May 22 Good-bye for now! Here comes summer!

Dear CCP Families,

We've laughed and cried and said good-bye, some off to other adventures, and some to return after summer vacation.  Either way, I am so grateful that you are a part of our school family!  You will always be part of CCP and hopefully CCP will always be part of you! (The Ducks and MWF Ladybugs will celebrate and say good-bye tomorrow. )  It has been an honor to serve as your preschool director, especially this year.  Thank you for choosing Christ Church Preschool. Thank you to our safekeepers and thank you to our PAC members…you complete our family and we appreciate your guidance and your time.

CAMP - If your Ladybug, Duck, or Whale is scheduled to attend summer camp, then we will meet you at 9:00 on Tuesday, June 3 on the lower playground. Please check in with a teacher (Linda, Sue, Melissa, and Vicki) when you arrive. (Please remember your lunch, water bottle, & towel. Please put your child’s name on everything!) Pick up is at 1:00 on the little Frog playground.

TEACHER WORKDAYS - Our safekeepers have workdays next week to clean the rooms and close the classes that will not be used for camp. The preschool will also treat them to lunch as a thank you for a terrific year!

2025-26 PLANS - We are already at work making plans for next year. I’ll email details later this summer. Please consider serving as a paid substitute teacher next year. You don’t need any special skills, just a love for working with children and keeping them safe. You would always work with a teaching partner who is familiar with the class. If interested, just send me your name and phone number where we could call or text you. Thanks!

KEY FOBS - Keep your key fob if you are returning next year. If not returning, please bring your key fob to Ms Debbie or Ms Melissa if you haven’t already. Otherwise there is a $10 fee for each key fob that is not returned.

THANK YOU - for all the sweet cards and gifts I received to celebrate my retirement. You always make me feel very special and I am grateful for your prayers, support, and gifts. I will miss you very much! (Remember, I will be here through the summer. Ms Shelly will begin in August and we will send you her new director contact information at that time. Until then, email me if you need anything this summer.)

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE - Please remember the Conscious Discipline website this summer. You can have free access to webinars, articles, podcasts, discipline tips, and Shubert’s home and classroom. Just create a log-in and click the tab labeled FREE RESOURCES. There are lots of ideas for parents and care-givers, plus ideas for visuals to help your child to be successful with tasks. (Remember preschoolers still think in pictures.) Browse around!

A tip from Creating the School Family, p. 83……To actively compose yourself, Conscious Discipline offers a three-step process:

1. Be a S.T.A.R. Take 3 deep breaths before you begin to speak.

2. Affirm to yourself, “I’m safe. Keep breathing. I can handle this.”

3. Wish well. Open your heart to the moment, recognize the child is calling for help and wish him/her well.

Use this anytime your child (or anyone!) starts to “push your buttons.” Remember, the adult must compose first for the child to be able to compose himself. The child cannot be in a higher brain state than the adult.

On behalf of the staff, I want to thank all of you for choosing CCP! We are honored that you trust us to care for your children. We will hold you in our hearts this summer. And for those who will return in the fall, we will be in touch with more plans in early August.

Sending you love and peace until we meet again,

Debbie

May 15 We are winding down...

Dear CCP Families,

      This week we have been winding down in anticipation of our last week of preschool. We have taken time to think about our unique school year - remembering our favorite things, and thinking about what we have learned and how much we have grown!  Even if the children aren't consciously aware that this experience is about to end, they somehow sense things changing.  Occasionally this will show in behavior.  Behavior is communication, so try to be patient and remember all the skills and techniques that we have learned from Conscious Discipline.

We had our last lunch bunch, our last Music & Movement class and our last Chapel time for this year. A huge thank you to Ms. Vicki for all the wonderful music experiences and to Pastor Lee for leading us in meaningful Chapel experiences. Also a huge thanks to our teachers for leading lunch times! Lunch with a group of 3-4 year old children is always an adventure…

We look forward to an end-of-year celebration with you! (Teachers will provide details - PLEASE take time to read their blogs.) It will be a special, relaxed time together with families to acknowledge your child’s progress and friendships! As each class moves on to new adventures, we will continue to hold you in our hearts and wish you well! You will always be a part of the CCP family.

Key Fob reminder - If you will not return next year, please bring all key fobs to pickup on Tuesday or Wed, May 21 & 22 and drop them in my basket. There will be a $10 charge for any keyfob that is not returned. If you are coming back next year, please keep your key fobs to use next school year.

Finally, I understand there will be a retirement celebration this coming Sunday, May 18 at 3:00 and you are all invited! I’m not sure of all the plans, but I do know the planners and they are some amazing people!! It should be a great time! Your presence would mean so much to me!

        A Conscious Discipline moment…….. You may have come from a background where your parents were a little uncomfortable with emotions and they may have said, "Stop crying. You're fine" or "There's nothing to be afraid of."  Conscious Discipline encourages us to be aware of our feelings - Acknowledge them, feel them, and name them. Help your children recognize their feelings and name them.  Only then can we move forward. Dr. Bailey tells us in Managing Emotional Mayhem (p.108) "When we allow ourselves to be aware of a feeling, we often attempt to keep it quietly off in the distance.  In actuality, befriending our feelings is the only thing that allows them to move on." (Remember, you can continue your journey with Conscious Discipline on the website, www.ConsciousDiscipline.com)

Here comes the final week of preschool, May 19-23, 2025. Embrace it! Take photos! Celebrate all that your child has accomplished! (Remember, no lunches this coming week.)

A blessing for you:

May you be safe and secure

May you be healthy and strong

May you be happy and purposeful

May you be at peace

Thank you for your friendship and your trust! I wish you well and I will hold you in my heart always,

Debbie

CCP - May 8 News and Reminders

Dear CCP Families,

It’s hard to believe we only have two weeks of preschool left! This year has flown by, but I am so glad that we had this time together. It has been such an important time for your child’s social and emotional development, in addition to all the “academics”. I am always amazed at how much the children are learning when I visit the classrooms. Thank you for trusting us to teach and care for your precious little ones.  As someone told me many years ago, before my wedding, "Slow down and pay attention....you're going to want to remember this."  Enjoy these last few weeks and all the celebrations that will take place.

Next week Ladybugs, Ducks, & Whales will have their last lunch bunches. (May 12-16) There are no lunches the final week of preschool (May 19-23) Please mark your calendars.

PAC - Our last meeting of 24-25 and our first meeting of 25-26 will take place on May 12 in Ascension Hall. Both groups, please arrive at 7:00pm, park in the church office parking lot, and use the side door into Ascension Hall.

END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS - Your teachers will explain how your class will celebrate the end of the year. We plan to keep things simple and easy with the focus on our little ones. Be sure to read your teacher’s blog posts and emails.

KEY FOBS -   If you will return to CCP next year, please keep your key fob. You will use the same fob to enter the building next year. If you will not return to CCP, please put your key fob in the collection basket in the hallway on your last day.

THANK YOU - As new families apply to CCP, I ask them how they heard about us.  Many times they tell me one of you recommended the program to them.  We sincerely appreciate your recommendation.  We do not take it for granted.  Thank you for your kind words.  YOU are our best advertisement for CCP!  Thank you!

Since I’ve announced my retirement, I am extremely aware of all “the last times.” I am treasuring little smiles and hugs in my heart. I know the search committee is interviewing and will hopefully have some good news for us soon! We will share it with you as soon as all decisions have been made.

“Noticing children is an excellent way to encourage them. Describe what you see to a child and leave her free to make her own evaluations of her efforts and accomplishments.” (Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline, p. 130) What does this actually look like? Rather than non-specific praises like “good job,” describe what you see. “You used red and blue paint!” “You cleared your dishes from the table.” “You picked up your blocks.” This allows the child to make their own evaluations, rather than be dependent on someone else’s judgments.

As things begin to wind down, I’m holding space for you in my heart. I am grateful for the time we had together this year and I pray that each of you remains safe and well. You can always reach me by email if you have questions or concerns during these last two weeks.

I’m sending you the love of Christ and wishing you well,

Debbie

CCP - May 1 News and Reminders

Dear CCP Families,

Welcome to May!

If your child will return to CCP next year, have you paid your May 2026 tuition deposit? It was due today, May 1, 2025, and will be considered late on May 7 at 9:00 am! Thanks for paying your fees on time!

As we begin to wrap up our last month of preschool, our special classes will end. We will have our last Music and Chapel on May 14 & 15. The week of May 12 will also be our last lunches for all classes. There will be no lunches on the week of May 19th. All pick-up times that week will be 12:00noon. Please mark your calendars.

Finance Committee, we will meet briefly at 9:15am on Wed, May 7.

This Sunday, May 4 at 4:00 your family is invited to a Spring Benevolence Concert in the Sanctuary followed by an ice cream reception! Since it’s May 4th, you can even dress up like Star Wars characters! In lieu of an admission fee, you may make a donation to support Habitat.

Just FYI…I wanted to let you know that I will not be at preschool on Monday (May 5). Our capable staff will keep all things running smoothly!

I’m sharing two articles with you below on helping children make choices. It’s important to keep preschool children’s choices to very simple decisions like, “Do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt?” or “Would you like milk or water with lunch?” (Dr. Bailey calls this “offering two positive choices.”) Preschoolers should not have the responsibilty or pressure of larger decisions, like what time they go to bed, or whether or not they will attend family events, or what they can watch on T.V. They need you to be the parent and set routines and limits. Limits and routines actually offer children a sense of security. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/joyful-parenting/201602/5-guidelines-giving-kids-choices

https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/your-child-is-not-your-equal-why-you-have-to-be-the-boss/

Remember, also, to use all the free resources on Dr Becky Bailey’s website, www.consciousdiscipline.com to help you on your parenting journey!

I’m wishing you well,

Debbie

April 24, 2025 - CCP News & Reminders

Dear CCP Families,

Can you believe May arrives next Thursday?? Our year is too quickly coming to a close - only one month of preschool left. It has been our honor and pleasure to teach and care for your precious children. Thank you for trusting us with this awesome responsibility! Make sure that you read all communications from your teachers. Sometime this month, they will explain the ways that we will celebrate the end of the year.

Here are a few reminders:

• If you are returning to CCP next year, then your May 2026 tuition is due on May 1, 2025, and considered late on May 5th at noon. This payment covers May 2026, but is paid this month, almost like a security deposit. (When you set up your bank billpay for tuition next year, you will only set up payment for Sept - April.)

• Tuesday, April 29 is Pastor Ben’s birthday! If your child wants to make a card for him, I’ll be glad to deliver them.

• Please remember that the children are outside for at least 30-40 minutes each day.  When it is hot and sunny, you may want to apply sunscreen in the morning before coming to preschool.

• PHOTOS went very well last week. Hopefully you received an email from postmaster@photospecialties.com This email gives you a link and password to view and purchase your photos. If you need help, the phone number for Photo Specialties is 919-967-9576. (Our photographers were Nan and Christina)

From Dr. Bailey's Creating the School Family (p. 38) - If a child in a reward and punishment classroom shoves another student in line, he might lose points, miss recess or lose a trip to the treasure box.  [Debbie’s note - I have found that none of these strategies is effective. ] In a Conscious Discipline School Family, the teacher would coach the victim to say, "I don't like it when you shove.  Please walk behind me in line." Then the teacher would coach the shover by saying, "You wanted him to walk faster.  You may not shove.  When you want him to go faster, say 'Please move up closer to the others in line.'" (In other words, tell him what TO DO.) At CCP,  we believe in the importance of teaching children that their words have power.  If you learn that you can get your needs met with your words (an assertive voice,) then physical communication, like pushing and shoving, will eventually disappear. Try it at home! It DOES work, but realize that it takes practice and consistency.

Have a lovely weekend and I wish you well,

Debbie

April 17, 2025 Happy Easter!

Hi CCP Families,

PHOTOS went very well. You will receive an email from postmaster@photospecialties.com This email will give you a link and password to view and purchase your photos. If you need help, the phone number for Photo Specialties is 919-967-9576. (Our photographers were Nan and Christina)

Please remember that preschool is closed on Good Friday 4/18 and Easter Monday 4/21.

When we return on Tuesday, 4/22, our Ducks and Whales will be going on their Planetarium Field trip. Ducks & Whales, please be sure to read all communications from your teachers, especially regarding the early drop-off time on Tuesday.

From Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline, p. 38 - “Acceptance means recognizing that people, situations and events are what they are. Each moment is simply as it is. Acceptance does not mean that we approve of the moment, only that we recognize what is happening.”

Happy Easter on Sunday, April 20th! He is risen! May the joy of Easter fill your heart all year!

I wish you well,

Debbie

April 10 - CCP Information and Reminders

Dear CCP Families,

Welcome back! I hope you are enjoying the routine again after the excitement of spring break.

PAC - please note our meeting this month is Apri 14 on Zoom at 7:30pm. I’ll send the link tomorrow.

PHOTOS - Wednesday & Thursday, April 16 (Ducks & MW classes) & 17 (Whales & TTH classes) Photo Specialties will take individual and class photos outside during the school day. If any parent is free on either morning and would like to help me take children from the classroom to the porch, please contact me! (It usually takes from 9:00 until around 10:30.) Thanks.

APRIL 13 EVENTS! - From 12:00-4:00, Touch a Truck will be at the Friday Center. Then at 4:00, bring your basket and meet in the lower parking lot for the Christ Church Easter Egg Hunt.

CHAPEL CONNECTION - This week in Chapel we talked about forgiveness. It’s a big word and a big concept! Jesus taught us that He forgives us and we should forgive others. We are going to try to practice forgiving people when they bump into us or say an unkind word to us. It doesn’t make the bump or unkind word right, but it means we are going to choose to let it go instead of letting it fester or cause a big argument.

A REMINDER FROM DR. BAILEY - “You can say, ‘All A’s! Fantastic! You are so smart!’ and spotlight he importance of grades. OR you could highlight the value of learning by saying, ‘These grades show me you put a lot of effort into learning. What did you learn that you really loved?’” ~ Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline p.49

This coming week is Holy Week with some difficult emotions, ranging from the high of Palm Sunday to the low of the crucifixion. But remember, EASTER is coming!! Also, preschool is closed on Good Friday 4/18 and Easter Monday 4/21.

Wishing you well,

Debbie

March 27 - Here comes April!

Dear CCP Families,

Can you believe that April begins on Tuesday? No fooling! ;-) Happy April! New month - fresh start! Think of all the possibilities of love, grace, and connections! Enjoy your spring break! March 31 - April 4. We will see you back on Monday, April 7th.

CHEERS FOR OUR CHILDREN & MS VICKI! - Thank you for attending our spring concerts. We are so proud of the children and we appreciate all the delicious breakfast treats and the gift of song from Ms Vicki. What a beautiful spring celebration!

TUITION - Tuition is due on April 1. Since we are on Spring Break, we will extend the deadline until April 9 at 9:00am. Please make sure your payment is here by then, so Melissa only has to make one trip to the bank

PAC MEETING - April 14 on Zoom at 7:30pm

PHOTOS (individual and class photos) by Photo Specialties - Please mark your calendar!

• Wed, April 16 - Ducks, MWF Ladybugs, MW Frogs

• Thursday, April 17 - Whales, TTH Ladybugs, TTH Frogs

HIRING - Christ Church is currently advertising for a new Preschool Director. If you know anyone who would be interested and would LOVE CCP like I do, please have them send a resume to office@christmethodist.org. Thank you!

A HUGE THANK YOU! - For all the sweet gestures, gifts, and for the delicious lunch during CCP Teacher Appreciation Week…We are so grateful! Your beautiful words of affirmation and generous gifts touched my heart, especially this year. Thank you so very much.

From Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline, p. 105 - “Anxious or overwhelmed children respond better to assertive commands than to choices. Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed. The last thing you wanted to do was make a decision. At such times, clear commands are soothing.” Even for adults, this is true. Soon after my Dad passed, there was a day when my husband said, “Where do you want to eat?” I felt the tears welling up. I couldn’t even make a simple choice of a restaurant! I said, “Please just choose a place for me. I can’t make a choice right now.” At that moment, it felt good to have my husband choose for me. I was grateful.

Enjoy your Spring Break! For Friday students, we will see you tomorrow and then we will see you back at school on Monday, April 7th.

Wishing you well,

Debbie

CCP March 20 - Mark your calendar!

Dear CCP Families,

Happy Spring! Next week is a big week! I have several reminders for you…

TEACHER APPRECIATION - We will celebrate our incredible teachers/safekeepers NEXT WEEK! Your class parent rep will send you more information. Please respond to your rep. Let’s really show our safekeepers our love, respect, and appreciation!

SPRING MUSIC PROGRAMS - Wed & Thurs, March 26 & 27 right after drop-off in Ascension Hall. MW(F) classes and Whales will sing on Wednesday. TTH classes and Ducks will sing on Thursday. There will be refreshments for adults. Plan on about 20-30 minutes

SCHOOL SPIRIT - On Tuesday, March 25, let’s wear our school shirts or class color. Also plan to have lunch or dinner at Als’ Burgers. Tell them you want to support CCP when you order. They will donate a portion of their proceeds that day to CCP! Dine in, Take out, and Gift cards are eligible!! (MW(F) classes, wear your CCP shirts on Wednesday!)

SHOES - The safest shoes for preschool are sneakers. If you choose sandals, please choose the ones with protection over the toes and rubber soles. Flip flops are not a good choice for preschool. Please encourage your child to wear safe shoes at preschool.

PHOTOS - Please mark your April calendar for photo days -

• Wed, April 16 the Ducks and MW(F) classes will have photos made during the school day.

• Thurs, April 17 the Whales and TTH classes will have photos made during the school day.

  Our photographers will be from Photo Specialties and will take pics outside. There will be individual pictures and a class photo.

Lilian Katz, writing in the book Developing People (part of the Art of Leadership series), notes:
"We must come to see that the welfare of our children and grandchildren is intimately linked to the welfare of all other people’s children. After all, when one of our children needs life-changing surgery, someone else’s child will perform it. If one of our children is threatened or harmed by violence, someone else’s child will be responsible for the violent act. The good life for our own children can only be secured if a good life is also secured for all other people’s children. Where are other people’s children right now? Are they having wholesome, caring, and appropriate experiences? The person who will be our president 60 years from now may be in someone’s three-year-old class today. I hope she’s having a good experience! To be concerned about other people’s children is not just a practical matter — it is a moral and ethical one."

And from Dr. Becky Bailey…..Whoever you believe is in charge of your feelings, you have placed in charge of you. Putting a 3-year-old in charge of your feelings is pretty scary! Take back your power with the language of responsibility: "I'm going to ____" (instead of, "Don't make me _____.")

Wishing you well,

Debbie

March 13, 2025 - Preschool news from Debbie

Dear CCP Families,

Happy almost St. Patrick’s Day! This holiday always brings fun, festive outfits, and silliness to preschool as the children talk about creative ways to “catch leprechauns” and all things green. It’s such a joy to be able to observe their conversations and interactions with each other.

CONFERENCES - Thank you for spending time with your child’s teachers this week. I hope you enjoyed seeing what your child has accomplished this year and learning how they function in a group setting. It is often different from what you may see at home!

CCP SCHOOL SPIRIT - Let’s have lunch or dinner at AL’s BURGERS on Tuesday, March 25th! Wear your CCP shirt to preschool and keep it on when you go for lunch or dinner. Al’s will give CCP a portion of their proceeds for March 25th! Thanks for your support!

SPRING MUSIC PROGRAMS - Come to Ascension hall right after drop-off on March 26, 27. (March 26 will be Whales, and MW(F) classes. March 27 will be Ducks and TTH classes.) Ms Vicki will have some refreshments for adults and your children will perform a few songs that they have learned in music class. It’s a casual performance and will probably last about 20-30 minutes. Feel free to invite grandparents and other special adults.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! - Photo Specialties will take our school pictures (individual and class photos) on April 16 (Ducks, MW classes) and April 17 (Whales, TTH classes)

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE MOMENT - Heads up!  Here comes a tiny, but IMPORTANT distinction...... It is critical that you ask, "How do you feel?" instead of saying, "How would that make you feel."  Self-regulation requires children to own their feelings.  Attributing the cause of their feelings to outside situations or people by using "make you" language yields blame and derails the process. ~from Dr. Bailey's Feeling Buddies Curriculum, p. 7

Here’s wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Debbie

March 6 - Preschool news & Seeking patterns

Dear CCP Family,

    Welcome March! Thanks to all of you who came for Preschool Sunday! The children sang beautifully and we appreciated your presence very much. The church family LOVED seeing the children sing!

      PAC - The CCP PAC will meet on Zoom on Monday, March 10 at 7:30pm. We will present a slate for 25-26 and approve the proposed 25-26 calendar that was sent by email. Watch for the Zoom link to arrive in your email tomorrow.

SUMMER CAMP - Please remember to register your Ladybug, Duck, or Whale for summer camp. There are just a couple of spaces left. We would like to know who is coming by the end of March so we can order supplies. I also sent an email with other camp options on Wednesday.

CONFERENCES - On March 12 & 13 your teachers will offer time to meet with you for a conference. These conferences are a time to discuss your child’s strengths and areas we are working to grow. Please plan your conference with a friend and watch each other’s children on the CCP playgrounds. We are open during fall conferences, but closed during spring conferences, so both teachers can meet with you.

SPRING MUSIC PROGRAMS - Mar 26 & 27 - Ms Vicki invites all parents/special adults to come to Ascension Hall after drop-off on your child’s music day (Mar 26 - Whales, MWF Ladybugs, MW Frogs) (Mar 27 - Ducks, TTH Ladybugs, TTH Frogs) Vicki will have some light refreshments for adults and the children will sing several songs for you to show what they have learned in music class. It will last about half an hour.

NEXT YEAR - We have room for one more student in our 25-26 Duck (4’s) class. For gender balance it would be especially nice to have another boy. We have room for one more student in our MW Frog (2’s) class, also. If you know of friends or neighbors who may enjoy becoming part of the CCP family, please pass this along! Thanks.

HELPFUL HINT FROM DR. BAILEY - “Discipline comes from the word ‘disciple,’ which is rooted in the Latin word that means to teach. Opportunities for discipline occur during moments of conflict between the needs and wants of the parties involved. How we resolve these moments teaches our children how to resolve conflicts for the rest of their lives.” (from Dr. Bailey’s I LOVE YOU RITUALS, p. 25)

     AND ONE MORE EXCELLENT HINT - “The brain is pattern-seeking. The more consistent your routines, the easier it is for the brain to pick up the pattern. If there is a consistent routine, the brain picks up the pattern, the child feels safe, the his neurological resources can be used for learning and exploration.” (from ConsciousDiscipline.com)

If you have “old fashioned” clocks at home, be sure to spring forward one hour when you go to bed this Saturday night 3/8! Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday morning.

There is a little pink bracelet in my office if you have lost one!

I wish you well,

Debbie

Feb. 27, 2025 post - Preschool news and coaching a child through emotions

Dear CCP Families,

PRESCHOOL SUNDAY - This coming Sunday, 3/2, is Preschool Sunday at Christ Church. PLEASE bring your child to sing! We need every voice! Meet us in the Disciple room at 8:40am to “warm up” our voices. The service last an hour or less. If you have other obligations, you may slip out after the children sing, but we hope you will stay to worship and celebrate. We would like to really pack the sanctuary with preschool families!!

CAMP - We still have spaces for your Ladybug, Duck or Whale to join our June “Enchanted Sea” summer camp. The application was in your cubbie last week, but if you need another one, please ask. First come, first served. We will need all campers to be signed up by the end of March so we can order the correct number of supplies.

CONFERENCES - Thanks for signing up for a conference with your child’s teachers on March 12 & 13. Each year preschool is open for fall conferences and closed for spring conferences. (It is very difficult to get enough substitutes to cover all the classes in the spring.) Feel free to team up with a friend and use our playground to watch each other’s children while one parent goes in to conference.

TUITION - is due March 1 and considered late on March 5 at noon. Thanks for paying your fees on time.

ASH WEDNESDAY - is Wed, March 5. Pastor Lee will have ashes under the bell tower if you’d like ashes in the morning as you come into preschool. There is also a mid-day worship service at 12:15 on Wed, 3/5, in the sanctuary. You are invited to attend. The service will be over by 1:00 so you can pick up your older preschooler from lunch bunch.

YOUR SUPPORT - Please remember that there is an easy way to support CCP without it coming directly from your wallet! Link your VIC card to CCP (#3558) when shopping at Harris Teeter. Thanks for taking a moment to make your shopping count for CCP!! (We don’t see anything you buy, but we receive a check at the end of each quarter if we have enough total purchases.) We need every contribution as we are trying to replace the surfacing on the upper playground because it is worn and has become a tripping hazard around the edges. Thank you!!

A CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE MOMENT - From Dr. Becky Bailey's Managing Emotional Mayhem, p. 41..."If a child signals sadness, anger or embarrassment, an attuned adult can pick up on this communication and coach the child through her discomfort to an integrated state.  The child will learn emotions are a bridge between problem and solution, reducing the likelihood of a reactive or impulsive response."

        Emotions serve a vital purpose!  We need to feel them, accept them, and then they will dissipate.  They are the bridge between problem and solution.  Here's the secret....we don't want to get stuck on the feelings bridge, hanging on to our suffering and rehashing our problem.  Instead we want to identify and name the feeling.  Then relax and re-frame the problem.  Then we can more easily choose a solution!

Can you believe that March begins on Saturday?? I hope you have a great weekend!

Wishing you well,

Debbie

Feb 20, 2025 post (includes excellent info on assertiveness)

Dear CCP Families,

Please excuse me for being a day late getting this to you! I guess the weather had me out of my normal routine. Thank you for your patience with the closures this week. I hope you could see the bright side of the play experiences offered by the snow.

As I consider all the things going on in our world today, I often have to stop to breathe and pray in order to handle my big emotions. (Thanks to my faith and to my skills of Conscious Discipline!) I am especially grateful for our preschool teachers who spend much time teaching our students peaceful ways to handle conflict and techniques to calm their bodies when they are upset. Self-regulation and an assertive voice are two of the most important things we teach. These skills will help your children to be prepared to manage what life throws at them now and in the future! Read the Conscious Discipline moment at the bottom for more on Assertive Voice.

CONFERENCES - Watch for your teacher’s sign-up genius in a blog post or email, so you can sign up for a convenient time for a conference. Since school is closed for spring conferences, please plan with another parent to watch each other’s children on our playgrounds during conferences.

TUITION - Please remember that your March tuition payment is due March 1 (It’s considered late after March 5, so you have a few days of grace.) Thanks for paying your fees on time.

SUMMER CAMP - Camp applications for Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales were in your cubbies this week. We have spots for 28-30 campers with 4 teachers. Camp is June 3-6 from 9:00-1:00 and the theme is “ENCHANTED SEA!”. Bring your compoleted application and fee to the preschool office.

PRESCHOOL SUNDAY: Please plan to come to Christ Church on Sunday, March 2 at 8:45. Your children will sing a special song near the beginning of the 9:00 worship service and we will celebrate the CUMC Preschool Ministry. The service lasts about an hour. There is a nursery provided in the 2’s classroom for very young children. I’ll send more details, but for now, please mark your calendar!!

A VERY IMPORTANT CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE MOMENT (a little long, but well worth the read!) - Here is an important word about the skill of assertiveness, paraphrased from Dr. Becky Bailey.  There are 3 voices that we can use to communicate - passive, aggressive, and assertive.  The goal of passivity is to please others.  Using a passive voice relinquishes your power by leaving decisions to others.  Aggressive communication aims to win by overpowering.  Aggressive people often speak for others and they frequently use the words "always" and "never" as forms of attack.  Assertiveness allows us to express our needs, wants and desires constructively, without devaluing the other person's needs, wants and desires.  Assertiveness teaches others how to treat us.  The goal of assertiveness is clear communication that paints a picture of what we want others to do.  It has a voice tone of "no doubt" and comes from an intention of helping children be successful instead of making them behave.

 How can we give assertive commands successfully?  By using an assertive voice worded as a command.  Commands are about non-negotiable compliance.  (Requests offer a choice.) We don't want to confuse children by wording commands as requests if there is really no choice.  For example, "Keith, would you take out the trash?" actually meant, "Get up now and take the trash to the curb."  There was really no choice, so an assertive command works better, “Keith, take out the trash.” Usually safety issues need to be worded as commands in an assertive voice.  "Hold my hand while we cross the street."  "Put your notebooks away and line up for lunch."  "Walk in the hall just like this." (demonstrate what you want the child to do.)  These are phrased so there is no question, no doubt.

Using an assertive voice as an adult models assertiveness for your child. Assertiveness lets you set your boundaries on what behaviors you consider safe, appropriate and permissible.  It enables you to say "no" to your children, and teaches them how to say "no" to others (a very important skill. ) You may ask me any questions or go to www.consciousdiscipline.com and search assertive voice.

You may find it helpful to save the Conscious Discipline website information for future use. You may discover that in the packed elementary school schedule, they just don’t have as much time to work on the skills of composure, empathy, self-regulation, assertive voice, making choices, etc. These are the areas where preschool teachers really shine! Help your student carry these important life skills into the future by practicing them at home.

Sending well wishes and peaceful thoughts,

Debbie

Feb. 13 post from Debbie - Happy Valentine's Day!

Hi CCP Families,

Wow, this has been quite an emotional week for me! I feel like I am crying one minute and laughing the next! Thank you so much for your kind words of support. And don’t worry, we will make sure the preschool is in good hands for the future. I am breathing and wishing you well.

Conscious Discipline - “Put your children on your ‘to do list’ and spend time enjoying them! Five minutes of focused play each day reduces power struggles by 50%!” (from Preventing Power Struggles", part of the Presenter’s Series)

Parent Discussion Group - will meet in Ascension Hall at 9:30 on Thursday, 2/20. This is a group that met last fall to discuss the book The Anxious Generation. There was lots of interest to meet again to discuss current topics and just to support each other. Please come! It’s all preschool parents, some from CCP and some from other local preschools. We will have some coffee…bring a friend and join us!

    Supply Fees due - Your 2025-26 supply fees are due by February 14. Of course this pays for supplies throughout the year, but it also serves as your acceptance of the offered spot and holds your place. If your child is in the 2’s and 3’s classes (Frog & Ladybugs), your fee is $225. If your child is in the 4’s classes (Ducks & Whales), your fee is $250. If you’ve forgotten, please make sure the check is here first thing Tuesday morning, 2/18.

Scholarships - For families who may need to apply for a 2025-26 scholarship (based on financial need) please email me directly and I’ll send you the application. The scholarship application has a deadline of Monday, April 7. It requires the completed application, your most recent tax return, and a recent pay stub. It is confidential.

Illnesses - Please be aware that it is still flu season. We have had colds and flu around the preschool. If your child is diagnosed with any contagious illness, please keep them home and please report it to me. We will never use your name, but we do like to give the class a heads up to watch for symptoms. Thank you.

Winter Break - CCP will be closed for winter break on Friday & Monday, Feb. 14 & 17. Teachers have a workday on Monday.

Summer Camp - This year Summer Camp will be Tuesday thru Friday, June 3-6. We have room for 30 Ladybugs, Ducks, & Whales that are completely toilet trained. (Frogs will have to wait until next year.) Look for the camp registration form in your cubbie on Tuesday Feb. 18.

Since Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, I want to take a moment to tell you how very much we love and appreciate YOU, our families. We love to partner with you in your child’s preschool education. Thank you for all you do to support us!

     Whoever you believe is in charge of your feelings, you have placed in charge of you.  Putting a 3-year-old in charge of your feelings is pretty scary!  Take back your power with the language of responsibility:  "I'm going to ____" (instead of, "Don't make me _____.")  ~Dr. Becky Bailey  

Happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoy your long weekend & I wish you well,

Debbie

Feb. 6, 2025 post - Supply Fees due and Welcome February

Dear CCP Family,

Welcome February! It has been a super busy week, but wanted to get this note to you with a few reminders.

Class placements went out this week by email. I know a few of you were placed in second choice classes. We will try to move you if there are changes. Thanks for your understanding & patience.

       SUPPLY FEES for 2025-26 are due by Friday, Feb. 14.  This fee secures your spot in the class for next year.  Please pay your fees on time or let us know if your plans have changed.  Thank you!

FAMILY VALENTINE’S DANCE - A favorite event !! Friday, Feb. 7 from 6:00-7:30pm in Ascension Hall. Everyone is invited! People have asked what to wear…whatever you like! Some wear jeans and others wear velvet and sparkles…anything in between is OK! Keep in mind, this is a kid-friendly, family event and we sincerely appreciate our PAC for taking the lead on this.

VALENTINE’S DAY - Please follow your teachers’ instructions about when/how to celebrate in your child’s class.

 WANT TO SERVE ON THE PRESCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE next year? -  We would love to have you join us!  Your service would be sincerely appreciated AND it's a great opportunity to get to know other preschool parents.  If you’re interested, please contact Jennifer Holwell, jennmeeks1@gmail.com, or Ashton Blue, ashton.lewis@richmond.edu. Thanks for your consideration!

Please remember we are closed on Friday, 2/14 and Monday, 2/17 for a long weekend. The teachers will have a workday to prepare for upcoming March conferences.

        In CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE, Dr. Becky Bailey reminds us, "Allowing children to reflect on their choices rather than judging, placing guilt, blaming, or rescuing them gives children access to the internal feedback necessary for them to take responsibility for their actions and make better choices in the future." So not in the heat of the moment, but when things are calm, talk with your child about the choice and what happened. Leave out any judgment or blame. Allow your child to come to a conclusion about the choice. Brainstorm different possible choices that could be used next time.

I wish you well,

Debbie

Class Placements & Conscious Discipline (Jan. 30, 2025 post)

Dear CCP Families,

Thanks for your help to make our Pancakes and PJ’s Days such a success! Sorry I ended up sick and missing all the fun. I tested positive for Covid Wednesday evening, so I will not be at preschool on Friday either. I don’t think you need to worry about your children being exposed, as I was only briefly in the classrooms on Tuesday and I had no contact with kids on Wednesday.

ALWAYS LEARNING - Preschool is so much fun, yet very educational! As I walked through classrooms on Tuesday, the Blue Whales taught me about “The Boo-boos that Changed the World!” Then the Yellow Ducks taught me about “super absorbent polymers!” Ask your child to teach you as well. And you thought they were just playing! ;-)

SUMMER CAMP - Some of you have asked about summer camp. We plan to have camp June 3-6 for Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales that would like to come. (Frogs, sorry you will have to wait until next summer.) I will have more information for you approx. mid-February!

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE - Many of you have said how much you appreciate the Conscious Discipline tidbits I share with you. I’m so glad! I can honestly say that Conscious Discipline has made a tremendous difference in my life. It began as a way I interacted with children, but it has become much more! I have now internalized the strategies and the language of C. D. I use these skills professionally, but also personally in my life. Remember, “Your approach to discipline demonstrates conflict resolution for your children, and it teaches them how to get their needs met for the rest of their lives.” (Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline, p. 7) For more information, please go to www.consciousdiscipline.com and look at the free resources section. It’s never too late to learn!

FEB. TUITION - Please remember that your February tuition is due on Feb. 1, but must be here by Feb. 5 at 9:00am to avoid a late fee. Thanks for paying your tuition on time.

CLASS PLACEMENT - Thank you for turning in your 25-26 applications. We will send an email by Feb. 5 with your class placements. We will do our best to give you your first choices, but in some cases (probably 3’s) we may have to place your child in your second choice. We will try to move them to your first choice class as things shift around. Your 25-26 supply/equipment fees will be due by Feb. 14 ($225 for 2’s & 3’s; $250 for 4’s) Encourage friends and neighbors to hurry and register by tomorrow, January 31!

FAMILY VALENTINE DANCE - Feb. 7 - 6:00-7:30p - You don’t want to miss this FAVORITE event! Put on your dancing shoes and show us your moves! Come for dancing, fellowship, the photo booth, snacks, and FUN!

HOW TO PIVOT - Dr. Becky Bailey tells us, “When you are upset, pivot. Say to yourself, ‘If I’m upset, I’m focusing on what I don’t want. Do I want more of this in my life?’ If the answer is no, breathe deeply. Then tell your child what TO DO and why.” (The “why” should use safety language as much as possible.)  Remember to focus on what you want!

Thanks for all the well wishes you have sent my way and I wish you well, too!

Debbie

January 23, 2025 (Includes notes about using a picture schedule)

Dear CCP Family,

Thank you for your patience with the weather closures this week. Hope it wasn’t too great an inconvenience and you were able to enjoy the beauty and have some fun with your children. Plans for tomorrow, (Friday 1/24) have been emailed to the Friday classes. (We will be open normal time.)

Thank you for turning in your applications for next school year. The CCP Admissions Committee will meet in early February.  We will email the results asap including details of the next steps to take. Hopefully you read and understood the emailed letter about class placement.  We will do our best to honor as many first choices as possible.

Also, please remind your friends with young children that it is time to register for 2025-26! It happens early so they may not be aware. Hopefully our red and white sign by 15-501 will help awareness. New applications are due by Jan. 31.

Parent Discussion Group - Sorry this was cancelled today. Pastor Lee and I will set another date soon.

Families, please mark your calendars . More details to come…

• PANCAKES & PJ’S - Wear your pajamas to preschool on Wed, Jan 29 (Ducks, MW Frogs, MWF Ladybugs) or Thurs, Jan 30 (Whales, TTH Frogs, TTH Ladybugs) We will eat at 10:00am in Ascension Hall. Parent representatives will be communicating with you about how you can help. If you are settting up or cooking pancakes, you may start right after drop off. I’ll be around to answer questions.

• VALENTINE DANCE - February 7 - Please bring the whole family to dance and have fun with us from 6:00-7:30 in Ascension Hall. We will transform Ancension Hall into a party!! There will be snacks, a photo booth, and music for dancing!

Looking ahead with spring dates - more details to come, but make sure to mark the calendar for now:

• March 12 & 13 - Conferences - School is closed for spring conferences, but feel free to plan with a friend to watch each others’ children on the playground during your conferences.

• March 25 - CCP Spirit Day/Night at Al’s Burgers!

• March 26 & 27 - Casual music programs in the fellowship hall. (This is a new event! Shortly after drop-off on this Wed & Thurs, your child will sing a few songs with their class & Ms. Vicki for an audience of parents and special loved ones in Ascension Hall. So, if your child has music on Wed, then they will sing on Wed. If their music class is on Thurs, then they will sing on Thurs) More details to come…

     From Dr. Bailey's Feeling Buddies Curriculum, "Much like adults create written to-do lists and record appointments on a calendar, picture outlines of everyday routines provide predictability and safety for children.  Instead of expecting them to remember, visuals provide developmentally appropriate tools to help them remember."   You may know that each of our classrooms has a picture schedule of their day.  The teachers refer to it during the day to let the children know what comes next and how they are progressing through the school day.  Some classes even have helpful visuals to remind children of toileting and hand-washing routines.  You can post pictures at home for how to clean up toys, the steps to feed the dog, how to brush your teeth, or even how to get dressed in the morning!  You can also put these pictures in a little book that you can "read" anytime you are preparing for an event.  Check out Shubert’s house on the Conscious Discipline website, www.consciousdiscipline.com for ideas!  It’s under “Free resources.”

I wish you well,

Debbie

CCP - Jan. 16, 2025 Setting Limits and how to be a S.T.A.R.

Hi CCP Family,

    I know you are happy to be in a routine again after the holidays! When families are out of our routines for an extended time, sometimes our “buttons” get pushed. Remember, Dr. Bailey reminds us in Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline (p. 22) that “Children learn self-discipline in 3 stages: 1) They find the limits by experimenting. 2) They retest their findings by repeatedly doing what they were told not to (including teasing/provoking & pushing your buttons) to see if the limit is firm. 3) If the limit proves firm, they internalize it.” So, know that your children are just doing their jobs when they test your limits. I know it’s hard, but keep the limits firm, so you can reach step 3 and the children can internalize the limits.

     Please remember that 2025-26 preschool applications for currently-enrolled families are due by tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 17.  We would love to have sibling applications by then, also. Thanks!  Please remember that we try to honor your first choice, but we may have to hold a drawing in early February if there are more applicants for a particular class than there are spaces.

Soon Jennifer Holwell, current chair of our Preschool Advisory Committee “the PAC” will begin to look for parents who may be interested in serving on the committee for 25-26. Next year’s chair will be Ashton Blue. There will be a few other vacancies on the committee that we need to fill. It’s not a large committment and it gives you a chance to understand how the preschool decisions are madel! Please contact Jennifer, Ashton, or me to express your interest! We will get you connected!

     Blog post reminder:  To respond to your teacher on the emailed blog, you must click the link at the top where it says "To reply to Ms. ____, click here."  Unfortunately, the way it is set up, if you just click "reply," your message actually comes to me.  Of course, I will try to forward your message, but it may not be as timely. Thanks!

     Please remember that preschool is closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. day on Monday, January 20.  

We have planned our annual school-wide Pancakes and PJ’s on Wed & Thurs, Jan 29 & 30. Your class representative will send more details. You are invited to sign up to help. You may either provide items or cook/serve/clean-up pancakes. (Ducks & MW classes will eat on Wed 1/29. Whales and TTH classes will eat on Thurs, 1/30.) Watch for more information from your class parent rep.

Looking ahead - Our annual Valentine Dance will be on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6:00-7:30 pm. Put on your dancing clothes and shoes! The fellowship hall will be transformed into a party! This event is for your whole family. It’s always a favorite!

     As you know, we do a lot of "intentional breathing" at preschool.  Often we call it being a S.T.A.R. (Smile, Take a deep breath And Relax.) Conscious Discipline tells us "Consciously breathing releases toxins from the body, improves the immune system, balances the nervous system, turns off the stress response, facilitates weight loss, helps release unhealthy memories and stifled emotions, and integrates our brain to engage the higher centers for optimal functioning."   (Feeling Buddies Curriculum, p. 70)  So anytime you feel stressed, remember to be a S.T.A.R!  Three slow, deep "belly breaths" can really help calm you and reset your system.  If your child is too upset in the moment to breathe, then you breathe for them.  Even just holding them close to you and breathing deeply can "download" your calm to them and help them move to the higher centers of the brain.  (Just make sure that you are calm and conscious first!) ;-)

I wish you well,

Debbie

Happy New Year (1/9/25) & the Top 4 Things about the Brain

Dear CCP Family,

        Happy new year!  I hope 2025 brings us all health, kindness, and peace! I also wish you the gift of simplicity in the new year. Keeping things simple reduces stress and increases gratitude.

THANK YOU - Once again, I just want to express my sincere appreciation for the love and kindness you showed me at Christmas and New Year’s this year! Your generous and thoughtful cards and gifts touched my heart. I am grateful for your gifts, but most grateful for each one of you!! Thank you for your part in making our CCP family such a safe, warm and loving community.

        TUITION - Please remember that January tuition is due.  We extended the deadline to today, Thurs, Jan. 9.  Melissa is very generous with that deadline, so please pay on time so she doesn’t have to send reminders. If you slipped up and forgot, you can pop by tomorrow and bring a check. Thank you.

        REGISTRATION - This month is time to register for the 2025-26 school year!  You can find the application on our website and I sent one by email.  Every currently-enrolled child is guaranteed a place for next year, but we can't guarantee that it will be in your first choice class. We will do our best!  Currently enrolled applications are due by Friday, Jan 17 so we can secure a spot for you.  You are my best “advertisers”, so please invite your friends to apply to CCP also!  New families have until Jan. 31 to apply.

LADYBUG REGISTRATION - Ladybugs, when you are in the hallway, I know all you can see is our Whale class for 4’s, which is fabulous. Please remember that we have a fabulous Duck class for 4’s, too. It’s just tucked around the corner near the preschool office. Please feel free to pop by and visit Ms Shelly and Ms Carina and see the Duck space. I want to be sure you know we have two 4-year-old options.

PRESCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE - We have a meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 at 9:15 in Ascension Hall.

        INCLEMENT WEATHER - Thanks for your patience with the delay on Tuesday. January is a good time to review our inclement weather policy from your parent handbook:

If Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools close due to the weather, then Christ Church Preschool will also close.  If Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools delay their starting time by one or two hours, then Christ Church Preschool will open for students at 10:00 a.m.  If CHCCS delay by 3 hours, then CCP will close.  (Note that we follow Chapel Hill schools - not Chatham and not Orange Co) When in doubt, please check your email for an announcement or call the preschool number (919-969-1690) for a recorded message.  The preschool will not make up or refund tuition for days missed due to inclement weather.  (I usually try to have the announcement about closures sent to your email by 7:00am.)

         CLOTHING - Please make sure your child has warm outerwear during the winter months.  The children almost always go outside in the fresh air even on very cold days. Even if your child does not wear a coat in the car, please bring a coat to place in the cubbie for outdoor time. It is helpful to label the loose pieces (hats, gloves, etc) with your child's name.  (The Frog class requests that you send mittens instead of gloves.)  Also, please be sure that your change of clothing in the cubbie is appropriate for the weather.

AN INVITATION TO PARENT DISCUSSION - Check your email for an invitation to our Parent Group on Jan. 23 at 9:30am. It was such a success that we want to gather again!

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE MOMENT - Finally, here are the top 4 things to know about the brain from Dr. Becky Bailey:

• The brain is pattern-seeking (Consistent routines are helpful.)

• The best exercise for the brain is exercise. (Run, jump, & play!)

• Connections on the outside build neural connections on the inside (Connect with your child through touch, presence, & eye contact in playful situations.)

• The brain functions optimally when we feel physically and psychologically safe (This is when learning takes place!)

  I wish you well,     

Debbie

Thank you and Merry Christmas! 12-18-24 post from Ms. Debbie

Dear CCP Families,

Yes, it’s Wednesday night, but I wanted you to have my message before you take off for the holidays!

CONCERT - Thank you for coming to our Christmas Concert! We were delighted to have you here! Thank you, Ms Vicki, and teachers! It was fun to celebrate Jesus’ birth together as a school family. I am so proud of our children. When you’re a preschooler, it’s a BIG deal to stand in front of an audience, let alone remember all the words to the songs! Thank you for your love and support. We are so grateful for you, our families!

THANK YOU - Many of you have honored me with lovely Christmas cards, well wishes, and generous gifts. I want you to know I am humbled and grateful for your expressions of love. THANK YOU!!!! Your generosity is truly amazing! I hope you know how much you and your gifts are appreciated. My heart is full. Christ Church Preschool is like my extended family and I am truly thankful for each one of you!

BACK TO SCHOOL - We look forward to seeing your smiling faces back at preschool on Monday, January 6, 2024.

TUITION - The January tuition deadline has been extended to January 9th. Thanks for paying your fees on time.

A CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE MOMENT - Combining connection and calming is powerful. It activates the attention systems, the motivation systems, and the impulse control systems in the brain. It creates an alert yet relaxed internal state that is ideal for all learning. ~Brain Smart Choices Cubes

As we move into 2025, my wish & prayer is that we can all see the world like children, through eyes of wonder and hope. Don’t worry about creating “perfection” in your family life - too much pressure! Turn off screens & social media - too much competition! Instead, smile & breathe. Keep things simple…..Make s’mores and hot chocolate around your fire pit, build a tent from a blanket and a table, snuggle and read together, or take a magical walk or wagon ride in your neighborhood at night before the Christmas lights are all gone. It’s really these simple, inexpensive things that connect us and create beautiful lasting memories.

This week, I pray that the values from Advent will last all year. I wish you HOPE, LOVE, JOY & PEACE.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year CCP Family!

Debbie