The Pitter Patter
Volume 11, No.3
Christmas, 2015
Wesley Memorial School
Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
Message from the Directors
Dear Parents:
Nursery, Preschool & Kindergarten children will soon
plunge HANDS-ON into Christmas! It’s a time for
spontaneous singing while we work and play. It’s a time for
lots of glittery decorations, the messier the better! A time for
the glow of candlelight from the Advent wreath, followed
llowed
by every child getting to be the “helper” to blow outt the
flame! A time for chubby little hands to caress a tiny
ny
toy figure of Baby Jesus and whisper when telling His
Christmas Story because it is just so special. A timee
for gift giving – and relief in knowing your family
did not get mad when your “bubble burst,” and
you couldn’t wait one moment longer to divulge
the secret gift you made for them at school! It’s
a time to remember our kindest of hands, our nicest of
words … yes, it’s a time to show LOVE. Surely, the spirit
of Christmas Love is HERE among the families of Wesley
Memorial School. You have been SO GIVING . . .
You encouraged your children to complete chores at home
to earn money for our Children’s Crop Walk. Their loose
change totaled $1,543.11 to help feed the hungry!
“Sundaes On Sunday” BBQ Luncheon and “School Spirit
Night” at Chick-Fil-A raised $2,000 for Scholarships. Pre-K
4’s created cards and letters on Veteran’s Day that were
mailed to VETS at home or at the VA Hospital; Kgt 5’s
packed magazines, candy, and snacks to send to soldiers
currently serving in the military. WMS families are
curren
now lining the halls with canned and dry food items
for Thanksgiving – approximately 1,000 items to stock
Open Door pantry. December brings opportunity
O
to participate in our Kids Kare Bag Project.
Donations of one small toy, mittens, or health
supply will help fill the class Christmas bag –
soon to be delivered to local boys and girls who
have been identified as homeless or marginally-housed.
Thank you. What LOVE.
It is a JOY for our WMS Staff to be part of the awe and wideeyed wonder that shows in YOUR child’s face at this time of
year. What a privilege to help you share the Christmas Story
and lay the foundation in which children experience Advent
as a time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Wishing for your family
the Wonder and Beauty and Love of Christmas!
Susan Sumpter and Susan Kelley
And Mary brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because
there was no room for them in the inn. ~Luke 2:7
IN CASE OF SNOW . . .
It is our policy to make our inclement weather decisions
independently of Guilford County Schools.
We will communicate our cancellations or delays of
Wesley Memorial School on:
 Fox 8 TV High Point, Channel 10
 News 2 TV Greensboro, Channel 9
 www.wesleymemorialschool.org
 Call WM School to hear recorded message, 884-4232
1220 Chestnut Drive, High Point, NC 27262
336-884-4232
www.WesleyMemorialSchool.org
Special Holiday Events at Wesley Memorial ~
Every Family Welcome!
• Friday, Dec 4 ~ Outdoor Christmas Tree Lighting!
6:30 pm at front circle. Enjoy warm cider, hot chocolate &
cookies as we sing carols & light our Christmas tree. In case of
rain, the tree lighting will be visible from an indoor location.
Invite friends to come with you!
• Sunday, Dec 6 ~ The Chancel Choir will
present “On Christmas Night” at 11 am
worship in Sanctuary. This is a collection
of 8 carols that follow the Christmas story.
Reception in the Asbury Room following the service. Childcare
for 4’s and younger.
• Sunday, Dec 13~ Children’s Live Nativity at 11 am
Sanctuary Traditional Service, and Sunday, Dec 20 at 8:30
am Contemporary Service. Experience the retelling of the
Christmas story through drama and song as only the children
can tell.
At the Traditional Service- children have rehearsed roles.
At the Contemporary – children will have a chance to don
costuming and be part of the retelling of the birth of Jesus
in an impromptu Nativity. (No pre-selection of roles and no
rehearsals.)
Contact Debbie Foust, Director of Children’s Ministry, if your
child of ages 4 yrs thru 5th grade would like to take part. 8842204 or [email protected].
• Thursday, Dec 24 ~ Christmas Eve:
• Lovefeast, 5 pm Sanctuary
• Contemporary Service, 8 pm Fellowship Hall
• Holy Communion and Candlelight Service , 11 pm
Sanctuary
KID’S KARE BAGS
A Christmas Outreach Opportunity
Kid’s Kare Bags provides an opportunity for children
in the weekday and Sunday School programs at Wesley
Memorial to reach out to children in our community
who have been identified as homeless or marginallyhoused. Our church is partnering with Salvation Army
of High Point in this mission.
Suggested Items:
TOYS: rattles, small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals,
harmonicas, yo-yos, small etch-a-sketch, toys that light
up or make noise (include batteries), slinky, puzzles,
books.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils, sharpener, crayons
or markers, coloring
books, writing pads,
paper.
Each WMS class will invite families to fill two bags: one
for a boy and one for a girl. Please help us by signing up
on your class poster for just ONE item that your family
can contribute for the bags. Your child may bring that
item in at any time now – with final due date of Fri,
Dec 11. Bless you for your participation that helps
needy children here at home to have Christmas gifts!
Should you wish to contribute more than one item,
select from list below. We will gladly make up additional
bags from the extras!
HYGIENE ITEMS:
baby wash and
lotion, soap, comb,
washcloth, hair
clips, shampoo, lotion, lip balm, small-size Kleenex,
bandaids.
WARM WEATHER WEAR: gloves, socks, hat, scarves.
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SHARING LOVE AT
CHRISTMAS with our
Church Staff
The children & teachers will be
gathering around the Children’s
Tree in the Dining Hall on Thurs,
Dec 10 & Fri, Dec 11. We will
present each church staff worker
with a Holiday Treat Bag (filled
with your shared goodies!) We’ll
have fun hearing each worker
share about his/her job at Wesley
Memorial. For example: Keith
and Tommy, “Mr. Maintenance
Friends” fix our trikes & come
running if we put too much toilet
paper in the potty! Darren drives
the big buffer machine that makes
our hallways look like mirrors!
(Darren also was Clifford the Big
Red Dog during Book Fair week …
shhhh!) Rev Al Ward tells stories
about Jesus.
We thank you for letting your child
bring in just ONE item (prior to
Dec 10th) to place into one of the
bags. Suggested items are box of
cookies or candies; nuts; gum; or
fresh fruit. The Early Childhood
Team will combine all items
brought in by the children to create
the treat bags. We are so thankful
for the (35) workers & regular
volunteers at Wesley Memorial
who help us daily “behind the
scenes.
It is a special tradition for the children of Wesley Memorial School to celebrate
the Advent Season with this song. Enjoy singing or reciting at home!
A Stable Warm and Dry
A stable warm and dry (use hand motions to “draw” a stable in air)
There was a stable warm and dry
and Mary, and Joseph (indicate Mary & Joseph by extending right then left hands)
and a new little baby boy.
(cradle arms to rock baby)
The Shepherds came to see Oh, yes! The
Shepherds came to see.
(hand over eyes as though looking
outward for the Shepherds)
Mary, and Joseph
and a new little baby boy.
The Wisemen brought their gifts.
(hand motions to pretend to place gifts on ground)
Oh, yes! The Wisemen brought their gifts
for Mary, and Joseph
and a new little baby boy.
It happened long ago.
Oh, yes! It happened long ago.
But we still remember
that new little baby boy.
COME HAVE LUNCH WITH SANTA!
A traditional holiday event for Wesley Memorial
School Children & Families
Date: Friday, December 11th
Time: 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm
Place: Church Dining Hall
WMS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
What to Bring: Parents &
children BRING YOUR OWN
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LUNCH, including beverage.
• Last school day before holidays will be Friday,
December 18.
• Kindergarten Fives will dismiss at noon on Dec 18
following their Christmas Pageant & Refreshment/
Fellowship time.
You may bring a camera, too!
Children and their parents/
grandparents/caregivers will
eat together. Santa Claus
(beautifully portrayed by Mr. Johnny
Schultheiss
J h
S h lth i and
d
Mrs. Claus (the charming Sarah Woollen) will be
present on a small staging area beside the Children’s
Christmas Tree. Parents may take their own photo, or
our Santa’s Elves (WMS staff ) will take a digital picture
that you may purchase for $2.00. No reservations
required – just come!
• Afterschool Childcare for Infants-Fours will be on
regular schedule on Dec 18 until 1:00 for children
already enrolled.
• Closed week of Dec 21-25 and week of Dec 28-Jan 1
• Monday, Jan 4 – Teachers return for Workday; no
school for children
• Tuesday, Jan 5 – Wesley Memorial School ReOpens!
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It’s not too soon to plan for fall!
Open House Events
Wesley Memorial School ~ a truly unique
early childhood learning community
We welcome the opportunity to tell you how our curriculum for each age-level fosters the development of the WHOLE
child - - social emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual. Individual abilities guide how and what we teach, so each
child’s learning is developmentally appropriate yet challenging, joyful and active!
Our Core Values
Threes, Pre-K Fours, Kendergarten Fives.
Choice of 2 times on this date
• Daytime Tour 9:15-10:30 am
(Includes visit of classes in session)
• Evening Tour 6:30-8 pm
PREPARATION ~ Children are prepared for academic
success in an environment of excellence and
creativity.
NURTURE ~ Children are nurtured through positive,
More Open House Dates for Specific Age-Levels
supportive and caring relationships in a diverse
community.
• Wednesday, January 27, 4 pm
Kindergarten Fives TOUR!
Special presentation in Media Center; tour of
school facilities indoors and outside campus
PARTNERSHIP ~ A Christ-centered environment is
provided as we partner with families in their child’s
spiritual formation.
• Friday, January 29
Pre-K Fours TOUR!
OPEN HOUSE EVENTS –
bring your friends!
• Wednesdays, February 3
Threes TOUR!
• Friday, January 22, 9:15 am
Special presentation in Children’s Gathering Room, ~
information about all age levels: Infants, Toddlers, Twos,
• Fri, February 5
Infants, Toddlers, Twos ~ NURSERY TOUR!
Why are we having all these Open Houses?
REGISTRATION FOR
WESLEY MEMORIAL SCHOOL 2016-17!
Can you believe it’s almost time to plan for NEXT
school year?
Watch for your packet of registration materials to be given
out in mid-January. Packets will note priority weeks
for church members to register (begins Jan 19) followed
by priority weeks for non-members already in our
program (begins Feb 1 .) Parents may register younger
siblings when re-registering older children. Parents
may also register for our Before School and After School
Car programs. Summer Programs information will be
available in March for: Summer Day (daily childcare),
Summer Enrichment (4 themed weeks), and “Fun In The
Son Summer Camp” for school-age children, Kgt-5th.
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CHRISTMAS NATIVITY PAGEANT
The Advent Wreath
Presented by the Kindergarten Fives
Your boys and girls have been watching their teachers
light the Advent wreath. Teacher lights the candle(s)
and the class recites the following poem. A new verse
is added each week and one more candle is lit. (Week
1 - one candle lit & sing 1 verse. Week 2 - two candles
lit & sing 2 verses, etc.) You may wish to continue to
do this at home with a Family Advent Wreath. Here
is some information for parents. Children cannot be
expected to understand all the symbolism, but they love
the tradition!
Your family is invited to attend (even if you don’t have a
Kindergarten child yet!)
Fri, Dec 18th, 11:00 in Sanctuary
Kgt-5 Classes of:
Audrey Miller & Debbie York
Dawn Miller & Carol Peace
Refreshments following the program
Early dismissal for Kgt 5’s, 12:00 noon
Afterschool care on regular schedule.
The Advent Wreath is green. The circle symbolizes the
never-ending joy of God’s love. The greenery is a sign
of new life. Place 4 purple candles around the circle –
one to represent each of the 4 weeks prior to Christmas
that we call Advent. In the center, 1 white candle. The
candles symbolize the light that came into the world.
Thanks & Praises!..
… to the Kgt Fives for displaying their Pumpkin
Book Character Projects in the Media Center.
Outstanding work! Enjoyed by the entire church
congregation!
… to ALL the parents/grandparents who came to
assist with our 1st school “AUTUMNFEST” event. It
was AWESOME & a highlight of Fall!
… to the Pre-K Fours classes sharing their patriotism
with a festive Veteran’s Day Parade! You donned your
creative paper USA hats, and rang those Freedom
bells!
… to the children and families of WMS for their
donations of canned and dry food items shared with
Open Door Ministries at Thanksgiving. Terrific!!
. . . to Darren Dyer, church maintenance/facilities staff,
for wearing the costume of Clifford the Big Red Dog
and visiting the children during Book Fair week.
… to our Kgt Fives parent teams for assisting with
“hot lunch specials” each month.
… to teachers Sandi Todd (4’s), Angie Garner (3’s),
Suzanne Couillard (3’s), and Susan Sumpter
(Director) for presenting workshops to preschool
teachers throughout our state during the recent
“Weekday Workshops Conference” of the United
Methodist Church held in Charlotte. WMS teachers
“did us proud” in sharing their expertise!
… to the Pre-K Fours & Kgt Fives children for
their delightful Family Thanksgiving Programs!
Special applause to Shirley Boyles for her piano
accompaniment, and for giving her time EACH
week in music sessions with the children.
… to the Kgt Fives for their “Buddy Reading” with the
children in Pre-K Fours! Impressive!!
… to all Classroom Parents who have volunteered as
“coordinators” in organizing their class of families
for holiday treat bags and refreshments during
Halloween and again for Christmas! You’ve been SO
CREATIVE!
First candle is for Wonder and Waiting. Second candle
is called the Bethlehem candle, for expectation of the
birth of baby Jesus. Third candle is the Shepherd’s
candle, for sharing Jesus with others. Fourth candle is
the Angel’s candle, symbolizing love. And finally, the
white candle in the center is to be lit on Christmas Eve
or on Christmas Day as we celebrate The Birth of Jesus.
ADVENT CANDLE POEM (to sing or say)
1. One candle, one candle, one candle shining bright.
Advent, Advent, Advent has begun tonight.
2. Two candles, two candles, two candles shining bright.
Christ was born, Christ was born, Christ was born on
Christmas Night.
3. Three candles, three candles, three candles shining bright.
Shepherds, Shepherds, Shepherds saw a dazzling light.
4. Four candles, four candles, four candles shining bright.
In the sky, in the sky, in the sky a star is light.
5. Five candles, five candles, five candles shining bright.
Sing for joy, sing for joy, sing for joy,
It’s Christmas Night!
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Special WMS Dates!
“Like us” on our NEW Facebook page!
• Christmas Luncheon for WMS Staff (hosted by Early
Childhood Team)
Monday, Dec 7, 12:15, Dining Hall
www.Facebook.com/wesleymemorialschool
We add photos each week of total-school events; share
parenting tips & family prayers.
• Family Lunch with Mr & Mrs. Santa Claus!
Friday, Dec 11, 12 noon-1:30 pm, Dining Hall
Explore our website to find enrollment information &
parent handbooks for each age-level.
• Kgt 5’s Nativity Pageant – Family Christmas
Program
Friday, Dec 18, 11 am, Sanctuary
www.wesleymemorialschool.org
• WMS CLOSED for Holidays- Dec 21-Jan 1
• WMS Teacher’s Workday – Monday, Jan 4
• Children Return – Tuesday, Jan 5
• WMS Epiphany Walk (for 3’s,4’s,K5’s)
Friday, Jan 8 during school morning
FUNDRAISER UPDATES!
WM School Families are THE BEST!!
Chick-Fil-A “School Spirit Night” (Sept) WMS received 15% of total sales = $167.26 for scholarships (up from 2004
proceeds of $84.87)
Cookie Dough Sales (Oct)
WMS received 50% = $5,769.50 for curriculum, technology, learning tools updates
in classrooms. (Up from 2014 proceeds of $4,852.50)
Book & Toy Fair (Nov)
Scholastic = $757.81 in our free choice of books -up from 2014 proceeds of $663
Usborne = $1,200 in our free choice of books up from $663.
Discovery Toys = $108 in our free choice of toys
Teachers made “wish lists” which were used in our selections; EVERY CLASS
received new items! Thank you to the many families who also gifted books to their child’s class!
Special Note: WMS staff was overwhelmed by the “largest proceeds ever” from the sale of Usborne Books. After
selecting everything we needed for our school, $600 in free book choice still remained. We contacted Ward Street
UMC in High Point and offered the remaining free book choices to their Director of Children’s Ministry, Bonnie
Horney. She was so very graateful for the opportunity to select one book for each child at the church that will be
wrapped and given to them at Christmas. These children have very limited home libraries of books they own. This
outreach was made possible by YOU, our WMS families, from your book purchases. What a blessing to share a new
book with a child.
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