Brown Bears Newsletter: January 2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR BROWN BEARS! 
January is a month of new beginnings and new stories: we all make goals for ourselves and reflect on what we’ve accomplished and you’ve done so much! It is not easy being a parent and a role model, but you all do a phenomenal job. We’re proud of the students and proud of you for putting in the time to help them grow and loving them through their more difficult days. We’re coming to the point now where we’ll suddenly see the students become hyper independent and more sure of themselves. As this happens, we encourage you to just…let them. Let them show you what they know and what they can do instead of assuming they need help right away. We’re sure they’ll surprise you with their abilities 🙂
P.S. Thank you for all the kind words and thoughtful gifts we received in December. We were touched by the amount of support and love we received! We appreciate you all! 


THE ART OF STORY TELLING
This months theme is story telling. We will learn about the different components of a story ex) beginning, middle, end, conflict, climax, resolution, hero/heroine, villain, moral, etcWe will also learn about diverse stories & fables from all around the world!
As this goes on, we encourage you to make trips to your local public library. They have many activities and wonderful books that you can experience there. If you have/find any books you would like to share, please bring them in! 
LETTERS AND NUMBERS
Letters: I, J, K
Numbers: 16-20IMPORTANT DATES
01/12 – Early Closure @ 4PM
01/26 – Royal Tea Party (info attached) 
REMINDERS– Make sure all clothes are labeled in case any items are misplaced- If students borrow/ed clothes, please bring them back! We do not have enough extras  – if the students are needing AM snack, bring them in early enough to eat with the class (by 9:20) – When students are sick keep them home. If they test positive for anything (covid, RSV, etc) let us know! It is important we know so we can keep record of it and can take proper measures to minimize spreading it further!



NOTICE: TOYS IN CLASS
Recently, we have experienced many conflicts, distractions, and disorganization in regard to toys brought from home.We are requesting that only 1 stuffy be brought to school along with their blanket. We have plenty of toys for the students to use here and extras from home are not needed. Up to this point, we had been okay with other toys being brought, but there have been too many instances where they get lost, broken, or taken. We did speak with the students about it so they are aware of the changes and the reasoning behind it. 
PLEASE CHECK CUBBIES
We also request that you look through the students cubbies 🙂 Take home any toys, art work, and extra items. Cubbies should only have: 1 blanket, 1 stuffy,  extra underwear, socks, shirts, and bottoms; as well as, any winter attire like hats, gloves, and snow pants. Thank you!