Although it feels as though summer just began, it is unfortunately already coming to an end. This month we say goodbye to our school agers, and we also say goodbye to two of our beloved teachers: Mrs. Kay, 16 years of selfless service, and Mrs. Andrea, 25 years of selfless service. Be sure to read about our retirees in our Center Spotlight. Although we will miss our families and friends, we are excited to welcome new teachers and families this fall. In fact, we are welcoming 56 new families this fall! To celebrate the end of summer we are hosting an end of summer bash with popsicles on the playground. See flyer for more information.

We are changing our process for renewing the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Income Eligibility form. Instead of renewing your CACFP form annually, when they expire, we will have everyone renew in July which is the beginning of the CACFP fiscal year. By participating in CACFP, we receive monthly reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks to the children! Did you know our menus received the Gold-Level Award from the Texas Department of Agriculture? Gold-Level Menus include different fruits and vegetables every day of the week at lunch. We serve dark green and red/orange vegetables at least 3x per week and vitamin C is served daily. Fresh and /or frozen fruit or vegetables are served each week and fried, breaded, or high fat vegetables are not served. Only unflavored low-fat and/or fat-free milk are served to children aged 2 years and older and water is served as an extra item, no juice is served. Cooked dry beans, legumes or split peas are served at least 3x per week and whole grain-rich foods are served at least 3x per day. Highly processed, preserved, and higher fat meats and entrees are limited to less than one time per month and locally grown foods are purchased and served. Lastly, seasonal fruits and vegetables are included on the menu. Check out our recipe this month to try at home – watermelon juice with lime, no sugar added to this juice, just fresh watermelon, fresh lime, and a pinch of salt!