Jericho STEM Preschool Academy

03/27/2024

03/27/2024

The Heart & Mind STEM Center welcome Bethpage and Hicksville UPK!

02/15/2024

FEBRUARY NEWS
Black History Month-February is Black History Month! What a great time to learn about and celebrate African Americans– present-day and historical.
Priority Re-Enrollment
It may be only February, but it’s time to start planning for the fall! There has been an overwhelming demand for our Infant and toddler rooms. We want to make sure you secure your child’s spot for next school year. Priority re-enrollment will run from February 28-March 15th. More information will be sent soon about school and camp registration.
Love Our School? Review Us
In today’s connected world, many families turn to online reviews to learn more about the reputation of schools. Just a reminder that you can find our school on Facebook & Google, we’d love more families like yours, so please consider spreading the word about our school. We’d love you to write a review we could put on our website as well.
Winter Cubby Refresh
The winter season is here. Please be sure to dress your child accordingly, including hats and mittens. Also, be sure that your child has extra clothes available in their cubby for the winter weather. This is a great time to check sizes too!
New On Our Preschool Blog
What Scientific Exploration Looks Like in Our Preschool Classrooms
Soda bottle geysers and volcanoes made from baking soda and vinegar might be just some of the things that come to mind when you think about science education for young children. It’s important to note that even simpler activities and everyday experiences can introduce children to scientific concepts and help them gain an understanding of how things work.
Science also helps children to develop important life skills, such as communication, collaboration, perseverance, analytical reasoning, and most importantly, a sense of wonder. We believe science education is critical in the preschool years, and we do so by tapping into children’s natural curiosities to explore the world around them.
Below are ways we foster this in each of our classrooms.

Toddlers (1-2 years)
The Scientific Exploration component of our curriculum begins in our Toddler classroom. Teachers provide toys and materials that allow toddlers to experiment with cause and effect, such as buttons that push to make a sound, k***s that twist to open, and levers that slide open to make an object appear.


(3 years)
Our Beginner students begin to explore engineering concepts. They design and build small structures using various materials, such as toothpicks and playdough or craft sticks and small paper cups. As students design and build, teachers ask open-ended prompts, including, “Tell me about what you made” or “What are you going to do with your new structure?”

Intermediates (3-4 years)
While our Intermediate students are engaged in science activities, teachers offer a variety of tools and technology to support and enrich the learning. For example, when learning about living things, they may explore with magnifying glasses, paper, and writing utensils. While studying the Earth’s environment, students may use balances, thermometers, rain gauges, and sifters.

Pre-K (4-5 years)
Students in our Pre-K classrooms love learning about different animals and their life cycles. After reading related books, students use playdough, paper, and writing utensils to create a 3-D representation of the life cycle of their choosing. They label the different stages and share their unique models with their classmates. Afterward, they write about the life cycle in their science journal.
Sickness: We know that many of you have noticed the increase in sickness during these colder months. It is crucial to the health and safety of everyone here that you please keep your child home if they are showing signs of any symptoms such as:-fever-cough-runny nose-sore throat -diarrhea-vomiting. If your child tests positive for anything such as influenza, RSV, COVID-19, ext. please let us know so we can keep track of the illnesses and where they are so we can plan accordingly!
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to us on March 18th. We have geared our Fair to preschool age book selections. Did you know that the book fair profits go right back into the classroom? Your child’s Scholastic subscription is paid for by our book fair profits! Stop by at your March Parent Teacher conference and buy a book. Scholastic accepts all forms of payment from cash to credit card. “Today’s readers are tomorrow’s leaders!
FYI
School closed Feb. 19-Feb. 23 for Presidents Day/Winter Break.
Winter Mini Camp- February 20-22 for those children who signed up, NO DROP OFFS ALLOWED

02/12/2024

Jericho STEM Academy has decided to hold a Read-a-thon this year!
Read-a-thons actually get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more.

Our Read-a-thon starts Monday March 4, 2024.

About one week before our Read-a-thon starts we will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress.

We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/323739313231/1 and following the simple instructions.

We've chosen Read-a-thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills.

We hope EVERYONE participates.

Thanks so much,

Ilene, Mindy and Gail

01/05/2024

We all look forward to a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year with new, fun, and exciting things planned this year at the Jericho STEM Academy!
We believe that YOU are the most important teacher your child will ever have! Open lines of communication between staff and family members are essential to facilitate your child’s growth and learning. Brightwheel & newsletters provide news about activities that your child is participating in as well as other important notices and information.
Winter is finally here! Please be sure to send your child with appropriate weather gear as we will continue to go outside as the weather allows us to. Please make sure your child’s hats, gloves, snow pants, winter coat, & snow boots are labeled.
Tax Time- If you would like your 2023 Tax Statement, please log into Brightwheel soon. You’ll be able to access it from there.
Illness Policy Reminder
Our parents are vital partners in helping us to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the children in our school. The most important thing you can do to assist us in creating a healthy environment is to keep your child home if they are ill. This reduces the spread of illness and allows your child to fully recuperate. Children may not attend school until they have been symptom free for 24 hours if they display any of the following:
· Fever of 100.3 degrees or more—must be fever free for 24 hours with no fever-reducing medicine before returning to school
· Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset
· Heavy nasal discharge requiring wiping every 3-5 minutes
· Persistent, non-productive, or barking cough
· Sore throat
· Skin rash
· Head lice
· Symptoms of a communicable disease
· Fussy, cranky behavior unlike child’s normal demeanor that may indicate illness
For more information, please see our Parent Handbook or reach out to a member of our administrative team.
This month, our school is celebrating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and discussing the importance of acceptance, love and kindness for all people.
At home and school, books are an easy way to familiarize your children with Martin Luther King, Jr. and the theme of equality and friendship in a way that we can understand. Appropriate titles include Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr. by Jean Marzollo (ages 3-5), I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer (ages 4-5), The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Johnny Ray Moore (ages 4-5) and My Uncle Martin’s Big Heart by Angela Farris Watkins (ages 5+).
Another fun way to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. is through art. After reading one of the books above, encourage your child to draw you a picture or write a few words about what he learned from the story. Use this as a learning opportunity to recap the story, discuss his artwork, and encourage creativity.
FROM OUR INFANT PROGRAM
How to Teach Baby Sign Language
How To Teach Baby Sign Language --As a parent of a new baby, you may be looking for ways to enhance communication with your child. One great way is Baby Sign Language. Baby signs are common terms that have been modified and simplified from American Sign Language. This tool allows babies to express themselves before they can do so verbally – in turn, reducing frustration during early stages of language development and improving self-esteem.
Choose meaningful signs. Start with practical words that align to your baby’s daily routine. In our Infant Program, we teach baby signs relevant to each infant. Examples include: ‘mommy’, ‘daddy’, ‘more’, ‘happy’, and ‘all done’.
Say the word aloud as you sign. To reinforce the connection between signs and spoken words, say the word aloud while performing the sign. Our teachers, positioned at eye level with the baby, follow this approach to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.
Be consistent. Use signs regularly and repeat them often. Repetition helps babies more readily understand the meaning of the sign.
Be patient. As infants reach 6-8 months, they will begin to recognize and sign back to you. Don’t be discouraged if your infant doesn’t catch on immediately.
Teaching your baby sign language is a fun journey that not only facilitates early communication, but also strengthens the bond with your child. If you’re curious about other ways our dedicated teachers foster your infant’s growth and development, contact us today.
FYI
January 8- Winter Enrichments Begin * Please sign up.
January 11- AAA Mrs. Blackburn will be presenting her Pedestrian and Passenger Safety program with Otto the Auto
January 15-School closed for MLK Day
January 26- A nutritionist will come to present a special program to the children.

01/05/2024

Employee of the Month
Miss Pauline is a Lead Infant Teacher at our school. Before her promotion to Lead Teacher in the toddlers and infants, she spent time as a Teacher Assistant and after care assistant. Since day one, Pauline’s contagiously happy demeanor has had a positive impact on the children, families, and teachers at the Jericho STEM Academy.

Miss Pauline consistently delivers a personalized experience to every parent and child that walks through the door. She always asks thoughtful questions that help her to provide the best care for the infants in her classroom. Parents appreciate her open, enthusiastic, and professional communication.

Over the past few years, Pauline has been pursuing her Child Development Associate’s certification (CDA), a widely recognized credential in early childhood education that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in early childhood education. She just recently completed the course. We love her growth mindset and commitment to operational excellence.

Miss Pauline is a role model for her coworkers. She treats everyone with respect and is the epitome of a team player– always happy to help wherever we need her.

We are so proud that Miss Pauline is a part of our Jericho STEM Community!

12/07/2023

Happy Chanukah!

12/04/2023

Dear Friends of Long Island Cares,

Thank you for your gift of 65 pounds of goods received on 12/01/2023. Your generosity supports the 234,000 individuals, including 65,000 children, who are food insecure on Long Island.

Your donations come at a time when people are gearing up for the holiday season, unsure of where their holiday meals will come from. What should be a time of celebration and gratitude is a difficult obstacle many food insecure Long Islanders face. People simply do not know where their meals are coming from. Your gift helps to lessen the burden our fellow Long Islanders feel during this season and allows their holidays to be more joyous and bright.

Your support is critical to Long Island Cares’ mission and our vision of a Hunger Free Long Island.

11/13/2023

Infants enjoying music class.

11/13/2023

NOVEMBER NEWS
This part of the year is the time to reflect and be thankful for the things we have, and it provides us with beautiful opportunities to teach and model gratitude and appreciation to our young children in so many ways. As they grow older, children begin to express appreciation for qualities such as friendship and kindness. At the end of the day, spending quality time with your family during this Thanksgiving season is what matters most. Whether you donate toys, make a hand turkey, or simply take a walk in the nice fall weather, taking the time to be intentional with this time with your family is the important thing.
Leaping for Literacy- Happy Reading! I would love to receive suggestions from our students on their favorite book for December but here is my favorite for November. It is "Bear Says Thanks" written by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman. I love this story because it really focuses on the important aspects of Thanksgiving which is being thankful and spending time with family and friends. I hope you enjoy it! REMEMBER, I would love to hear from you on what your child's favorite book is. The first 5 messages I receive will be mentioned in my December newsletter As part of our focus on gratitude and connecting with others. We will be having a Food Drive starting November 13th-November 20th. We will be collecting non-perishable food items and donating to Long Island Cares. There will be boxes located near the front door to drop off your items

11/02/2023

Employee of the Month -Fulyane Yanar

Please join us in thanking Fulyane for her dedication to the field of early childhood and for always going above and beyond to ensure that each child in her care has fun and is loved and safe each day.
Fulyane arrives early and puts in all the extra time and effort required of a toddler teacher. She takes the initiative to offer her help readily to peers, families and children in ways that are thoughtful and meaningful. To listen to her laughing, playing, and learning alongside her students is a highlight of each day. I believe our infants, Lucy, Leo and Bonjun would agree that Miss Fulyane should get this recognition.
Thank you, Fulyane, for being an exemplary staff member and leader in our school.

11/02/2023

Happy Halloween !