January 24, 2025Updated on January 27, 2025

Spark! Newsletter Jan 20 – Jan 31, 2025

Message from Our Principal, Paige Gordon

Dear Spark! Discovery Preschool Families,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and that the new calendar year is off to a wonderful start for you and your family. Today, I am thrilled to share an exciting development that reflects the essence of who we are as a school community and the vision we hold for our preschool students — our new mission statement.

After thoughtful reflection, collaboration, and input from staff we are proud to introduce a mission statement that encapsulates our shared values and aspirations: Spark! Discovery Preschool values and actively involves learners from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities to ignite a love of learning.

This mission is more than just words on a page; it is a guiding principle for everything we do. It inspires us to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, cared-for, and empowered to learn and explore. It reminds us of the importance of fostering curiosity, encouraging growth and development, and preparing students to embark on a lifelong journey of learning.

Your partnership and support are vital as we work together to make Spark! Discovery Preschool a place where every student thrives. In the coming weeks, we will also develop our staff’s vision statement and commitments.

Thank you for your continued trust and dedication to our school community.

With gratitude — Paige Gordon

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REMEMBER to sign up for Conferences

Please sign up for conferences using our MEET THE TEACHER link
Conferences will be held: Monday, Feb 3, 2025, Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025, and Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025. Conferences will be held from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Please call the office if you need help booking your child’s conference.

Spark! Discovery Preschool Literacy Night at the Library

Join Us for Tunes, Tales & Tinkering!

February 3 | 5:15-6:45 P.M. | Innovation Center

Preschool-aged families who live in St. Vrain Valley are invited to a magical, musical evening featuring a special reading of Emilia Tries the Cello by local teacher, author, and cellist Dr. Katarina M. Pliego. Accompanied by members of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, this enchanting story will come to life with a selection of short musical pieces ranging from classical to pop. During the experience, children will have the opportunity to play a variety of instruments and even create their own, blending STEM principles with musical creativity. Books will be given away while supplies last, and snacks and translation services will be available.

he evening will conclude with a spectacular performance by St. Vrain’s Student Drone Performance Team. Learn more about this exciting event.

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Valentine’s Day Celebration information

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching! In an effort to host a community event that brings us all together as a community, we will be hosting Valentine’s Day Celebrations in class at the following times, and we hope you will join us:

Thurs, Feb 13, from 10:30 – 11:10 am — Mon – Thurs AM classes
Thurs, Feb 13, from – 2:25 – 3:05 pm– for Mon – Thurs PM and for Full-Day preschool

Teachers will be sending home information about how to best address Valentine’s Day cards for sharing with classmates in their classes. It is our policy that children bring a Valentine for every child in the class, if they are going to bring them, as this helps everyone to feel included and shows our caring for our friends. There will be some restrictions on the types of treats allowed in the classroom, due to allergies and dietary restrictions that are specific to each room and each schedule (AM vs. PM), so please look for information from the teacher on this as well. We will have a white lunch bag for each student to collect their Valentine cards on the 13th.

To engage families with Valentine’s Day cards, between Monday, February 3 and Wednesday, February 12, between the hours of 8:00am and 3:30pm, we will have card-making materials in our Makerspace/Library. This space will be open to families to come make Valentine’s Cards for other students, together for free. Also, feel free to pick up materials and take them home to do your making from home. Additionally, during family-teacher conferences, on Feb 3, Feb 5, and Feb 11, families are invited to pick up, make, and/or take materials from 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm during the evenings of conferences. Also, each teacher may be seeking parents to assist/volunteer to assist with the classroom Valentine’s Day celebration. Please look for information from your child’s teacher about their specific plans, and let them know if you are willing to help

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Supporting Consistent Attendance

Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in your child’s success. Preschool is where your child begins to build essential skills for their future education, and regular school attendance helps establish a routine that will serve them well in later grades.

Building a routine: Preschool-aged children thrive when they have a predictable routine. When they attend school regularly, they get used to the daily flow, which helps them feel more comfortable and confident. This routine also sets a foundation for the rest of their academic career.
Set a consistent bedtime: A consistent bedtime can make a big difference in helping your child feel rested and ready for school each day. Children this age need plenty of sleep to be at their best, so aim for a bedtime that gives them 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night.
Talk about school positively: If your child is nervous about going to school, talk about what they’ll be doing in a fun, positive way. Remind them about their friends, fun activities, or things they’re excited to learn about. This helps ease any separation anxiety and sets them up for a successful day at school.
Stay in touch with their teacher: If your child has a rough morning or seems reluctant to attend, reach out to their teacher to see how they’re doing in the classroom. Teachers can offer helpful strategies or reassure you about any challenges your child might be facing.

SOURCE credit: Colorado Dept. of Early Childhood newsletter, January 13, 2025.

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Celebration of Excellence

The St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation is thrilled to announce that the Celebration of Excellence (formerly Tribute to Teachers) nomination form opens on January 13th! This cherished annual event honors outstanding educators from every St. Vrain school who exemplify excellence in their roles and make extraordinary contributions to student success.

We invite students, parents, volunteers, fellow educators, school staff, community members, and business partners to nominate exceptional educators who inspire, innovate, and shape the future. In order to qualify, nominees must be licensed educators in the State of Colorado and employed at a St. Vrain Valley Schools campus for the current school year. Educators who received their school’s Educator of the Year honor within the past two years are not eligible.

Based on your nominations, one educator from each St. Vrain Valley school will be selected as their school’s Educator of the Year. These honorees will be recognized during the Celebration of Excellence on April 11, 2025, where a district-wide Educator of the Year will also be announced.

Nominations are open January 13 through February 5. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize the educators who make a lasting impact in our schools and community!

Submit your nomination today: https://stvrainfoundation.org/programs/celebration-of-excellence/

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Counselor’s Corner – Dr. Sandy McTaggart

This week Dr. Sandy McTaggart will hold whole group counseling with students and working on friendship skills including: sharing/taking turns and managing conflicts with our friends. Here’s the most recent newsletter from Ms. Sandy, full of resources and an overview of what our preschoolers have been learning about their feelings, emotions, friendship skills, etc. Please visit our Counselor’s Corner inside the school to access printed handouts for use at home on various topics Ms. Sandy has taught all students. Here are some additional resources electronically: https://sdpk.svvsd.org/wellness/counseling-resources-for-home/.

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Important Dates at Spark! Jan 20 – 24, 2025

Stem Unit #3 from Jan 13 – Feb 13, 2025

Expressing Ourselves through Art: Noreen and Kaylee

People and Places in my Community: Tori, Kiersten, and Marie

Making Music: Kelli Miranda, and Polly

Simple Machines: A Study in Motion: Danielle and Amy

Mon, Jan 20, 2025

STEM profile of the month: Reflective

Month-long Math focus / Big Idea of Early Mathematics: Patterns

FUNDATIONS focus on lower-case letters (writing them, identifying them, and naming their sounds): i, u

Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Preschool and Childcare are closed in observance

Tues, Jan 21, 2025

Hearing and Vision – Rechecks Day #1- 9am – 1:30pm

Volunteer Training – 12:30 pm – 2 pm- Located in the Cafeteria.