mouse puppet.  They had to glue and place the mouse parts to complete the craft.  They are doing such a nice job following directions and completing the steps all on their own.  The craft now is hung up outside our classroom for all to enjoy!

After recess we came inside and completed a sentence starter that supported our morning story.  The students had to think of an item they would bring to school if they could.  I have to love the mind of a four year old!  If we could bring anything I would have a hippo, dinosaur, a lamb and even a mouse in my classroom.  I know it sounds very tempting!!!  

Tomorrow is picture day.  You can dress your child in their Sunday best.  we will have pictures in the morning so we will be all fresh and ready!  No painting tomorrow so clothes will be OK!  A reminder that we will have gym and recess tomorrow.  Please send in sneakers so we can change them after the pictures.  If you have any questions about pictures just send me an e-mail.

Have a wonderful Wednesday evening!
Mrs. Albert


September 10

I couldn't have asked for a better Tuesday!  The students came in and got right to work.  Many of my friends joined me to work on some problem solving activities.  They did such a GREAT job.  Other students were engaged in kitchen activities and some were playing board games.  It warmed my heart to see them adjusting so nicely.

Today we read the story Curious George Goes to School.  We just love George!  He was so helpful when he went to school.  The students in the story loved having him there even if he is a peacebreaker sometimes.  During tray work the students cut, glued and colored to make their very own Curious George in a school bus.  They are doing a terrific job with their crafts.  When cutting I remind the students to have their thumbs up!  We will be cutting a lot this year so they will get it!  After lunch the students drew a picture about a way that they are helpful in our class.  They had some great ideas and drew wonderful pictures!

The students also worked on a matching activity.  The students had to listen and follow directions to complete the activity.  I have to say I have a group of students with wonderful listening ears!  It looks like a simple activity but it really required a lot from them.  Way to go boys and girls!!!

A reminder Thursday is picture day.  Everyone will get their picture taken even if you are not pruchasing.  Students are allowed to dress in their Sunday best clothes.  If you child is wearing fancy shoes I do ask that yousend their sneakers in their backpacks.  We will still have Gym and Recess.  

I hope everyone has a wonderful night!  I thank you all for your support in the morning.  The drop off and go is really helping your child carry on with the day!!!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!
Mrs. Albert

September 9

Happy Monday!  Wow! I swear Mondays will get easier for us all. We are still adjusting to the school routine.  A few things that will help your child is a good nights rest Sunday, a good morning breakfast and not rushing them in the morning.  Give them time to wake up and move in the morning.  I cannot stress the importance of getting your child to my classroom by 7:40.  I work very hard to help the students adjust to the morning routine.  If I have a student coming in 30 minutes later I have to stop my routine and start all over again.  This is disruptive to the class and sets us back.  It is still very early in the school year but once we are settled in I begin with my schedule.  If you have any questions please contact me so we can discuss.  

The morning routine was a little different due to my students feelings. So, we went out on the playground first thing.  This helped many of my friends adjust to their friends and school.  Once we were settled in we can inside and began our morning routine.  This week we are continuing to learn about SJB and our classroom.  I introduced two words: Peacemaker and Peacebreaker.  At SJB we work hard to be peacemakers!  We read the story No David!  We sure did have some great laughs as we read the story.  David was very silly and learned that he was a peacebreaker throughout the story.  However, even if he didn't make the best choices his mommy always loved him and gave him lots of hugs!  After we read the story we came up with two different categories of things we do at school that are peacemaker and peacbreakers choices.  The students did a great job helping me put the actions of the correct poster.  I am so happy to say I have a class full of PEACEMAKERS!!!

Today was our first introduction to tray work.  Every child had an activity to complete during the period.  Every student met with myself or Mrs. Donovan and made a No David puppet.  They did a great job following directions!  Students also had a chance to work at the playdoh table.  Many students worked on their fine motor skills as they used tweezers to pick up and move little fruit pieces.  I was so proud of how well the students did during their tray work time!

We are moving along!  I am so proud of the students.  This is a long day for them, but in a few weeks they will be that much stronger to last the day!  Tomorrow I ask that you drop your child off and move on.  This will help my students that are still adjusting to the routine.  I really cannot have my doorway filled with parents.  I thank you for understanding.  The success for all my students is my main priority.

I am sending home Picture Day forms.  You may complete those or complete your order on line.  Picture day will be Thursday this week!

Have a wonderful night!
Mrs. Albert

September 6
 

 OUR SCHOOL!

Whay a FUN Friday!  The students came into the classroom, followed their morning routine and were able to self select the activity they wanted to do.  They did a wonderful job with this.  Some of my friends did have the Friday blues but quickly turned their frowns upside down as soon as the day beagn!  It truly was our BEST DAY yet!!!
We were busy painting hands for a kissing hand project and then learned about our school.  The students had the chance to tour the school and learn about the many people that make our school run smoothly.  They walked the school hallway so nice and even had a chance to stop and meet Mrs. Tharan our reading specialist for the big building.  After our tour we ended on the playground for some FUN!
In the afternoon the students read from their first scholastic Big World with Clifford magazine.  We started reading by looking at the cover.  Students were able to tell me what they thought the article was going to be about by looking at the picture.  Did you know looking at pictures and telling about them is the start to reading!  My students are reading and we love it!  If you have a little time go over the magazine with your child.  I bet they can tell you a lot about what we do at school using the magazine!
After our reading activity we celebrated our Friday with some popcorn and a short show!  It was the perfect way to end our first week of school!
I thank you for all supporting your child this week and trusting the preschool process.  I can assure you once we get rolling your child will be running to the class!
Have a wonderful weekend!  I look forward to see all my friends Monday morning!
Mrs. Albert

September 5

 

I want to start by thanking you all for supporting the classroom routine and getting your child to class on time.  I have to say the students are eager and ready to get started when they are here.  For some of you I know the morning is not as easy as the first day.  This is very normal!!!  The students especially the ones new to SJB are getting use to structure and routine.  At SJB we do play but it also has a academic piece.  The students will adjust, learn the new routine and make new friends.  This is a process!  Feeling comfortable does not happen right away.  We are getting there!!!

Today was a very busy day!  We started the morning by unpacking our backpacks, truning their folder into Mrs. Donovan, finding their name on the smart board and then finding an area to play.  They did GREAT!!!  This is a lot to do but they all pulled it off.  This will be their routine for the rest of the year.  We then played our clean up song and good morning song which helps us with transition.  Once we are settlted teh students sang their ABC phonics song.  We sing the ABC's including the sound each song makes.  You can find the song on my YouTube tab.

During circle time we discussed our daily schedule; today we had technology and gym.  We then learned about our calendar, numbers, patterns and weather.  Again, this is a daily routine so if they don't master it today they will by the end of the year!  Everything is repeated in the four year old class!!!

I got word that I can post pictures!  So I will end my writing and post.  I have to say even with a few tears here and there and missing our mommies WE HAVE THE BEST CLASS!  Thank you for sharing them with me.










God Bless-
Mrs. Albert 
September 4

We got through our second day of school.  This is the day the students realize this is their daily routine.  I have to say I am so proud of all the students.  They came in eager and ready to see what the day had for them.  Please praise them tonight for doing such a GREAT job.
Today we continued to learn our classroom routine and got to know our friends.  Relationships and routines take time so we will focus on this a lot during the first few months of school.  As I said the academic piece will fall into place.  Listening to others, sharing and being kind is our first goal of the school year!
Today I read the story The Kissing Hand to the students.  This is a cute story about a little raccoon that went to school but was sad to leave his mom.  We shared our feelings about how we feel when we go to school.  The students learned a little trick from the story to bring a little part of their mommy and daddy to school with them.  I hope they can share this trick with you!  As independent work the students colored a hand with a heart in the middle.  They did a wonderful job with this activity!
Lastly, you may have heard your child talk about the "caught you being good stickers."  Throughout the day I will catch my friends doing great things, such as being a good listener, using kind words, helping others and even showing effort in their work!  When I catch them they get a sticker and add it to their apple in the classroom.  I have to say many of my friends are working so hard to get these stickers, but I feel like it is so natural for this class to be so kind and hard working!  I better buy a lot of stickers!!!!
Again, I thank you for sharing your child with me.  I feel so blessed to have them in my class.  This is a special class!!!

Fondly-

Mrs. Albert

September 3 

The first day of school was a BIG success!  The students, parents and teachers did great!  I want to start with a HUGE thank you to you all!  I know dropping off and walking away is not easy but you all did it.  The students came in and got right to the morning routine.  By 7:40 we were on the carpet starting our morning routine.  

We started the morning finding our names on the smart board and introducing ourselves to our new friends.  We also had a visitor... Pete the Cat!  He loved the students and wanted to share his new school shoes with them.  It was so cool to see that many of our new friends also had new school shoes on!  We had the chance to read Pete the Cat and His New White Shoes.  It was so fun that so many of our friends were familiar with the story.  By the end of the story all of the students were helping me read the story.  After the story the students walked over and got their pencil boxes!!!  This was so exciting.  The students had the chance to color their very own Pete the Cat.  I have to say I was so impressed with how well the students colored and even wrote their name.  I can tell this is going to be a GREAT year.  

The students attended Library today.  I was so impressed with how well they did walking through the hallway.  The librarian teachers were so happy with how well they listened to the story and colored their picture.

Lunch and Recess time were a hit.  I think this was a favorite part of the day for many of my friends.

When we came in from recess we were hot so we used this time to practice our breathing.  The students enjoyed this activity and it really helped settle our bodies.  After our breathing activity we read another Pete the Cat book about his magic glasses!  After we read the story the students had a chance to look through their own groovy colored glasses!

The day was so terrific! We are still sorting through feelings and emotions as this is still new for the students.  Try and get your child in bed early tonight.  Tomorrow may be a little harder to get moving.  No matter what the mood tomorrow we will get through it!  Again, thank you for all your help and support!  If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email me!

Mrs. Albert


August 30 

Mrs. Donovan and I are all ready to see our friends Tuesday morning!!!!  The room is ready for you all.  Remember to bring your big pre school smiles.  I will be waiting at the classroom door ready to give you a big smile, hug or high five!!!

Remember to wish on your star and place your magic confetti next to your bed.  

Here are some pictures of your room!







Your Excited Teachers-
Mrs. Albert and Mrs. Donovan

August 28

We are complete!  I met with the rest of my friends today.  We have such a special class.  It was so nice to see all of my friends happy and adjusting well to Pre-School life.  I know Tuesday morning is going to run so smooth for the students.  Again, a BIG thank you for moving your schedules around to bring your child in.  It really helped them start to feel comfortable.

Tuesday morning will be here before we know it.  Remember to wish on your star and place your magic confetti by your bed Monday night!  I can't wait to hear about all those happy dreams!  A reminder school doors open at 7:20.  My instruction will begin at 7:40.  Please have your child here on time.  I have a fun and busy day planned for the class!

Lastly, remember we are working together.  Take a deep breathe and know your child is ready and in great hands!  I will be posting pictures throughout the day.  If you have any questions feel free to email me.

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend and I will see everyone Tuesday morning!!!
God Bless,
Mrs. Albert

August 27

It was so NICE to meet so many of my friends this morning!  You all did a wonderful job coming in, unpacking and meeting each other.  I can tell already that we have a very special class.  I am so excited for our first day of school.

Tomorrow I will meet the rest of my friends!  I can not wait!!! If you have any questions or concerns please make sure you email me!  I am here to help transition back to school with ease.  



Have a wonderful night-
Mrs. Albert

August 21

It was so wonderful to meet many of my new friends last night!  The excitement is alive and well in EC4B!  The students had a chance to see their classroom and even meet some of their classmates.  It is amazing how children all have that common bond of play, joy and fun!  We are going to have a GREAT year!

If you were not able to make it last night NO WORRIES at all!  I will be meeting the rest of my friends next week during their orientation times.  A reminder to bring your shoe and class supplies at the orientation.  If you have any problems with your orientation time feel free to email me at aalbert@sjbdel.org.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!  We will be all together very soon!!!
God Bless-
Mrs. Albert

August 13

Letters have been mailed!  Keep checking the mailbox.  Enclosed in the envelope is a letter informing you about your orientation time and date.  Please email me at aalbert@sjbdel.org if there is a conflict.  There is also a shoe that your child can color and decorate.  I encourage you to let your child do it anyway they wish.  What you view as perfect may be very different than what your child sees as perfect!  This year we will love EVERYTHING your child does even if it is different!  Your child is going to learn that what they do is SPECIAL to me!!!  Building confidence and pride are goals I embrace in my classroom.  So get ready for an exciting year of fun and growth.  Get ready to embrace the bumps we will face and the victories we will celebrate! This is going to be a GREAT year!!!

Fondly-
Mrs. Albert

 
August 6

August has arrived and you can feel the air is being to change.  It is an exciting time of year!  I encourage you to hold onto each day with your child.  Continue to make special memories.  These are the days your child will need you the most and we slowly approach the first day of school. 

To help your child ease into school we invite your family to get a sneak peek of their classroom August 20 anytime between 4-6pm.  Your child will have the opportunity to meet me, see their classroom, find their cubby and their seat.  Feel free to bring in any supplies you may have (tissues, sheets, change of clothes and so on).  All those items can be placed in your child's cubby and I will organize at a later date.  Please make sure your child's name is on everything you bring in.  I also ask that rest towels this year are bath towel size. 

I am so excited to meet you all!  It is going to be such a FUN and EXCITING school year!!!

Fondly-
Mrs. Albert


August 2019

Are you thinking about school?  Are you a planner?  If so I can help ease your mind!  The four year program at SJB is filled with fun and adventure.  I am looking forward to a wonderful year with your child.  Below are a few items that will help make the year run smooth.  All items can be brought in the day of your scheduled orientation (information will be mailed to you so do not panic!) All items MUST be labeled clearly with your child's name.

*Back Pack (large enough to fit folder, rest towel and lunchbox)
*Rest towel (bath towel is perfect!) 
*Crib Sheet (this will cover their rest mat)
*Undergarmets, shirt, shorts, socks and extra sneakers (in a ziplock bag labeled)
*Child's Information Sheet (this will be mailed to you)
*Completed Unique Sneaker (this will be mailed to you)
*1" Hard Binder (any color labeled with name)
*2 Boxes of tissues
*2 Containers of Clorox Wipes
*1 Hand Sanitizer
*6 Small Glue Sticks 

*THE EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM IS ASKING THAT ALL STUDENTS WEAR VELCRO SNEAKERS WITH THEIR GYM UNIFORM.  WE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR SUPPORTING US!

 

                                 LUNCH INFORMATION

Please click Aramark Letter .  All new families must create an account if your child will be purchasing lunches.  Please read the letter and follow all directions.

Please click ECP-2nd Gr. Lunch Menu 

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