January 31, 2008

Notes from the Cumberland Office where we hope it is going to get warmer soon! January 31, 2008

Yesterday's weather forced another indoor recess and while some children enjoy the novelty of being able to stay in and visit or build or play games or talk with friends, we all notice changing behaviors in the afternoon when students have not been able to go outside. I am sure you see this at home, too. One of my memories from growing up was my mother's command to us to, "Get outside!" when she had had enough of our indoor shenanigans. I have a feeling that way back then, say in the 50s and 60s, Mom was less concerned about the wind chill than we are now and growing up in mid Michigan there were some really cold times. We used to build snow forts both for the fun of it and to create a wind break! Anyway, as a reminder about our practice here, if the wind chill is zero or above we generally go outside for recess.

New in the Fall of 2008, The Lydell Preschool

As the Recreation and Community Education Department of WFB looks ahead at the future, we think about new ways to meet the changing needs of the community. In efforts to expand our services, the Recreation and Community Education Department is starting The Lydell Preschool.

This new addition to the School District of Whitefish Bay's outstanding educational opportunities will continue the tradition of exceptional academic excellence that has made our village one of the most desirable places to live and raise children. The program will welcome children 3-4 years of age. All children must be completely toilet trained.

For more information log onto www.wfbschools.com and enter the Recreation Department site for a downloadable program brochure, parent handbook and enrollment forms. Lydell Preschool is housed at 5205 North Lydell Avenue, Whitefish Bay, WI, 963-3947.

Priority Enrollment for Residents: February 1st through March 1st, 2008

Open Enrollment: March 1st-May 1^st

Notes:

• Thanks to the PTO who paid for a musician and an artist as part of the child care for last week's Family Literacy Night. Their generosity was greatly appreciated as these performers helped the child care run much more smoothly for the children.
• Dr. Mel Levine, a top learning expert and author of A Mind at a Time and All Kinds of Minds is coming to Milwaukee on February 22^nd, sponsored by Cardinal Stritch. His presentation topic is, "Why Differences in Learning Make a Difference: How We Can Understand and Mange Them Effectively." Tickets are available online at MilwaukeeMons.com
• 3^rd and 5^th graders will be taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills between February 4^th and 12^th. If you are in the building during these times, please note any testing signs to avoid disrupting classes while they are testing.
• Congratulations to 5^th grade spellers Jenna Davis, Asya Brukhovetsky, and Olivia Clancy along with alternates Sierra Caine and Mitch Rogers who will represent Cumberland at the WFB Village Spelling Bee.
• Kudos to the 4^th grade Orchestra students who performed marvelously at last night's concert.
• Friday, February 1^st: Clerical Afternoon. No school PM for students. Dismissal at 11:50am.
• Late Start for students on February 6^th. All students start at 9:15. The Recreation Department is again providing child care. Pre-registration and payment are required. There is a flyer in today's folder and it on the Cumberland website.