12/19/2025
For our private 3’s and Sr. toddler program we have a new Parent Referral Program. If you refer a friend(s) to our school, you receive a FREE week’s tuition. This is an unlimited offer. (Example: For 1 friend = 1 free week, 2 friends = 2 free weeks, 3 friends = 3 free weeks, 4 friends = 4 free weeks, 4 free weeks, etc.) If you’re in the UPK and refer a student who signs up full time you get a free enrichment class.
Week of December 15th is Spirit Week:
12/15-Holiday Color Day- Wear festive colors that represent the holiday season, 12/16-Dress in blue & white, 12/17- Winter hat day, 12/18- Tacky shirt day, 12/19- Festive pajama day!
December 18th-Holiday parties-UPK Hicksville, threes and pre-K 10:00 in the gym.
1:00-Bethpage in the gym
8 Multicultural Holiday Books for Children
The holiday season is a time when we celebrate community, diversity, and the universal joy of giving.
You can continue the learning at home by engaging in shared reading experiences with your child. Below are some of our all-time favorite multicultural holiday books.
1. Lights of Winter: Winter Celebrations Around the World by Heather Conrad
Your child might be familiar with Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, but what about Soyal or Los Posadas? This book introduces children to 10 winter holidays celebrated around the world.
2. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan and Mike Berenstain
This story does a wonderful job reinforcing the importance of showing gratitude and giving back to others. After reading, encourage your child to think of ways he can spread holiday cheer this year.
3. Dream Snow by Eric Carle
This book tells the story of a farmer who falls asleep on Christmas Eve wondering if Christmas will come without snow. He then dreams about a magical snowstorm that covers him and his animals. Infants and toddlers will love the lift-the-flap version of Dream Snow, which is designed to help stimulate their growing sensory awareness.
4. A Kwanzaa Celebration by Nancy Williams. Your child will enjoy learning about the traditions and principles of Kwanzaa as he delves into this pop-up book by Nancy Williams. He’ll even be introduced to African words and pronunciations!
5. Where is Baby’s Dreidel: A Lift the Flap Book by Karen Katz
Your little one will embark on a reading adventure as he lifts the flaps to reveal dreidels, menorahs, potato pancakes and other symbols of Hanukkah.
6. Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto
This book tells the story of a little girl who misplaces her mother’s diamond ring while making tamales. Not only will your child enjoy the story’s humor, but she’ll also learn the names of foods enjoyed by Hispanic families during the holiday season.
7. Lots of Lights by Kavita Sahai
Although the Indian holiday of Diwali already occurred this year, it’s never a bad time to reintroduce some of the traditions your child learned in the classroom. This fun story includes catchy rhymes and adorable characters to keep your child fully engaged.
8. Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin
Bringing in the New Year is a heartwarming story about a Chinese American family as they prepare for and celebrate the Chinese New Year. The book introduces food and festivities, such as a dragon parade, dumplings, lion dancers, lanterns, and fireworks.
Potty Training
Now, during our December break is a good time to try potty training since you will be home with your child for an extended time. Sweatpants or those with an elastic waist are the best to wear. Please make sure that there are sufficient underwear and extra clothes in your child’s cubby during this period. Accidents happen – it is a part of the process.
Until your child is completely potty trained, you will need to supply disposable Velcro pull-ups along with diaper wipes You will be notified when the supply is running low
We consider a child to be completely potty trained when he or she:
• can recognize that he or she needs to go to the bathroom
• can control bladder and/or bowel movements until getting to the bathroom
• does not need to wear pull-ups during the day
• does not need a teacher to remind or assist in any part of the process
We are happy to work with your child to achieve this important milestone when he or she is developmentally ready and interested in the process. Focus on positive reinforcement (e.g., praise, stickers, and treasures). It is our desire to work closely with the parents during this time, and we will do our best to support your at-home initiatives. Children should have already started the process at home. This will help them to be more successful at school
