As we prepare to close out 2023, we wanted to reflect on the year and the many things we have to be grateful for at Becky Gates Children’s Center.  Take a moment to read the Center Spotlight which highlights many of the special events from 2023. 

Much excitement is in the air as families celebrate the holiday season and prepare for the new year. Many of you have traditions that help you connect with friends and families. A few of my favorites when I had young children in my home included:

• Making gingerbread houses.
• Creating bird feeders with pinecones by slathering on peanut butter or almond butter and rolling them in birdseed.
• Having movie and game nights.
• Stringing popcorn and cranberries for garland in our home.
• Sharing gently used toys with others. 
• Making playdough with holiday colors and scents such as peppermint or cinnamon. See a recipe here. 
• Using sheets to build tents inside for a slumber party.
• Visiting the local library for new books to read. 

Your traditions may look different, but we hope this holiday season will be a time that you spend with family and friends and building memories that will last for generations to come. 

Events to look forward to in the spring include Parent Café, Scholastic Book Fair and Week of the Young Child, Family Fun Night, and Family Celebration Breakfast. See the Spring 2024 Calendar for dates and other events. 

The Family Advisory Board met in November and developed continuous improvement goals for the 2023-2-24 school year:

2023-2024 Family Advisory Board Goals for the Becky Gates Children’s Center

1. Continue efforts to establish a family cultural committee which will support the planning and organization of cultural enrichment activities for the children and families at BGCC. Members of FAB will support this effort in its infancy.
   1. Recruit families in January 2024.
   2. Set a meeting for February 2024 to outline a plan moving forward.
2. Increase communication with families of upcoming projects / explorations to support family conversations. 
   1. As often as possible, add a preview or sneak peek of upcoming projects / explorations in weekly storyboards. 
   2. As often as possible, add comments to daily notes for Toddler I and Toddler II classrooms. 
3. Establish daily and weekly communication standards.
   1. Cover daily and weekly communication expectations with parents during meet the teacher and at open house.  
   2. Include a section in each classroom welcome packet that outlines daily and weekly communication expectations including the frequency and channels (email, Kaymbu app, phone, etc.) 
      1. Expectations for communication from teachers to parents: e.g., daily note vs. weekly storyboard?
      2. Preference for parents to reach out with questions or comments: email, app, phone, etc.  
   3. Teachers and administration will prepare families with children in the Toddler II classrooms for changes in daily communication as children advance to the preschool classrooms by including information in storyboards in August and in the director’s message in the August newsletter.   

Spring Calendar