Wow! I can’t believe how fast the past few weeks have gone by. It seems like just yesterday I was going on home visits and preparing for the new school year. Our class has been busy getting to know one another and our daily routines. This fall we have welcomed Lukas, Oliveene, Lars, Joel, Mitchell, Vivaan and Kennedy. It has also been wonderful to welcome back our returning toddlers Michael, Anja and Annika, or the “big brother and sisters” of the class. We have been spending a lot of time showing our new classmates how a day in the life of the toddler community goes, and all of our returning toddlers have been great role models.

Please know that we have a lot of times throughout the year to meet other families in the school. Many of you have already attended our first PGA coffee of the year, thanks! There are also monthly bagel breakfasts run completely by the elementary class and all families are welcome and encouraged to come. We are also looking forward to the Race for Radmoor at the end of September, as well as our first toddler potluck. The potluck is scheduled for October 13th – after our final toddlers (Renee and Mike) have started. This is a very casual evening where each toddler family brings a favorite dish to pass and we enjoy a meal together. Irina Jamison, Lukas’ mom has generously volunteered to be our classroom coordinator so you may be hearing from her throughout the year about special events, volunteer opportunities or class/school happenings.

I also wanted to let you know about a few things that are really helpful to us. First, your labeling of all items that come to school has been great! Keep it up! It makes our day go so much smoother when we know exactly what belongs to whom.  Also, I would like to thank you for keeping us up to date regarding any absences your child may have. If it is a planned absence (vacation, appointment . . .) you can let me know directly or email me. You can also simply jot it down on our parent comment sheet located just outside the door of our classroom. Or if the absence is unexpected (illness), please call the school directly and either leave me a voicemail or talk directly to Ms. Jamie at the front desk.

Finally, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your children with us. Toddler hood is a very special and unique time in a child’s life. Everything is new or being discovered for the first time. It’s as if your child is a new child every day! Whether it’s learning to speak, making new friends, or testing out the word “NO!”

Here’s to a great year in the toddler community!

Erin