May 2017
Scoop
A NEWSLETTER FOR THE FAMILES OF ST. LAURENCE WEEKDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Director’s Corner
2017 SURVEY RESULTS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Survey Results
1
What’s Happening
3
Thank Yous
4
Advisory Board
5
Around the Parish
6
Community Events
7
Calendar
10
Quality Early
Childhood Education
for All Children
OUR MISSION:
St. Laurence Weekday
Children’s Program is an
early childhood ministry
of St. Laurence Parish.
We believe that children
are the heart of the Kingdom of God. Together
with family and community we are called to support children’s spiritual
and human growth and
development.
3103 Sweetwater Blvd
Sugar Land, Texas
77479
Phone: 281-313-0329
Thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out and return the annual survey! We use this survey to plan improvement in our program to better serve the children
and families of St. Laurence Weekday Children’s Program.
In summary, using the NAEYC Accreditation Survey Tool, the overall survey
rating for St. Laurence WCP is 91.52%. Our program results are
“commendable” compared to other accredited programs around the country:
Commendable (top 25%)
Sufficient (middle 50%)
Insufficient (bottom 25%)
79.8% to 100%
68.9% to 97.7%
0%- 68.8%
WCP 91.52%
2017 St. Laurence Weekday Children’s
Program Parent Survey Results
Question
%
Yes
%
No
DK or
Blank
1. I have a good relationship with my child’s teacher and other staff.
98
1
0
2. The teacher takes good care of my child, helps my child
learn to get along with others, and is a good teacher.
97
1
2
3. The teacher often shares information about things happening in the program and wants to know about things my
child is doing at home.
91
6
3
4. I talk with a teacher about my child at least once a week
(or every day if my child is a baby.)
64
16
1
Page 2
2017 St. Laurence Weekday Children’s Program
Parent Survey Results (Continued)
%
Yes
%
No
DK or
Blank
a. Program mission and philosophy
94
3
3
b. Rules and expectations
96
2
2
c. Procedures for drop-off and pickup and handling emergencies
97
2
1
6. I receive this information in a language that I understand.
100
0
0
7. The teacher asks about things that are important to our family and uses this information to
help my child grow and learn.
83
13
4
8. For families who speak a language other than English at home: The teacher and I discuss the
language used to teach my child.
78
19
3
9. I am invited to take part in classroom activities and events.
95
3
2
10. When I disagree with how a teacher works with my child, I feel
Comfortable letting the teacher know and working together to find a solution that works for
both of us.
82
5
13
11. I am comfortable with what my child is learning and how my child’s progress is measured.
I have the opportunity to discuss what is learned and how it is measured.
91
6
3
12. I know how the program makes sure that information about my child and his or her progress is kept confidential
85
8
7
13. I receive written reports about my child at least twice a year.
91
3
6
14. I am told about my child’s progress in language I understand and in ways that are respectful to me and my family.
99
1
0
15. The teacher and program work with me to meet my child’s individual or special needs
and help me get other resources within the community when needed.
95
5
1
16. The program helps me get to know other families in the program and encourages us to
support each other.
87
8
6
17. I am always welcome at the program and am invited to participate by helping to plan
events, being involved in decisions about the program, and taking on leadership roles.
93
4
3
18. I am provided a translator when needed.
90
0
10
19. The program staff helps me learn about community events and resources that can help
my child and family.
93
3
4
20. The program gives me information to help my child make a smooth transition to kindergarten or first grade.
87
7
6
21. When program evaluations are completed, I receive information about the findings.
85
2
13
22. I generally feel respected by the program staff and that my contributions are valued.
95
4
1
23 For families with babies only: The program supports breastfeeding by providing space,
storing milk, instructing staff on handling procedures, etc.
100
0
0
24. For families with babies or children with special nutritional needs: Staff work with me to
meet my child’s nutritional needs and document for me what my child eats each day.
90
10
0
Question
5. I have received information at enrollment and/or throughout the year about the program
and my child’s classroom, including information about:
MAY 2017
W E E K D A Y SC O O P
Page 3
What’s Happening at WCP this Month?
Zumba
Teacher Appreciation Week
Our preschoolers will get the chance to
be active and jam out to fun music with a
special Zumba class!
It’s time to celebrate our fabulous teachers!
May 2nd & 5th
Tuesday, May 9: Teacher luncheon.
Watch for the signup genius!
Monday, May 8: Bring a flower and
homemade card for each teacher.
Wednesday, May 10: “Sweet Day”
Thanks to parents for signing up to bring
bundt cake towers for the teachers!
Mother’s Day Program
The children will perform a
heartwarming Mother’s Day
song and present their
Moms a special treat!
Thursday, May 11:
The teachers will have a
fun after-school outing!
Friday, May 12: Teacher breakfast. Watch for
the signup genius and a
big thank you to Cinnamon’s Bakery!
May 11 & 12 at 1pm
Splash Days!
May 25th & 26th
Memorial Day Holiday
WCP will be CLOSED
May 29
Summer Camp
Last Days of School!
Meet the Teacher
The children will be dismissed at NOON on the
last days of school
May 31 & June 1
Is coming up on
May 24th
MAY 2017
The children will have a blast getting WET!
Please be sure to follow your teachers’ instructions and send dry clothes & a towel.
W E E K D A Y SC O O P
Page 4
PRAY WITH US!
All are welcome at the WCP Prayer Groups!
Please feel free to bring your little ones!
May 24th at
12:45pm
Join other WCP Parents to pray the Holy
Rosary in the St.
Anne’s Room in the
Ave Maria Center.
2017-2018 Enrollment Packets
You should have already received your enrollment packet for next year in your child’s folder.
Remember, the completed packets and remaining
fees are due back to the program on or before
Friday, June 23, 2017
THANK YOU
Special Prayer
Intentions
Come and share any
special intentions
and pray for and with other WCP parents in
the Oratory at the AMC. Watch for an
email with this month’s meeting date.
MEMORIAL HERMANN SUGAR LAND
Contact Sheri Cass with any questions:
[email protected]
End of Year Conferences
For the generous donation of the Trackless
Train for our Spring Family Fun Day!
Please check your email for a Signup Genius for your
year end parent teacher conference!
Please be on time for your scheduled conference.
Thank You
PROUD PARENTS
Teacher Appreciation! The
signup lists are nearly complete, so a
big thank you to all of the parents
that have volunteered to help
shower our teachers with love and
gratitude!
Room Parents! Thanks for all your
shared time and talents this year!
Memory Book Parents! We are
so excited to see the final books and
thank you so much for your hard
work!
MAY 2017
MAY TUITION
Reminder: You have already paid May tuition.
If you have an automatic payment setup,
don’t forget to turn it off!
A note from outgoing President, Tammy Luster:
My sincerest thanks to all of the wonderful teachers and staff
of Weekday Children's Program. My three girls have been
blessed by their time here and now our family will graduate
from the program. It is bitter-sweet. I will forever cherish the
friendships we have made and the solid foundation of learning
my girls received in this loving environment. I wish everyone the
best and again a sincere "thank you" for making our 6 years at
Weekday unforgettable.
Blessings,
Tammy Luster,
Parent Advisory Board President
W E E K D A Y SC O O P
Page 5
Announcing the 2017-2018 Parent Advisory Board
This year’s Weekday Parent Advisory Board Discernment Meeting was a great success!
Thank you to everyone who came out to discern a position. We are truly blessed to
have involved and caring parents who go above and beyond sharing their time and talents. Please see the list below of the Parent Advisory Board for the 2017-2018 school
year.
President
Shannon Caldwell
Vice President
Tiffany Winkler
Finance
Chrissy Campbell
Communications
Judy Berckman
Secretary
Olivia Hughes
Fundraising
Bonnie Inamdar
Activities
Susan Weihe
Historian
Denise Jonathan
Dad’s Liaison
Jason Leiber
Parent Liaison
Kristina Marinas
Parish Liaison
Brooke Hudson
Hospitality
Gabby Montoya
Parent Education/ Spirituality
Lauren Drapp
We are also incredibly grateful for our outgoing 2016-2017 board members!
President
Tammy Luster
Finance
Jonathan Pursch
Activities
Kristine Mikolas
Historian
Allison Lambert
Parent Education/ Spirituality
Sheri Cass
In addition, we have a FABULOUS group of committee chairs—both new and old–
that will continue to truly help the program be successful in the coming school year!
MAY 2017
W E E K D A Y SC O O P
Page 6
Around the Parish
We are extremely lucky to be a ministry of St. Laurence Catholic Church—such a
wonderful parish! Here are just a few things going on around the parish this month:
CCE REGISTRATION
BAKE SALE
If you have a child that will be 3 years old (or older)
by Sept 1st, he/she is eligible for CCE! If you have
not already done so, you may register at the
reception desk of the AMC. Class times do fill up
fast, so register your child as soon as possible!
May 6th & 7th after Mass, while supplies last
COR WORSHIP NIGHT
Monday, May 8 at 7:00pm in the Church
You don’t want to miss the last COR night of the
semester! Kris Frank will be teaching on how God
continues to do new things even when we can’t see
Him at work. Music by Danielle Noonan.
VOLUNTEER TO TEACH
If you love children and love your faith, consider
serving as a volunteer catechist! No experience is
necessary! Contact Joan Hastreiter at
[email protected] or 281.265.5774
If you are interest in FTCM summer catechist
courses, contact Laura Stephens at
[email protected] or 281.265.5774
And also, if you are Virtus trained and interested in
sharing the faith with 3-year-olds through the
Family Faith program, contact Melissa Calcote at
[email protected] or 281.265.5774
MAY 2017
The St. Laurence Catholic Daughters are hosting
their annual Spring Bake Sale! These homemade
goodies are snapped up quickly, so come early aned
buy lots! Proceeds support the CDA charities.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Are you looking for ways to fill your time? Of
course not! But still—the first commandment is to
love God and what better way than to spend time
with Him in the chapel? The Archdiocese now
requires 2-3 persons present at all times, so new
adorers are needed. Please check online
stlaurence.org/adoration to find a time for you!
MOMS & TOTS MINISTRY
If you are home with your little ones on Monday
mornings (every week or just on WCP holidays),
consider joining St. Laurence Moms & Tots! It’s a
great way to meet other St. Laurence parents and
spend time exploring our community and growing
in faith. Email [email protected]
for more information.
W E E K D A Y SC O O P
Page 7
May Community Events
Toddler Music with Sessions
Thursday, May 4 from 9:30-10:30 @ Sugar Land Town Square
Enjoy a FREE class on the Plaza with Sessions Music. Immerse your child in a musical atmosphere of play,
song, and dance, and connect with other moms, dads and families. Recommended for newborn- 7yrs.
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 4th from 12-1pm @ Sugar Land Town Square
Join others from the community for the National Day of Prayer in the Plaza!
Seussical, Jr. presented by Inspiration Stage
Friday-Sunday, May 5-7th @ Sugar Land Auditorium
Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage! The
Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant. The youth production showcases talent where no
cast member is older than 13 years old! Tickets are available now at www.inspirationstage.com
Cinco de Mayo Wonderweek
May 5-11 @ the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center
Come celebrate Mexican heritage and pride! On-going activities include: create an amate painting, make your
own Papel Picado Flag, make a flower crown and celebrate with some maracas!
Cinco De Mayo Party in the Plaza with Bar Louie
Friday, May 5th from 6:30-9:30pm @ Sugar Land Town Square
Margaritas, salt and lime... get ready because it's Fiesta time! Take your turn on the mechanical bull while enjoying festive drinks (there will also be live donkey rides for the kids!) and a live DJ from 6:30-7:30.
Fort Bend Pets Alive Shelter Pet Expo
Saturday, May 6th from 11:00 - 2:00 pm @ Sugar Land Town Square
This event will feature adoptable shelter pets from local shelters and local pet friendly and pet service businesses. Help us find these pets their "fur-ever" loving homes. Come volunteer to help us save more lives!
Family Fun Day
Saturday, May 6th from 11am-3pm @ Constellation Field
The Fort Bend Star and the Sugar Land Skeeters are teaming up to present the Family Fun Day at Constellation Field! There will be lots of fun games and activities for children and families along with vendors from local businesses pertaining to summer fun for all.
MAY 2017
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Page 8
May Community Events
(Continued)
Saturday Spotlight: May Day
Saturday, May 6th @ George Ranch Historical Park
Come dance and sing around the May pole to mark the arrival of spring! Celebrate with a traditional May
Day Celebration at the 1860s Ryon Prairie Home.
Movie Under the Moon sponsored: First Colony Church of Christ
Saturday, May 6th from 8:15 - 10:00 pm @ Sugar Land Town Square
Bring your family, friends and lawn chairs to the Plaza to enjoy a free screening of the movie Sing!
National Lemonade Day
Sunday, May 7th from 9:00 - 1:00 pm @ Sugar Land Town Square
Help us empower today’s youth to be tomorrow’s entrepreneurs! Lemonade Day is a free, fun, experiential
learning program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own business – a lemonade stand.
Come support the youth & get a refreshing drink at stands throughout Town Square. If you have a child interested in participating, please register them as a participant online and then email [email protected] to receive confirmation and details.
Bike To Work & School Day
Friday, May 12th from 8:30 - 10:00 am @ Sugar Land Town Square
The City of Sugar Land and Shape Up Fort Bend will celebrate National Bike Month with the 6th Annual Bike
to Work Day and 4th annual Bike to School Day. Join residents, neighbors, and friends for a celebratory ride
to Fort Settlement Middle School and Town Square.
Pasadena Strawberry Festival
Friday-Sunday, May 19-21 @ Pasadena Convention Center
Enjoy the world’s largest strawberry shortcake (1300sq ft), BBQ cook off, mud volleyball tournament, children’s area featuring magic acts, pig races, pony rides, vendors, bounce houses, games, puppet shows and a
concerts featuring Wade Bowen and Kevin Fowler.
First Birthday Bash
Saturday, May 20th from 10:30 at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center
You’re invited! The celebration will kick off with a marching band, jugglers, “happy birthday” singing, culminating with a burst of confetti cannons. A DJ will be there along with Pikachu and H-E-B’s H-E-Buddy. Plus,
don’t forget cake!!! Free admission will be offered to kids one year and younger and anyone with a May 20th
birthday.
MAY 2017
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Page 9
May Community Events
(Continued)
Impact a Hero 5K Run/Walk/Wheel + Kids 1K
Saturday, May 20th from 7:30am @ Constellation Field
The 13th Annual Impact a Hero event is held to help our wounded Heroes from the War on Terror and
their families. Visit their website to learn more about the race: http://www.impactahero5k.com
Newton The Dragon Show
Friday, May 26th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm @ Sugar Land Town Square
Newton The Dragon is a clumsy, zany bookworm, who magically inspires area youth to a brighter future
through imagination and education. Be one of the firsts to see this brand new show with all new surprises
re-writing the rules of mascoting (Newton talks!), but with the same unique brand of EDUTAINMENT you
know and love!
Aquarium Pyramid Grand Reveal
Saturday, May 27th from 10am-5pm @ Moody Gardens
Guests will enjoy a fun and awe-inspiring experience wonderfully complemented with conservation messages that underscore the vital importance of the oceans. New exhibits will not only inspire visitor interest and empathy, but also connect visitors to specific ocean habitats.
Guests will travel from the Gulf of Mexico to the South Atlantic, South Pacific, North Pacific and Caribbean. Each ocean exhibit highlights different marine sanctuaries and different aspects of our relationship to the seas.
10th Annual World Yuanji Day
Saturday, May 27, 2017 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm @ Sugar Land Town Square
Come celebrate the Annual World Yuanji Day and experience Yuanji Dance that began one thousand years
ago during the Yuan Dynasty. This Taichi and Chinese traditional dance style combined with Kung-Fu movements helps to enlighten the mind, body and soul, improve cardiovascular fitness and body balance and
more!
MAY 2017
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Page 10
May 2017
Sun
Mon
1
Tue
2
Wed
3
Thu
4
Zumba
(Preschoolers)
7
8
9
Fri
5
Sat
6
Zumba
(Preschoolers)
10
Teacher
Appreciation
Week
11
12
Mother’s Day
Program
1:00pm
Mother’s Day
Program
1:00pm
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Summer Camp
Open House
Splash Day
Splash Day
28
29
Memorial Day
Holiday
MAY 2017
30
31
Last Day MWF
Early Release
W E E K D A Y SC O O P
Page 11
June 2017
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1
Fri
2
Sat
3
Last Day
Program
TTh/Full-time Closed
Early Release
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
17
24
Vacation Bible
School
11
12
Summer Camp
Begins
18
19
20
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
29
30
MAY 2017
W E E K D A Y SC O O P