CREATIVELY SPEAKING
Loving, Nurturing & Educating Children Since 1968
November 2016
CREATIVE PLAYROOMS
Vol. 11
NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
November 4-18:
November 7-11:
November 14-18:
Creative Playrooms
Montessori Schools
November 17:
November 24:
Good Night Moon Pajama Program
Pre-K Parent Conferences
Montessori Parent Conferences
Kindergarten Parent Conferences
Kindergarten Report Cards
Classroom Thanksgiving Feasts
Thanksgiving Day (centers are closed)
&
Child Care Centers
32750 Solon Road
Solon, OH 44139
(440) 349-9111
www.creativeplayrooms.com
Joan Wenk, M.S. Ed.
President
Shirley Jeric
Vice President
Terri Prietz
Executive Assistant
Denise Benko
Finance
Katie Hoose
H.R. Coordinator
From the Regional Director's Desk ~ Jenn Cook
It’s hard to believe that November is here already. This month we
will be recognizing all that we are thankful for. We will be holding our annual
Pajama & Book Drive from November 4-18. We will begin our program with a
Good Night Moon Pajama Party on November 4th. Please help us donate new
pajamas for the children at the Women’s Shelter in Akron, Ohio. We will
deliver them to the shelter on November 20th.
The Private Kindergarten classes at Parma, Strongsville, Westlake
and Solon will also be hosting a can food drive this month for their local food
pantry. Please help us reach our goal of 100 items per school.
Our Classroom Feasts will be held on November 17th at lunch time. We
will be dressing up like Pilgrims and Indians and learning all about The First
Thanksgiving. We will be closed on Thursday, November 24th in observance of
the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be open on Friday, November 25th however;
we do ask that you sign up to attend that day.
As the weather changes please remember that the speed limit in our
parking lots is 5 MPH. Cars are not to be left running while unattended in the
parking lot as well. These rules are put in place not only for your safety, but
for the safety of the children as well. Please hold your child’s hand in the
parking lot for safety reasons!
Jennifer Cook
Regional Director
DON’T FORGET THE $25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A FAMILY TO OUR CENTER!
What's Happening Around Us...
Submitted by Center Directors
Independence ~ Donna Kupiecki
Can you believe it's November? Time flies when you are having fun! Don't forget to "fall behind" on November
6th and turn the clocks back an hour. November 11th is Veteran's Day, and we will be writing special Thank
You's to our Veterans for all their hard work. This month we will discuss the importance of Thanksgiving and
what we are thankful for. The classroom feasts will be Thursday, November 17th. The children dress up as
Indians and Pilgrims, and discuss what they are thankful for!
Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Sue Stoika! Miss Sue has been with Independence Montessori since August of 2015. She
enjoys working with the Montessori children. She always has a positive attitude and is a team player, not only
in the Montessori classroom, but throughout the entire center. Three words families would use to describe her
are caring, outgoing, and personable. In her spare time Miss Sue enjoys spending time with her son Adam. She
loves working in her yard and her garden. Thank you, Miss Sue, for all of your hard work, dedication and
commitment. It is always greatly appreciated!
Maple Heights ~ Lisa Woodward
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our families and friends! We look forward to spending the holiday with our family
will enjoy time off of school on November 24th. The weather has been holding and we are still taking the
children outdoors for fresh air so please make sure all jackets are marked with your child’s name. We need to
remind ALL parents that the parking lot speed is 5 miles per hour and you MUST park in a parking space. You
CANNOT park by the orange pylons or on the side of the building. There are plenty of parking spaces on both
sides of the lot. The Pre-K children will be evaluated during the month of November and the teachers will be
meeting with the parents to inform them of their progress.
Employee of the Month
Our employee of the month is Stacy Woods. Stacy celebrated nine years with Creative Playrooms and works in
the Infant Classroom. Stacy will help out in any classroom and is easy going, nurturing, and caring. Awesome
Job Stacy!!!
Parma ~ Jenn Cook & Allison DiPaolo
November is a very “thankful for” month. We all celebrate everything in our lives that we are thankful for.
Each family is asked to complete a feather for each member of their family telling us what they are most
thankful for. Please complete and color a feather for each family member and bring them to the office. We
will then place them on a turkey in the hallway. We had quite a large turkey last year, let’s see how thankful we
are this year. Our classroom feast will be on Thursday November 17th. We will be closed on Thursday
November 24th in observance of Thanksgiving. Remember to sign up if you will be attending on Friday
November 25th.
Employee of the Month
Mrs. Devon Gasser is our November Employee of the Month! Devon has been with Parma Montessori a little
over a year and works with Preschool, Pre-K, and Senior Camp. The children love to come in each morning and
see the smile she has on her face every day! Thank you Miss Devon for all your hard work and dedication to our
school and families!
DON’T FORGET THE $25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A FAMILY TO OUR CENTER!
What's Happening Around Us (Cont'd)
Solon ~ Kathleen Milliken
November brings us family time. On November 11, please wear your red, white, and blue in honor of our
Veterans. Don’t forget your donation to the 4th Annual Pajama Program. We will celebrate Thanksgiving on
Thursday, November 17 with our annual Thanksgiving Feast. We will be learning about the boats that sailed to
America. The center will be closed on Thursday, November 24 in honor of Thanksgiving. Finally, we begin our
Holiday countdown at the end of the month. Please remember to dress your child warmly for outdoor play,
including coats and hats.
Employee of the Month
This month we would like to thank Amanda Sitter. Amanda has been employed with Creative Playrooms since
May of 2016. Amanda always is the first to jump in to help; recently she went to help at our Westlake center
for 3 weeks. Amanda also is great at communicating with parents upon drop off and pick up. Amanda is always
smiling, cheerful, and energetic. Great Job Amanda!
Strongsville ~ Lisa Ross
I cannot believe we are already looking towards the holiday season! The children had a great month in
October with a visit from the Fire Department, Field Trip to Red Wagon Farms, Picture Day and Halloween
Parties! Keep an eye on our Facebook page (Strongsville Montessori) for pictures and news on what is
happening at our center!
We will be holding our annual pajama collection again this November. The theme is “Keep us warm
‘Inside/Out’!” Have your child wear his/her pajamas to school on November 4th to help us kick off the event!
Then from November 4-18 bring in new/like-new pajamas and books to donate for families in need!
Pre-K, Montessori, and Kindergarten will all have conferences this month. Please see your child’s teacher to
schedule a time that will work for you.
Reminder – we are closed on Thanksgiving (November 24). The children will be having their Thanksgiving meal
here at the center on Thursday November 17th!
Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Miss Caroline Franck! Caroline joined our Toddler team in September and has been a great
addition. Miss Caroline is very patient with the children and is always actively engaged with the children. Miss
Caroline has also been a great help with potty-training. Thank you Miss Caroline!
Westlake ~ Maria Pena
We would like to welcome all new children and staff to our center. This month we will be busy preparing for
our Winter Program which will be held in December. We will keep you posted on the date and time. We are
also having our 4th annual pajama drive from November 4-18. To kick off the drive, we will be having a pajama
party for the children on November 4th. Children and Staff are welcome to wear pajamas on that day. Parents
please donate new pajamas for children in need. Pre-K conferences are scheduled for November 7-11.
Montessori and Kindergarten conferences are scheduled for November 14-18. Report cards will be given to
parents at this time. Thanksgiving is also in November so we will be having our Thanksgiving Feast on
Thursday November 17th and the center will be closed Thursday, November 24, but will reopen on Friday the
25th. Happy Thanksgiving!
Employee of the Month
Megan Lee joined Westlake Montessori School in April 2014. She works as an afternoon floater with all ages.
Megan has shown to be a team player and the children enjoy having her as their teacher. We appreciate your
loyalty! Great Work Megan!
DON’T FORGET THE $25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A FAMILY TO OUR CENTER!
November Curriculum Ideas & Classroom Themes
Infant Info
Sensory:
Gross Motor:
Fine Motor:
Audio/Visual:
Touch Fluffy; Shape Basket; Kaleidoscope; Finger Paint
Rocking Horse; Parachute; Riding Toys; Play in the Leaves
Peg Puzzles; Color the Turkey; Shape Basket; Puzzles
Silly Songs; Flannel Board; Xylophone; Bang the Drum
Jr. Toddler Tidbits - Themes: Letter “C”, Apples and Leaves, Letter “D”, Thanksgiving
Practical Life:
Gross Motor:
Science:
Language & Art:
Dress Up; Set the Table; Rake the Leaves; Wash Dishes
Pumpkin Twister; Musical Leaves; Pass the Pumpkin; Ring Toss
Hot/Cold; Magnets; Parts of Leaf; Parts of Apple
Caterpillar; Number Book; Lego Stamp; Indian Corn; Leaf Sun Catcher
Sr. Toddlers - Themes: Letter “C”, Apples and Leaves, Letter “D”, Thanksgiving
Practical Life:
Gross Motor:
Science:
Art:
Wash Dishes; Rake Leaves; Sweep the Floor; Dust the Furniture
Ring Toss; Pumpkin Twister; Bean Bag Toss; Pass the Turkey
Sink/Float; Magnets; Hot/Cold; Sensory Sticks
Turkey Paper Plate; Leaf Sun Catcher; Leaf Rubbing; Apple Tree
Pre-K/Preschool - Themes: Mother Goose, Thankful Week, In a People House, Folktales
Language Arts:
Music & Movement:
Gross Motor:
Cooking:
Art:
Letters J, K, L, M; Numbers 10, 11, 12, 13
Musical Pillows; Jack Be Nimble; 10 Little Turkeys
Waddle Relay; Sizzling Bacons; What’s in my House?
Friendship Salad; Bread Sample; Turkey Tales
Bean Mosaic; Make a Monkey; Mayflower Boat; Toothbrush
Paint; Handprint Turkeys
After School - Themes: My Family & Random Acts of Kindness
In the Kitchen:
Crafty Creations:
Cooperating Games:
Language:
Sub Sandwiches; Bread Sampler; Jell-O Parfait; American Flag Snack
Placemats; Indian Headdress; Family Portraits; Family Tree; Book Cover
My Family Likes To; Heads-Up, 7-Up; My Community; Telephone; Class Poll
Family Poem; I Am Thankful For; If I Were President
DON’T FORGET THE $25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A FAMILY TO OUR CENTER!
MONTESSORI MATTERS
Independence Center
Themes: Election Day; Thanksgiving; North America; Animals That Hibernate
This month we will focus on Thanksgiving and what we are thankful for and about the First
Thanksgiving. The children will learn about North American animals that hibernate and what that
means. The children will continue to work on Simple Addition. The letters for the month are P, U,
D, and F. We will be learning what sounds the make. We will also talk about the upcoming election
and what that means. We have lots of fun art work planned for the kids this month: turkeys,
cornucopias, Pilgrims, Indians, and animal masks.
Sensorial:
Geography:
Language:
Math:
Practical Life:
Science:
Art:
Touch Tablets
North America
Letters P, U, D, F
Addition
Sorting and Scissor Safety
Animals that Hibernate
Turkeys; Pilgrims; Indians; Cornucopias; Animal Masks
Parma Center
Themes: Hibernation; Thanksgiving; Native Americans; Early America
November is a time to give thanks for all that we have. This month our class will be learning about
Pilgrims, Native Americans, and Early America. We will be making special placemats for our class
feast on November 17th. We will also be discussing what we are most thankful for. We will have
conference times available during the week of November 14-18.
Sensorial:
Geography:
Language:
Math:
Practical Life:
Science:
Art:
Tasting Jars
Native American Culture & Early America
Beginning Sounds
Ten & Teen Board
Corn Tweezing
Planet Earth
Hand Turkeys; Cornucopias & Turkey Feather Hats
DON’T FORGET THE $25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A FAMILY TO OUR CENTER!
MONTESSORI MATTERS
Solon Center
Themes: Be Forgiving, Be Friendly, Be Joyful, Be Honest, Be Trustworthy
As November begins we will be starting our Pajama Program November 4th. Please help us in our efforts
by participating and donating. The 2nd week of November we will be starting our Montessori Reading
week. By the 3rd week, we will begin practicing for our Winter Program along with celebrating our
seasonal Thanksgiving Feast. Please remember to purchase your Winter Program ticket before
November 28th.
Sensorial:
Knob-less Cylinders; Touch Boards; Binomial Cube
Geography:
North & South America Coloring
Language:
Spanish Foods; “i”, “o”, and “u” Sounds; Spanish Days of the
Week
Math:
Beads Frame 1-20; Teen Board & Beads; 100 Board
Practical Life:
Comb; Brush; Wash; Using a Mirror; Sweeping; Plant Care
Art:
Etching; “By the Pond” Activity
Strongsville Center
Themes: Election Day, Presidents, Thankfulness & Thanksgiving
At this beautiful time of year we pause to reflect on those things that we are thankful for: family,
friends, and all the other blessings in our lives.
Our busy classroom is preparing for the holiday’s, practicing for the Winter Program, and really
working on those letter sounds. The children are excited about the presidential election and we will
hold a mock election.
Look for conferences in the second week of November. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the board by
the entry way. Have a wonderful Holiday!
Sensorial:
Binomial Cube; Grace & Courtesy
Geography:
North America; Land & Water Formations and the Desert
Language:
Rhyming Words
Math:
Introduction to the Decimal System; 45 Layout
Practical Life:
Tweezing; Hand Washing; Napkins & Clothes Folding; Labeling
Science:
Pumpkin Science and Digestion & Nutrition
Art:
Thanksgiving Placemats, Turkeys & Collages
Westlake Center
Themes: Rainforest, Dinosaurs, Our Solar System and Thanksgiving
This month is very busy as we prepare for Thanksgiving and continue to study and learn new materials.
Our focus will be on South America and rainforest animals. We will learn all about outer space and be
sure to check out all our Thanksgiving art. Our Parent Teacher conferences are held this month so
please see the classroom doors for sign-ups.
Sensorial:
Memory Match; Smelling Jars
Geography:
South American Puzzle and Maps
Language:
Letters I, J, K; New Sight Words
Math:
Tens Board; Greater Than, Less Than
Practical Life:
Folding; Typing; Sewing Spool
Science:
Planets; Rainforest; Animals
Art:
Turkey Mobiles; Dinosaurs; Sponge Paint
DON’T FORGET THE $25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A FAMILY TO OUR CENTER!
KINDERGARTEN KORNER
Parma Center ~ Anna Vince
Themes:
The Five Senses, Ohio History, Thanksgiving
This month we will be discussing everything we are thankful for. We will be having a Thanksgiving
Feast on November 17th. We will also be experimenting with all five of our senses and learning about
the State of Ohio.
Math:
Numbers 11-20
Language:
Nouns & Verbs; Our New Guided Reading Program
Science:
Living and Non Living Things
Social Studies: Pledge of Allegiance & The First Thanksgiving
Art:
Handprint Turkeys, Cornucopias, Pilgrims; Weaving Placemats
& Watercolors
Solon Center ~ Nicole Craft
Themes:
Shapes; The Five Senses; Ohio History; Thanksgiving
This month we will be focusing on learning the five senses including how and when we use each sense.
With the election this month, we will be holding a class mock election to allow the students to see how
we pick a President for our great nation. We are also excited to learn the true meaning behind
Thanksgiving as well as give thanks to our classmates for their friendship.
Language:
Math:
Sensorial:
Art:
Geography:
Sight Words; Three; Said; Four, Five, Six; We; Rhyming
Read & Write #’s 6-10; Compare & Order #’s to 10; Intro to Data
Smelling Jars
Be Thankful Class Quilt
Ohio History; State Bird, Flower, Capital, Tree
DON’T FORGET THE $25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A FAMILY TO OUR CENTER!
KINDERGARTEN KORNER
Strongsville Center ~ Mrs. Sue Kemp
Themes:
Shapes, My Five Senses, Turkeys, I am Thankful
This is a time to be thankful for all that we have. Take some time to build new memories together as
the Holidays approach. Look for a field trip to the Library mid-November. Please check the Parent
Board for conference and report card sign-up to meet with me.
This year the Kindergarten class will host a canned food drive to donate to the local food bank. The
collection boxes will be in the Kindergarten classroom and the lobby. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Math:
Language:
Social Studies:
Science:
Art:
Using Numbers to 10, Ordering Numbers, Review
Letters J, K, L, Beginning & Ending Sounds; Sight Words
The First Thanksgiving, Native Americans
Our Five Senses, Harvest Time
Indian Head Bands, Weaving Placemats, Cornucopias
&
Watercolor
Westlake Center ~ Mrs. Diane Runner
Themes:
Shapes; Five Senses; Turkeys/Giving Thanks; Ohio History
Kindergarten was busy practicing “The Grinch” for their holiday show, powering through sight words,
and working on reading skills. They are a hard-working group of kids. As a reward, they get a dressdown day on Friday, the 18th, with a special treat from Mrs. Runner! I hope everyone comes back
refreshed from Thanksgiving break ready for the last few rehearsals for the Holiday Show!
Math:
Language:
Social Studies:
Science:
Art:
Pool News
Parma: this month we will start learning how to
float on our backs and fronts. We will also use
the kickboard to float.
Solon: November is floating in. This month we
will be completing all of our pool evaluations. We
are working on floating and blowing bubbles in
our Preschool and Montessori. Kindergarten is
working on front and back stroke. Afterschool
will begin water aerobics and pool games
Westlake: Preschool will practice gliding while
Pre-K will retrieve rings in deeper water.
Montessori will be blowing bubbles out of their
nose and Kindergarten will be floating on their
backs. We all will be having fun!
Naming Shapes; Shape Patterns
Sight Word Games; Practicing for Winter Show
Ohio Map; Thanksgiving Bead Story-Tell
Tasting: Sour, Sweet, Salty
Ohio Flag; Shape Collage; Feather Turkeys
Employee Spotlight
Angela McConnell
Solon
Congratulations to our spotlight employee, Angela
McConnell. Angela has been with Creative
Playrooms since October 2010. She has earned
several promotions since she first started, and is
now the Assistant Director of the Solon Center.
Angela recently worked with the Director of the
center to develop and implement a new reading
program!! She is very knowledgeable in child
development and enjoys seeing the children learn
and grow.
She is always willing to help out
wherever needed. Thank you Angela for your
dedication to the families and children!!!
DON’T FORGET THE $25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A FAMILY TO OUR CENTER!
~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY~~
MAY TODAY BE AS EXTRAORDINARY AS YOU!
~~HAPPY ANNIVERSARY~~
SHARING THE JOYS THAT BLOSSOM EACH YEAR IN YOUR DEVOTION
TO CREATIVE PLAYROOMS MONTESSORI & CHILD CARE CENTERS!
BIRTHDAYS
ANNIVERSARIES
CORPORATE
NONE
INDEPENDENCE
Khema Perera
MAPLE HEIGHTS
NONE
Shekeshia Dennis
15 Yrs.
PARMA
Alexandria Braithwaite 11/22
Justine Brzoska
11/19
Courtney Hokeah
11/06
Lexus Dregely
11/09
Alyssa Myers
11/05
Katheryn Wheelis
7 Yrs.
SOLON
NONE
NONE
STRONGSVILLE
Suzette Alli
Richard Martinek
11/02
11/17
NONE
WESTLAKE
Tammy Hyland
Maria Pena
Jennifer Woods
11/07
11/01
11/07
Tammy Hyland
NONE
11/22
NONE
DON’T FORGET THE $25.00 BONUS IF YOU REFER A FAMILY TO OUR CENTER!
2 Yrs.