Rebecca Karr

It never fails that the time between Spring Break and the Watermelon Party flies by like light itself!

I see our Fours just about ready for Kindergarten, remembering them as Twos at parallel play, as Three’s figuring out friendships. They are well-prepared for the next educational step that will include more formal academics, larger classes in larger schools. They are kind, thoughtful individuals who are ready for the complexities ahead. Chelsea Day School will always be their safe place! 

I see our Two’s almost walking in a line as they travel in a group! Then sitting attentively on the rug ready to playact a story. And our Three’s in the middle making magic with the reliable cardboard box. Trains and boats and princesses travel in and out of structures built from imagination and cooperation.

It’s all as it should be….and it’s all good!

This month has many calendar dates to note:

• Wednesday, May 8th: Tovah Klein, author of How Toddlers Thrive and her new book coming soon called Raising Resilience. Please join us at 6:30pm for a delightful evening with a very wise woman who has important things to share! 
• Tuesday, May 14th: Staff Development Day, School closed to Kids. Our Staff will work with Rachel Henes on supporting Resilience in the classroom.
• Thursday, May 16th: New Parents Welcome Cocktail Party. 6pm.
• Wednesday, May 22nd, 9:30am: Admissions Directors’ Breakfast and Tour
• CHATS with Jean: Friday, May 10th, 9:20am in the Big Room, and Thursday, May 23rd, same time, same place!
• Monday, May 24th: Memorial Day. School closed.
• Auction to Benefit Tuition Assistance, Friday, May 31st, Gotham Hall, 7pm to 11pm.

Skipping ahead to June, we will close school with our Watermelon Party on Friday, June 14th in the morning. Each age-level will sing with Mr. Doug, have watermelon, thank our beloved teachers and go off for the summer. We do not graduate. That requires completion of a course of study. That’s just too grown-up for us!! (This tradition came with me from the Fifteenth Street School which endowed me with $$ to start the school. It seems quite appropriate for our preschoolers!)

Into the summer: Monica and Rebecca will open our Summer Program for 4 weeks of fun in the sun, garden and sprinklers! It is always sheer delight on the roof! 

Check with Rebecca about signing up.

Have a lovely evening,

Warmly,

Jean.

Greetings!

Happy Spring and April Fool’s Day!

Be careful of pranksters! 

I hope you are returning renewed, relaxed, and energized!

This is a renewing time of celebration for many. Within our community, our families are observing Ramadan, celebrated Nowruz on the first day of Spring, celebrated Easter, and will soon enjoy Passover. We are fortunate to be in such a diverse community. I share the joys of the season with you all.

Our April calendar is overflowing! Please note the following:

• Wednesday, April 10th: Eid. School closed.
• Book Fair in the Big Room: All day April 9th, 11th, 12th and the morning of the 15th.
• Thursday, April 11th: 6pm, Rachel Hines will talk about the “Good Enough Parent” in the Big Room. RSVP on Google doc.
• Wednesday, April 17th: All day Parent Conferences. School closed to kids. Open to Parents.
• Thursday, April 18th: What’s Next? Meeting, 6:30pm in the Big Room. (See below.)
• Tuesday, April 23rd: Passover. School closed.
• Tuesday, April 30th, 9:20am CHAT with JEAN. I have missed this morning gathering! Please join me for coffee and a chat!
• The What’s Next? Meeting is for parents of kids who will be applying to Independent Schools for the Fall of 2025. (This would include those applying to Hunter Elementary. The child must be 5 by the fall of 2025 which might include some older children in our 3’s classes who turn 4 in the fall of 2024.) We will talk about the process of applying, what to expect, what to do, what not to do. We will not talk about individual schools per say, but the guidance and partnership we will establish with you as you navigate this challenging journey. Please bring all your questions. There will be a meeting in the fall about applying to Public Schools which is its own reality and seems to change all the time! TBD. We will be sending out Information before the meeting which will hopefully be helpful. Please also follow the site set up by Rebecca with information about Spring Open Houses and events.
• Now that this year’s Ex-missions and Admissions Seasons are formally closed, I have attached the report for this year. I am very proud that our kids are well-prepared for a range of types of schools and that you have chosen schools that are a fit for your individual  child. Each will be a star!
• If you have a green thumb and would like to work in the garden on the roof, please check in with Shazia.

See you at the door!

Warmly,

Jean

Greetings!

As I glance through the March 2023 Newsletter, I am struck by the fact that at the time I was making a “plan” to solve my back problem! A year later the plan is on the other side of surgery and I see the light at the end of the tunnel! I am deeply thankful to you all for your support, patience, suggestions, and caring that went into the continued smooth operation of our school! 

I assume that you’ve noticed that Reid is no longer at the front desk several days a week. He found a fulltime job and is sorely missed! Beginning in a week or so, you will meet Sophia who will be at the desk on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays while Rebecca works from home on Tuesday and Thursday on marketing and communication.

Notes about near future for your calendar:

• March 4th: Contracts for returning families are due with deposits.
• Wednesday, March 6th, 9:15am: Laura Araman, our Mental Health and Development Specialist, will join me in a CHAT about Independence. Please RSVP to the calendar event sent out by Rebecca last week.
• Monday, March 18th returning on Tuesday, April 2nd: Spring Break. School closed. Have a wonderful break!
• April 10th, 11th and 12th: Book Fair in the Big Room.
• April 25th: Photo Day with Justine Knight. More details to follow. 

Notes about Ex-missions:

Thank you for your enduring patience as you went through what can be a daunting process if you were applying to an independent school here in NYC! The process is about finding the right fit for your child, not the most prestigious, expensive, closest to home or the F train! It is all about making a match in which your child can thrive in their own special way. Of the 23 children who applied to independent schools, they will attend 17 different schools, along with the 9 children who will attend one of the wonderful Public Schools in our neighborhood. This is a true statement of finding the match and how diverse our community is. Each child is a star who shines in their own special way!

Post-script: Challenge Grant: Auction 2023: Because of the heart-felt generosity of those who donated to the Challenge Grant of Teacher Tuition Assistance last year, we are able to send 7 teachers to Reggio Emilia on a Study Tour for a week over Spring Break! The incredible experience of being immersed in the culture and classrooms can be enlightening and transformative for even the most seasoned educator. Thank you for making this happen for some of our teachers. They will share their experience with us upon return!

Spring Parent Conferences: Wednesday, April 17th: Thoughts as we prepare for them:

When Covid changed our lives several years ago, we had to rely on technology (Zoom to be precise) to communicate with each other about everything, including the development of the childfren in our care. So for the past few years, Zoom became the platform out of necessity. We are past the danger of being together and are once again connecting in person.

A critical element of the work and play in our community is contact. Only twice a year, we have Parent/Teacher Conferences when time is spent sharing your child’s development with the teachers who are with them for so many hours a day. There was a lot missing during Covid for everyone as we tried to connect through a screen, either as a school or in a conversation about any of the important things that come up in a school year.

Therefore, please mark your calendar to be available for an in-person conference about your child with your child’s teachers on Wednesday, April 17th. School will be closed to kids and open to you! It will be so good to see you!

Have a lovely weekend!

Warmly,

Jean

Dear Community,

So, Winter is here! Thanks for bundling your bundles so they could take full advantage of the few days of snow. I do love the change of seasons!

On to another season: Ex-Missions season is winding down. Letters from independent schools will arrive next Thursday, February 8th and decisions will be finalized by the following Thursday by noon on February 15th when contracts and deposits are due. Attached is some advice to help you through this phase. Please be sure to email me the results, let me know your decisions so I can help with Wait Lists, etc.

Please see the attached bits of guidance and advice.

The Admissions season for our school continues for another month, finalizing on March 7th. Thanks for sending in your Re-enrollment forms so we know how many new families we can welcome in the fall. They are due by Thursday, February 15th.

Re-Enrollment Form: https://forms.gle/PiFw2JRN29RkQrn27

Notes for your calendars:

• Presidents’ Days: Monday and Tuesday, February 19th and 20th. School Closed.
• Meeting with Rachel Duda for 3’s and 4’s Parents: Wednesday, January 31, 6pm.
• Prospective Family Meeting with Rachel Duda: Tuesday evening, February 13th at 6pm.
• Tuition Assistance Material is due to Debbie on February 16th.
• Contracts for 2024-2025 Returning Families will be out on Friday, February 23rd, due back by Monday, March 4th.
• CHAT with Jean: Tuesday, February 6th at 9:20am in the Big Room: What’s On Your Mind?

As you know, Wednesday, February 14th is Valentine’s Day. Your teachers will let you know how the day will be handled in their respective classrooms. IMPT: If your child decides to bring in Valentines, please be sure to include all the children in the class. 

Our last Arts Alive Session of the year starts on Monday, February 12th. There are spaces in most groups. See Rebecca or sign up here! Arts Alive Sign Up: https://forms.gle/zR7y2ztyQD1LFR9j9

I am so pleased to be back at school on a more regular basis. Again, thank you all for your patience, support and lovely messages. They mean everything! I start PT in a few weeks which is hopefully the last part of my recovery.

Have a lovely day!

Warmly,

Jean

Dear Community,

Happy New Year!

I trust your breaks were rich with family, friends and an adventure or two.

I was hoping to watch a good snowstorm while recuperating, but no such luck! Perhaps we’ll get some snow this winter so our kids can experience the beauty and magic of it while playing on the roof. The roof becomes quite a science lab in the snow……

Thankfully the post-op report from my surgeon was excellent. Healing is moving along well. No concerns at all. I, on the other hand, am very impatient to return to school at full steam. It is clear, however, that it will take a bit more time to build back my energy, stamina and balance. 

Till then, I will be working from home and fully available by phone, email or Zoom. Do not hesitate to be in touch.

Before I add to your calendars, I need to acknowledge and thank our Staff for their support, wisdom, stamina, and devotion to our very special school in my absence and beyond. And to everyone who made it to the Celebration of Light to blow away the darkness. Thank you Deb, Mr. Doug and every voice that resounded loud and clear! We are an amazing community.

It was a pleasure to know that our future Director Rachel was able to attend, also.

When your calendar is ready, may I add a few more opportunities to meet Rachel as she gets to know our community?

• Wednesday, January 17th at 6pm: All School Wine and Welcome to Rachel. Please join us to say hello and hear from Rachel herself.
•  Wednesday, January 24th at 6pm: 2/3’s Classes meet with Rachel
• Wednesday, January 31st at 6pm:  3’s and 4’s Classes meet with Rachel.
• and……
• Monday, January 15th. School Closed for Martin Luther King Jr Day

As the rest of the year goes on, we will often have the pleasure of Rachel at the school as she gets to know our community and its many nuances.

Seeing you at the door cannot come soon enough for me! Save my spot and I will see you soon!

Welcome back!

Warmly,

Jean

Greetings,

Welcome to the last month of the year! It always comes on fast with so much to do, think about, and plan for! As usual we will breathe a sigh of relief on January 1st! Here goes…..

• .Winter Fair: Saturday, December 9th from 10am till 2pm: Stroll down Memory Lane at our Winter Fair  Suggested student ticket donation for the fair is $100 per student & $40 for non-student siblings ages 2+. Ticket donations for students cover the cost of entry, all activities, and multiple food & bake sale tickets. Tickets for non-students cover the cost of entry & all activities. Additional tickets for food / bake sale can be purchased on-site. Buy Tickets Here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8Z3KUKRHF6CQU 
• Winter Fair Volunteers Needed– We still need volunteers for the fair! Please come, and make a new best friend during setup. Join us for pizza, wine and beer the night before, or have fun running classroom activities or ticket sales during the fair. Slots are two hours max giving everyone time to enjoy the fair with their kids. Sign-Up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D44AEA62DA1F58-45672155-2023
• Outreach Committee: A very special shout-out to this committee who has been working diligently since September to make a difference in so many lives beyond our own. Their enthusiasm is attracting new members with new ideas! Thanks so much! Monday, December 4th is the last day for Room To Grow Donations. Everything will be transported after drop-off on Monday morning. Kick-off for City Harvest Canned Food Drive will be at the Winter Fair. Classroom 8 will receive a can from each family during the Fair and the school will continue after the fair to grow a tower of food for those in need.
• Workshops For Grown Ups: Found Objects and Open Ended Play: Come together for this experiential workshop where we will reflect on the magic of open ended play while we explore found objects. Wednesday, December 13 @ 9:15 am in the Big Room with Bonnie and Wendy. RSVP to the calendar invite from Rebecca. 

Ongoing School Process:  Things are wrapping up as parents and kids have had their meetings, school reports are submitted, and the uncomfortable wait to hear the results of a lot of hard work is upon us. I am available to meet, chat on the phone and/or Zoom to stay up-to-date with your thoughts. Do not hesitate to be in touch.

My absence this week will soon be over, I trust. After a week of tests and doctor’s visits, the consensus is that I am having an allergic reaction to medication I’ve been taking. Slowly but surely it is abating. Getting bored is a sure sign that the end is near! I am available so please be in touch.

A very special tradition each year is our Celebration of Light. It is held on the Friday before we leave for Winter Break, December 22nd this year. Since it is the day after the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year, it involves lighting candles for the many holidays celebrated in our community throughout the year. The children sing songs with Mr. Doug, followed by eating cookies in the classrooms and a special THANKS to our incredible teachers.
The last regular day of school will be Thursday, the 21st. The schedule for Friday and the Celebration is as follows:

• 2/3’s Classes arrive at 9am and go into their classrooms. Parents sit in the Big Room. Children will come out at 9:15am to sing on the stairs with Mr. Doug. Then we will light candles and  “Wish You A Happy Holiday,” followed by cookies and Thanks in the classroom. That concludes the day.
• 3’s will arrive at 10am, meet in their classrooms, sing with Mr. Doug in the Big Room, light candles, share cookies in the classroom, thank the teachers and Winter Break begins!
• 4’s arrive at 11am, meet in their classrooms……and follow the same plan!

Please let me know if there is a holiday that you celebrate that may not be on our list. We will add a candle.
This is a very special day…..short and sweet…..as are our children!
I join the Staff in wishing you joy, peace and light…..which is not far away. Look in our children’s eyes!

Happy Holidays from everyone at Chelsea Day School.
With warmth and appreciation.

Jean