Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

What can I say about 2008.

I would have to say its been one of the most tumultuous years I have experienced since coming to this great country over 12 years ago. I am constantly having mixed feelings of fear and hope.

It was easier when I was young and carefree. Hard times just did not seem that hard. We always had the option of uprooting ourselves and move. Unfortunately that option was closed to us about 4 years ago when we first had our twins.

We had decided that the kids had to have consistency in their lives. We would have to rough it out and ride the waves. This is hard for me but I guess this is what we will have to do as the outlook dims...

On the lighter note, I am humbled and glad to say that I have made new friends. We spent our time eating and drinking our days and nights away. Thank you for including me in all the fun. (Hands together and bows...) Without you, I would probably be knitting in a corner.
I survived Summer with my kids. The endless cutting, gluing, sticking, coloring. If you saw my house, it would indeed be an place of craft.

My son started school and now eagerly awaits for his turn to be dropped off at his classroom. He knows his routine and has adjusted to life at school much quicker than my girls. I am very pleased with his progress at school.


That which does not kill me makes me stronger.

We will face more challenges in the new year, its outcome unknown.
But with the love of my family and friends, I pray to make it through 2009.

Thus, I end this year wishing everyone
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

See you next year~

Friday, December 26, 2008

Breakfast with Someone Special

This is a social activity sponsored by FSA yearly. It's a fun way for families to get together and have breakfast at school (the last few years it has been held in the church). It's themed Breakfast with Someone Special, so if you have only 1 child, 1 parent will be invited to attend.

Last year's breakfast was pancakes, bacon and juice. Unless the menu changes that is what will be served for breakfast this year.

It will be held on Saturday January 24th 2009. So, mark your calendars.

This will be my first year attending the Breakfast as well. See you there!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas


Here's wishing all the families and friends of Children's House a warm and Merry Christmas.
Yes, I do put my kids Christmas craft on the tree. Doesn't everyone????

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas cards for 2008

This year I have been pleasantly surprised by the slew of Christmas cards we received from Children's House families.

Your thoughfulness brings a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.

Thank you

and

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Nestle Go Play

Dear Friend,

Check Out This Easy Way to Support a Friend's School with Go Play! Bonus Points!
Jennifer is so excited about the healthy rewards schools can earn with Go Play! and thinks you should know about the easy new way to help with the Bonus Points program.
If we collect Nestle life water labels, we can get free sports equiptment for the school. A case of this water is approx $4.00, very cheap. Any participation is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
You can help your favorite school earn valuable rewards like sports gear and transportation to a bunch of cool field trips. It's simple too! Just pick a school you want to support, download and print coupons for savings on Nestlé® Pure Life® products, and when you redeem them – your chosen school will receive up to 200 Bonus Points, depending on which coupons you use.
So enjoy savings on refreshing Nestlé® Pure Life® products, and support a Go Play! school today!
Click Here to Get Bonus Point Coupons

To find out how your school can join the Go Play! movement, visit www.goplaylabels.com and become the next Go Play! Champion!
From,

Your friend Jennifer, and the Nestlé Pure Life Family

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Hanukkah December 21 2008

To All our Jewish families and friends,

Wishing you a wonderful Hanukkah!!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Visitation/Observation

You should have received your visitation/observation schedule by now. Please mark your calendars as your assigned date and time is important to your child and directresses. The kids will be looking at their schedule and awaiting the assigned parent to turn up.

When my husband went for visitation/observation last year, the kids were the ones watching the clock. It was a pleasant surprise on his part.

You will be visting your child at his/her class with their friends. Sharing a lesson together, meeting their friends and maybe even a snack if all else fails. Please understand that this is an unusual situation for your child and he/she may not be able to handle the situation as well as she would under normal circumstance. Regardless, your child will ooze with pride simply because you turned up.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Teacher Luncheon - Thank you

From: Chrissy Beffert
---------------------------------------------
I would like to send a Huge Thank You out to all the parents that sent desserts for the teacher luncheon. They all smelled so good and I have to admit I did nibble on a few, they were delicious.

Thank you to those who were able to assist in setting up and watching the classes. Our teachers were able to enjoy a lunch and catch up with each other.
Without you I would have never been able to do this!

May everyone enjoy a very merry and joyful Holiday,
Chrissy Beffert
Chairperson of Fun Lunch

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

"A Christmas Carol"

To All Parents who were planning to come in and watch the show, "A Christmas Carol" by the Elementary students, please note that the timings have changed.

It's now on Friday December 19th @ 2 pm.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Last week of school

Yes, we have finally arrived at December and the last week of school before the Winter break.


A few reminders for school this week.


(1) For this week, 3 day children are coming to school only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Don't forget and come in on the wrong days and miss out on our scheduled fun...


(2) All school pictures are due on Monday, bring in your check for the photos to be dropped off in the office or your class directresses.


(3) Bag Day is Wednesday, don't forget your library book.


(4) Our Teacher Luncheon is on Thursday, so if you are volunteering any desserts please remember to bring them in on Wednesday in time for Thursday's Lunch.

(5) Friday is PJ Day. Don't forget to dress your child up in their cutest PJs for the day.

(6) Finally, what I think is the most important reminder is School reopens Monday January 5 2009.

Have a fun-filled week.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

PJ DAY 2008

Friday, December 19th 2008

This is the day set aside for us to welcome Winter. We wear our PJs to school, fluffy slippers, the works. We will talk about changes winter brings to people, animals and plants and we will practice hibernation!

Our directresses and school staff members also participate in this time honored tradition.

Picking ourselves out of bed and to school. Don't forget to brush your teeth and comb your hair though...
Now, isn't that fun!!

New Students @ CHBC

Aiden and Keegan McHughs will be officially joining our school when we reopen in Januray 5th 2009.

Aiden will be in Mrs. Hepler's class and Keegan will be in Mrs. Fairfield's class. They will however be doing their "orientation" on December 17th and 18th, so look out for them and a give them a warm welcome to our school.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Pizzeria Uno's Night 2008

OMG, it was such a blast!

The kids were simply excited, thrilled, and everything else in between about just being with their friends in a non-academic arena. I don't know about the food but it was such a wonderful opportunity for all of us to be able to spend this time catching up with families and friends, plus it benefited the school. Can you ask for anything more?

Unfortunately, one of my daughters noticed that most of her classmates did not turn up except 1. I tried to explain diplomatically however I think she was getting the picture that I was pulling the wool over her eyes...

Adopt a Polar Bear

Mrs. Hepler's class will be adopting a polar bear this year (They adopted an octopus last year) from the Philadelphia Zoo.

The adoption will enhance the curriculum at school, share the love for animals by helping animals at the zoo receive the best possible care.

The adoption (at the $50 level) will entitle the class with the following:
(1) Personalize ADOPT certificate
(2) A 4x6 color photo of our polar bear
(3) An animal fact sheet
(4) Philadelphia Zoo email newsletters

Parents are requested to send in a nominal $3 for your child to participate in the adoption. Thank you, and a Huge Polar Bear hug...

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon - December 18th 2008

As always, the Fun Lunch program is hosting their Teacher Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday December 18th 2008.

This provides the teachers with a little treat for all that they do for our kids 5 days a week. The teachers can kick up their heels and chat with others (namely grown ups) while enjoying a simple lunch. So, to say thank you would you assist in either of the following:

(1) Providing a dessert, brownies, cookies or finger treats (Due Wednesday December 17th)
(2) Assistance in setting up the teacher luncheon
(3) Watching and helping the children in their classrooms during lunch time

Contact Chrissy Beffert @ cak37@comcast.net

Severe Weather and Safety Information

During severe weather conditions, parents should keep tuned to station WBCB-1490 AM on the radio dial for announcements of school closings. KYW 1060 AM will also be announcing our closing with the snow number 791, Bucks County or check the KYW website at KYW.com

Channel 3 and 10 also broadcast our closings!

Please note: Parents of children using the school district transportation system need to be alert for their school district’s status — it may differ from CHBC’s status. We will be OPEN or CLOSED — WE DO NOT HAVE DELAYED OPENINGS

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Candle Sales

Candles are on sale again. This time simply drop by the office and pick up your candle. Its $7 a mason jar.

The following scents are available:

Tropical paradise
Cucumber melon
Jasmine & hibiscus
Lavender chamomile
Balsam pine
Brandied pear
White tea & linen
Winter wonderland
Hyacinth
Ginger peach
First snow
Lilac
Cedarwood vanilla
Cranberry orange spice
Tangerine pomegranate
Hot apple pie
Cinnamon

Pizzeria Uno Night 2008 - December 4th 2008

Will you be coming to support the school during our Pizzeria Uno Fundraising?

Any of your food purchases made in Uno's from 12 noon to 10pm on Thursday December 4th, a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Children's House.
Don't forget to bring along your Uno voucher.

Barnes and Noble Night 2008

UPDATE from Mrs. Weir on December 9 2008:

To all CHBC families who participated in Barnes & Noble Night. Thank you…..Thank you….Due to your efforts we had the highest total ever for our school earning CHBC a check for $515.


Thank you to all the families and friends who participated in helping us raise funds during B&N'08.

We raised a whopping $474.65.

Plus all the teachers received new books from their wish list for that night, all generously purchased by you.

Isabelle @ Applebees




Isabelle was able to enjoy the fruits of her labor over the weekend. We brought her to Applebees!!!

She chose her meal and ate it well. She was very proud of herself.

Scholastic Books for Mrs. Hepler

As always, thank you dear parents for this big arm full of books for Mrs. Hepler's class,


second arm full of books, and

even an igloo.


You're the best!!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Scholastic WareHouse Sale

I just received a flyer from Scholastic about their warehouse sale that is open to everyone.

The closest location is in Cranbury, NJ.
21 Englehard Drive, Monroe Township, NJ 08831.
Tel: 609-819-0000

December 6: 9am to 5pm
December 8 - 12: 11am to 8pm
December 13: 9am to 4pm

It's about 45 minutes from Yardley.
You can view more details on their website. WWW.SCHOLASTIC.COM/BOOKFAIRS/WAREHOUSE