Newsletter

Dear Parents

Spring is in the air and we are having a wonderful time at play outside in the garden. Everyday we notice more and more flowers and leaves on the trees and bushes.

While eating outside we hear the birds sing and see them drink and bath in the fountain. As always as we near the end of the school year, the children have worked on their social skills and are getting on well, it feels more and more like a big family. Healthy social and emotional development is the goal in preschool and is very hard for children who have not mastered it in preschool to catch up in later years.

Thank you for signing up for fall and summer, our fall schedule is full and we have space in the summer for additional children if you know of someone who might be a good fit.

Some calendar reminders:

We are closed next week for spring break, and on April 9th and 10th Stacey will sub for me with Barb.It is a Thursday and Friday, we will be open as usual on those days. I will be out of town.

In May we will be closed on the 25th and 29th.

The first week of June is our first summer week so you need to sign up for it if you would like your child to attend. School will take place here, no hike that week and it is a short week, no school that Friday. Stacey will be subbing for me as I am away to visit my mom in Israel.

All this information is available on our website.

On may 7th, a Thursday, I would like to have our spring picnic from 11am to 1:00pm. It will be a pot luck and bring your own dish picnic here in the garden.

I will be slightly increasing tuition for next school year (august 2015 )as I have not done so in 3 year.I will send another e mail soon when I have it all worked out.

I have decided not to schedule the home care class with Jeanne yet and save it for the fall, there were not enough parents interested and spring is always a very full time of year for everyone.

I hope we all have a great week

Maayan

Parent evening

Dear parents

I wish to host our next parent evening on Monday 3/2 at my home from 6 to 8 pm.

Please RSVP so I know you can attend.

The topic is work and chores with our children. As usual there is much to talk about, how important it is and what it means to the children and their development. I would also like us to bring examples and share success and difficulties we have experienced.

Best

Maayan 

On Feb 6, 2015, at 6:08 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Hi everyone

My younger son Liam got a mild case of chicken pox. If you or your child have had it or are vaccinated against it you are fine. If you have not, please be aware you or your child May contract it. 

I will not be canceling the parent night unless I hear back from parents who would like to come but will not because of the chicken pox. please let me know.

Best

Maayan 

On Oct 26, 2014, at 7:33 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

We are going to have the parent evening tomorrow at Charlie's home 407 Fair st Petaluma.

it is a parent night only, no children, I hope you can all come.

we will finish the pumpkins the children wet felted in the fall picnic and talk about the 4 lower senses, mostly the sense of touch, and other parenting questions and concerns parents may have.

We will have our lantern walk in December on Thursday the 11th at walnut park. I do hope you can all come. I am sorry for changing the date again but I want as many families to attend as possible. Grandparents and other family are welcome.

I will send more info about it later but if you want more information now please ask.

remember it is a short week for us we are open Monday Tuesday Wednesday this week.

Happy Halloween

Maayan

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 1:50 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

we will have our fall picnic this Thursday from 11:00am to 12:30pm.

we will share food and have 3 crafts to do together.

please bring plates cups and utensils for your family.

our lantern walk will be on 11/13 at oak hill park.

more about this later.

In the mornings, after drop-off, I would like to come in and tell our morning story at 8:45 so please drop off before hand.

if you are late please wait for the curtain to be opened to come in to avoid disruption, and drop-off quickly, it is disruptive to the other children when parents stay a long time at drop off.

The last parent evening was successful and many of you wanted to have more such meetings. Heather and Paul Charlie's parents have offered to host.

out next meeting will be on October 27 7:00pm to 8:30pm at their home 407 fair St. Petaluma ca 94952. the topic will be: foundation for healthy development of young children, the 4 lower senses.

and much time for conversation like we did last time.

please rsvp so I know how many parents to expect.

see you Thursday

maayan

Re: Chicken pox

Hi parents

Liam is well and ready to go back to school. He may stay another day to let his skin heal but no more new pox for 2 days now and all the ones he has have scabbed over and he is not contiguous. I hope to see many of you back on Wednesday and Thursday. 

I will credit those who kept their children home for this week as arranged with each family however Friday and next Monday we were scheduled to be closed already.

I hope to see the children back (it was very quiet here).

Best

Maayan 

On Feb 8, 2015, at 2:50 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Hi all

If you choose to keep your child home I understand and will credit you for the days you will miss this week. 

( credit will show on next month statement ). Please continue to let me know of your plans so I can prepare for the week accordingly.

Thanks 

Maayan 

On Feb 7, 2015, at 11:59 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

dear parents

I will be postponing the parent evening. And will let you know of a new date and time .

My family and I have had some health challenged lately and I apologies for any inconvenience.

Regarding the chicken pox, I plan to be open next week but please consult with your doctor if you are concerned. From my understanding, as it is with most viruses, the effected person is contiguous before symptoms are visible, however Liam is still contiguous as long as he has the blisters. The vaccine should prevent the children from contracting it but Liam was vaccinated with one of the two doses and did contract it. Naturally he has to stay home from school. I will prevent any contact between Liam and the children at all times and as usual practice cleaning and hand washing.

Again please contact your doctor for any questions and I can share any information I have . 
I would be happy to hear your thoughts.

Maayan 

On Feb 6, 2015, at 6:08 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Hi everyone

My younger son Liam got a mild case of chicken pox. If you or your child have had it or are vaccinated against it you are fine. If you have not, please be aware you or your child May contract it. 

I will not be canceling the parent night unless I hear back from parents who would like to come but will not because of the chicken pox. please let me know.

Best

Maayan 

On Oct 26, 2014, at 7:33 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

We are going to have the parent evening tomorrow at Charlie's home 407 Fair st Petaluma.

it is a parent night only, no children, I hope you can all come.

we will finish the pumpkins the children wet felted in the fall picnic and talk about the 4 lower senses, mostly the sense of touch, and other parenting questions and concerns parents may have.

We will have our lantern walk in December on Thursday the 11th at walnut park. I do hope you can all come. I am sorry for changing the date again but I want as many families to attend as possible. Grandparents and other family are welcome.

I will send more info about it later but if you want more information now please ask.

remember it is a short week for us we are open Monday Tuesday Wednesday this week.

Happy Halloween

Maayan

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 1:50 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

we will have our fall picnic this Thursday from 11:00am to 12:30pm.

we will share food and have 3 crafts to do together.

please bring plates cups and utensils for your family.

our lantern walk will be on 11/13 at oak hill park.

more about this later.

In the mornings, after drop-off, I would like to come in and tell our morning story at 8:45 so please drop off before hand.

if you are late please wait for the curtain to be opened to come in to avoid disruption, and drop-off quickly, it is disruptive to the other children when parents stay a long time at drop off.

The last parent evening was successful and many of you wanted to have more such meetings. Heather and Paul Charlie's parents have offered to host.

out next meeting will be on October 27 7:00pm to 8:30pm at their home 407 fair St. Petaluma ca 94952. the topic will be: foundation for healthy development of young children, the 4 lower senses.

and much time for conversation like we did last time.

please rsvp so I know how many parents to expect.

see you Thursday

maayan

Re: Chicken pox

Hi all

If you choose to keep your child home I understand and will credit you for the days you will miss this week. 

( credit will show on next month statement ). Please continue to let me know of your plans so I can prepare for the week accordingly.

Thanks 

Maayan 

On Feb 7, 2015, at 11:59 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

dear parents

I will be postponing the parent evening. And will let you know of a new date and time .

My family and I have had some health challenged lately and I apologies for any inconvenience.

Regarding the chicken pox, I plan to be open next week but please consult with your doctor if you are concerned. From my understanding, as it is with most viruses, the effected person is contiguous before symptoms are visible, however Liam is still contiguous as long as he has the blisters. The vaccine should prevent the children from contracting it but Liam was vaccinated with one of the two doses and did contract it. Naturally he has to stay home from school. I will prevent any contact between Liam and the children at all times and as usual practice cleaning and hand washing.

Again please contact your doctor for any questions and I can share any information I have . 
I would be happy to hear your thoughts.

Maayan 

On Feb 6, 2015, at 6:08 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Hi everyone

My younger son Liam got a mild case of chicken pox. If you or your child have had it or are vaccinated against it you are fine. If you have not, please be aware you or your child May contract it. 

I will not be canceling the parent night unless I hear back from parents who would like to come but will not because of the chicken pox. please let me know.

Best

Maayan 

On Oct 26, 2014, at 7:33 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

We are going to have the parent evening tomorrow at Charlie's home 407 Fair st Petaluma.

it is a parent night only, no children, I hope you can all come.

we will finish the pumpkins the children wet felted in the fall picnic and talk about the 4 lower senses, mostly the sense of touch, and other parenting questions and concerns parents may have.

We will have our lantern walk in December on Thursday the 11th at walnut park. I do hope you can all come. I am sorry for changing the date again but I want as many families to attend as possible. Grandparents and other family are welcome.

I will send more info about it later but if you want more information now please ask.

remember it is a short week for us we are open Monday Tuesday Wednesday this week.

Happy Halloween

Maayan

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 1:50 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

we will have our fall picnic this Thursday from 11:00am to 12:30pm.

we will share food and have 3 crafts to do together.

please bring plates cups and utensils for your family.

our lantern walk will be on 11/13 at oak hill park.

more about this later.

In the mornings, after drop-off, I would like to come in and tell our morning story at 8:45 so please drop off before hand.

if you are late please wait for the curtain to be opened to come in to avoid disruption, and drop-off quickly, it is disruptive to the other children when parents stay a long time at drop off.

The last parent evening was successful and many of you wanted to have more such meetings. Heather and Paul Charlie's parents have offered to host.

out next meeting will be on October 27 7:00pm to 8:30pm at their home 407 fair St. Petaluma ca 94952. the topic will be: foundation for healthy development of young children, the 4 lower senses.

and much time for conversation like we did last time.

please rsvp so I know how many parents to expect.

see you Thursday

maayan

Re: Chicken pox

please let me know if you are thinking of keeping your child home. If many of you are thinking to do So I might close for a few days and credit you for those days in next month bill. Keep in mind we are closed this Friday and Monday the 16th in any case. As scheduled in the beginning of the school year.
Please let me know

Maayan 

On Feb 7, 2015, at 11:59 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

dear parents

I will be postponing the parent evening. And will let you know of a new date and time .

My family and I have had some health challenged lately and I apologies for any inconvenience.

Regarding the chicken pox, I plan to be open next week but please consult with your doctor if you are concerned. From my understanding, as it is with most viruses, the effected person is contiguous before symptoms are visible, however Liam is still contiguous as long as he has the blisters. The vaccine should prevent the children from contracting it but Liam was vaccinated with one of the two doses and did contract it. Naturally he has to stay home from school. I will prevent any contact between Liam and the children at all times and as usual practice cleaning and hand washing.

Again please contact your doctor for any questions and I can share any information I have . 
I would be happy to hear your thoughts.

Maayan 

On Feb 6, 2015, at 6:08 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Hi everyone

My younger son Liam got a mild case of chicken pox. If you or your child have had it or are vaccinated against it you are fine. If you have not, please be aware you or your child May contract it. 

I will not be canceling the parent night unless I hear back from parents who would like to come but will not because of the chicken pox. please let me know.

Best

Maayan 

On Oct 26, 2014, at 7:33 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

We are going to have the parent evening tomorrow at Charlie's home 407 Fair st Petaluma.

it is a parent night only, no children, I hope you can all come.

we will finish the pumpkins the children wet felted in the fall picnic and talk about the 4 lower senses, mostly the sense of touch, and other parenting questions and concerns parents may have.

We will have our lantern walk in December on Thursday the 11th at walnut park. I do hope you can all come. I am sorry for changing the date again but I want as many families to attend as possible. Grandparents and other family are welcome.

I will send more info about it later but if you want more information now please ask.

remember it is a short week for us we are open Monday Tuesday Wednesday this week.

Happy Halloween

Maayan

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 1:50 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

we will have our fall picnic this Thursday from 11:00am to 12:30pm.

we will share food and have 3 crafts to do together.

please bring plates cups and utensils for your family.

our lantern walk will be on 11/13 at oak hill park.

more about this later.

In the mornings, after drop-off, I would like to come in and tell our morning story at 8:45 so please drop off before hand.

if you are late please wait for the curtain to be opened to come in to avoid disruption, and drop-off quickly, it is disruptive to the other children when parents stay a long time at drop off.

The last parent evening was successful and many of you wanted to have more such meetings. Heather and Paul Charlie's parents have offered to host.

out next meeting will be on October 27 7:00pm to 8:30pm at their home 407 fair St. Petaluma ca 94952. the topic will be: foundation for healthy development of young children, the 4 lower senses.

and much time for conversation like we did last time.

please rsvp so I know how many parents to expect.

see you Thursday

maayan

Re: Chicken pox

dear parents

I will be postponing the parent evening. And will let you know of a new date and time .

My family and I have had some health challenged lately and I apologies for any inconvenience.

Regarding the chicken pox, I plan to be open next week but please consult with your doctor if you are concerned. From my understanding, as it is with most viruses, the effected person is contiguous before symptoms are visible, however Liam is still contiguous as long as he has the blisters. The vaccine should prevent the children from contracting it but Liam was vaccinated with one of the two doses and did contract it. Naturally he has to stay home from school. I will prevent any contact between Liam and the children at all times and as usual practice cleaning and hand washing.

Again please contact your doctor for any questions and I can share any information I have . 
I would be happy to hear your thoughts.

Maayan 

On Feb 6, 2015, at 6:08 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Hi everyone

My younger son Liam got a mild case of chicken pox. If you or your child have had it or are vaccinated against it you are fine. If you have not, please be aware you or your child May contract it. 

I will not be canceling the parent night unless I hear back from parents who would like to come but will not because of the chicken pox. please let me know.

Best

Maayan 

On Oct 26, 2014, at 7:33 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

We are going to have the parent evening tomorrow at Charlie's home 407 Fair st Petaluma.

it is a parent night only, no children, I hope you can all come.

we will finish the pumpkins the children wet felted in the fall picnic and talk about the 4 lower senses, mostly the sense of touch, and other parenting questions and concerns parents may have.

We will have our lantern walk in December on Thursday the 11th at walnut park. I do hope you can all come. I am sorry for changing the date again but I want as many families to attend as possible. Grandparents and other family are welcome.

I will send more info about it later but if you want more information now please ask.

remember it is a short week for us we are open Monday Tuesday Wednesday this week.

Happy Halloween

Maayan

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 1:50 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

we will have our fall picnic this Thursday from 11:00am to 12:30pm.

we will share food and have 3 crafts to do together.

please bring plates cups and utensils for your family.

our lantern walk will be on 11/13 at oak hill park.

more about this later.

In the mornings, after drop-off, I would like to come in and tell our morning story at 8:45 so please drop off before hand.

if you are late please wait for the curtain to be opened to come in to avoid disruption, and drop-off quickly, it is disruptive to the other children when parents stay a long time at drop off.

The last parent evening was successful and many of you wanted to have more such meetings. Heather and Paul Charlie's parents have offered to host.

out next meeting will be on October 27 7:00pm to 8:30pm at their home 407 fair St. Petaluma ca 94952. the topic will be: foundation for healthy development of young children, the 4 lower senses.

and much time for conversation like we did last time.

please rsvp so I know how many parents to expect.

see you Thursday

maayan

Chicken pox

Hi everyone

My younger son Liam got a mild case of chicken pox. If you or your child have had it or are vaccinated against it you are fine. If you have not, please be aware you or your child May contract it. 

I will not be canceling the parent night unless I hear back from parents who would like to come but will not because of the chicken pox. please let me know.

Best

Maayan 

On Oct 26, 2014, at 7:33 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

We are going to have the parent evening tomorrow at Charlie's home 407 Fair st Petaluma.

it is a parent night only, no children, I hope you can all come.

we will finish the pumpkins the children wet felted in the fall picnic and talk about the 4 lower senses, mostly the sense of touch, and other parenting questions and concerns parents may have.

We will have our lantern walk in December on Thursday the 11th at walnut park. I do hope you can all come. I am sorry for changing the date again but I want as many families to attend as possible. Grandparents and other family are welcome.

I will send more info about it later but if you want more information now please ask.

remember it is a short week for us we are open Monday Tuesday Wednesday this week.

Happy Halloween

Maayan

On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 1:50 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

we will have our fall picnic this Thursday from 11:00am to 12:30pm.

we will share food and have 3 crafts to do together.

please bring plates cups and utensils for your family.

our lantern walk will be on 11/13 at oak hill park.

more about this later.

In the mornings, after drop-off, I would like to come in and tell our morning story at 8:45 so please drop off before hand.

if you are late please wait for the curtain to be opened to come in to avoid disruption, and drop-off quickly, it is disruptive to the other children when parents stay a long time at drop off.

The last parent evening was successful and many of you wanted to have more such meetings. Heather and Paul Charlie's parents have offered to host.

out next meeting will be on October 27 7:00pm to 8:30pm at their home 407 fair St. Petaluma ca 94952. the topic will be: foundation for healthy development of young children, the 4 lower senses.

and much time for conversation like we did last time.

please rsvp so I know how many parents to expect.

see you Thursday

maayan

Re: Open Arms Newsletter

Dear Parents

We are lice free, but I will continue to check everyone in the coming weeks to make sure.

Attached are summer enrolment and fall intention to enroll forms.

please return to me as soon as you are able to secure a place.

I always expect changes but I will at least have an idea and can enroll new children.

In the next parent evening here at my home on 2/9/15 at 6 I  would like to talk about age appropriate chores and how it supports child development.

Please come with any suggestions or questions.

I look forward to see you and the children next week

maayan

On Sunday, January 25, 2015 10:58 AM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

we are not out of the woods regarding the lice....

I had the sofas and rugs professionally cleaned today and cleaned the house again thoroughly.

Michael is washing anything that can be washed so we hope to be ready for a new week of school on Monday.

Your part will be to check your children, siblings and yourself. please don't bring your child to school if you even suspect lice.

it is hard to get rid of.

my advice is to buy a lice comb, wet your child's hair and with conditioner comb and look. sometimes its the only way.

I will check each child on Monday and every day this week.

it is unlikely your child has lice but I am not taking any chances since it is hard to get rid of.

it is not a reflection of clean or dirty hair or house hold as they actually like clean hair?!

please let me know of any questions.

best

maayan

On Tuesday, December 2, 2014 7:01 AM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

Our lantern walk is just a week away, on Thursday evening at 5:00pm at Oak Hill park in Petaluma.

The children worked hard on their lovely lanterns and we are singing our lantern song in preparation for the walk.

(we will meet even if it is drizzling but if it is hard rain we will have to postpone)

The lantern walk is a wonderful celebration of each of us inner light, how unique and different we all are yet we share a bright light that connects us to each other.

We will walk together with our lit lanterns on a path lit with luminaries, singing a song together.

I believe it is a lovely way to start the holiday season.

We do not celebrate one particular holiday at play garden but the common thread in many holidays at this time of the year, which is the light at the darkest time of year.

One tradition I do love is lighting a candle each week leading to the holiday break to celebrate the mineral kingdom, plant kingdom, animal kingdom and finally one for Humanity.

We will make candles in the next few weeks for the children to take home.

Please look at our holiday calendar on the website so you are aware of the breaks we take during the school year.

I look forward to the coming weeks with all the fun crafts and stories I share with the children.

I have one request, after pick up, though I don't want anyone to feel unwelcome, if your children still would like to play together please do so at the park or at your home. When they play here while I have children getting ready for nap the noise creates a distraction.

Thank you for the time Barb and I spend with your children.

Best

Maayan

Re: Open Arms Newsletter

Dear Parents

we are not out of the woods regarding the lice....

I had the sofas and rugs professionally cleaned today and cleaned the house again thoroughly.

Michael is washing anything that can be washed so we hope to be ready for a new week of school on Monday.

Your part will be to check your children, siblings and yourself. please don't bring your child to school if you even suspect lice.

it is hard to get rid of.

my advice is to buy a lice comb, wet your child's hair and with conditioner comb and look. sometimes its the only way.

I will check each child on Monday and every day this week.

it is unlikely your child has lice but I am not taking any chances since it is hard to get rid of.

it is not a reflection of clean or dirty hair or house hold as they actually like clean hair?!

please let me know of any questions.

best

maayan

On Tuesday, December 2, 2014 7:01 AM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

Our lantern walk is just a week away, on Thursday evening at 5:00pm at Oak Hill park in Petaluma.

The children worked hard on their lovely lanterns and we are singing our lantern song in preparation for the walk.

(we will meet even if it is drizzling but if it is hard rain we will have to postpone)

The lantern walk is a wonderful celebration of each of us inner light, how unique and different we all are yet we share a bright light that connects us to each other.

We will walk together with our lit lanterns on a path lit with luminaries, singing a song together.

I believe it is a lovely way to start the holiday season.

We do not celebrate one particular holiday at play garden but the common thread in many holidays at this time of the year, which is the light at the darkest time of year.

One tradition I do love is lighting a candle each week leading to the holiday break to celebrate the mineral kingdom, plant kingdom, animal kingdom and finally one for Humanity.

We will make candles in the next few weeks for the children to take home.

Please look at our holiday calendar on the website so you are aware of the breaks we take during the school year.

I look forward to the coming weeks with all the fun crafts and stories I share with the children.

I have one request, after pick up, though I don't want anyone to feel unwelcome, if your children still would like to play together please do so at the park or at your home. When they play here while I have children getting ready for nap the noise creates a distraction.

Thank you for the time Barb and I spend with your children.

Best

Maayan

Re: Open Arms Newsletter

Sorry 8/17/15 is our first day back for the new school year

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 21, 2015, at 7:44 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

The children are having a great time outside in this lovely winter weather. I hope we still get some more rain and frost, we leave plates of water out in hope that jack frost will come and freeze the water but so far no luck. It is nice to put leaves and try to make a pattern in the water in hope it will freeze that way.

I have taken out the wood working tools and the children enjoy hammering nails and sawing the wood together.

It is the time of year when I am getting calls and visitors for summer and fall enrolment.

Please let me know if you plan to  have your child return here in the fall (starting mid august 2015).

This summer I will be taking my children to Israel for the first time in 13 years to visit my mother. I hope the weeks I chose will not inconvenient you much. I had to consider work ,school, family and cost in picking the dates.

Here are the weeks we ARE open in the months: June, July and part of August as our school year will start 8/16/15:

6/1 to 6/4 (not Friday we fly Saturday to Israel)

Closed for 2 weeks

6/22 to 6/26

6/29 to 7/3

7/13 to7/17

7/20 to 7/24

7/27 to 7/31

Open arms School year starts august 16th.

We will resume our hikes at Helen Putnam park this summer on Thursdays and Fridays starting the first week in June.

More about enrolment in the next few weeks.

I would like to have another parent evening here at my home on February 9th from 6 to 8 please let me know if you can make it at that date and time.

A correction to our May calendar we will be closed on may 21 not 28th.

With Warm wishes

maayan

On Monday, December 22, 2014 9:27 AM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

I want to wish you and your children a wonderful holiday season and to thank you for this past year.

It is a pleasure to work with you and your wonderful children.

When I see their lovely faces come in in the morning, I see their inner light shine and feel grateful to know them and spend time with them.

thank you for attending the Lantern walk in the rain and for your patience with wet clothes this winter.

I look forward to see you all back in January.

with much love

Maayan

On Monday, December 15, 2014 4:18 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Ok my mistake 

We will meet at oak hill park on Wednesday not Thursday 4:45

Maayan 

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 14, 2014, at 5:53 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear parents

We will meet next Thursday 12/17 at 4:45 at oak hill park in Petaluma for our lantern walk. We will have some warm cider and then we will begin our lantern walk.

We will walk up towards the stone labyrinth and can walk the labyrinth or walk around it.

Once we light our lanterns and start our walk you can join me in a song.

It will be the same song we sang last year:

I walk outside with my lantern,

My lantern is walking with me.

Above the stars are shining bright,

Down here on earth shine we

2x  So shine my light in the darkest night

      La bimba La bmba La boom

It is an easy song and we repeat it over and over and will not be hard to learn.

You may invite family members, all are welcome to join. It is a special event for me, celebrating the light that shines in all of us, and units us.

I like celebrating our lantern walk as part of the holiday season, it reminds me of what is important at this time, kindness and love for one another.

with love

Maayan

On Tuesday, December 2, 2014 7:01 AM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

Our lantern walk is just a week away, on Thursday evening at 5:00pm at Oak Hill park in Petaluma.

The children worked hard on their lovely lanterns and we are singing our lantern song in preparation for the walk.

(we will meet even if it is drizzling but if it is hard rain we will have to postpone)

The lantern walk is a wonderful celebration of each of us inner light, how unique and different we all are yet we share a bright light that connects us to each other.

We will walk together with our lit lanterns on a path lit with luminaries, singing a song together.

I believe it is a lovely way to start the holiday season.

We do not celebrate one particular holiday at play garden but the common thread in many holidays at this time of the year, which is the light at the darkest time of year.

One tradition I do love is lighting a candle each week leading to the holiday break to celebrate the mineral kingdom, plant kingdom, animal kingdom and finally one for Humanity.

We will make candles in the next few weeks for the children to take home.

Please look at our holiday calendar on the website so you are aware of the breaks we take during the school year.

I look forward to the coming weeks with all the fun crafts and stories I share with the children.

I have one request, after pick up, though I don't want anyone to feel unwelcome, if your children still would like to play together please do so at the park or at your home. When they play here while I have children getting ready for nap the noise creates a distraction.

Thank you for the time Barb and I spend with your children.

Best

Maayan

Re: Open Arms Newsletter

Dear Parents

The children are having a great time outside in this lovely winter weather. I hope we still get some more rain and frost, we leave plates of water out in hope that jack frost will come and freeze the water but so far no luck. It is nice to put leaves and try to make a pattern in the water in hope it will freeze that way.

I have taken out the wood working tools and the children enjoy hammering nails and sawing the wood together.

It is the time of year when I am getting calls and visitors for summer and fall enrolment.

Please let me know if you plan to  have your child return here in the fall (starting mid august 2015).

This summer I will be taking my children to Israel for the first time in 13 years to visit my mother. I hope the weeks I chose will not inconvenient you much. I had to consider work ,school, family and cost in picking the dates.

Here are the weeks we ARE open in the months: June, July and part of August as our school year will start 8/16/15:

6/1 to 6/4 (not Friday we fly Saturday to Israel)

Closed for 2 weeks

6/22 to 6/26

6/29 to 7/3

7/13 to7/17

7/20 to 7/24

7/27 to 7/31

Open arms School year starts august 16th.

We will resume our hikes at Helen Putnam park this summer on Thursdays and Fridays starting the first week in June.

More about enrolment in the next few weeks.

I would like to have another parent evening here at my home on February 9th from 6 to 8 please let me know if you can make it at that date and time.

A correction to our May calendar we will be closed on may 21 not 28th.

With Warm wishes

maayan

On Monday, December 22, 2014 9:27 AM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

I want to wish you and your children a wonderful holiday season and to thank you for this past year.

It is a pleasure to work with you and your wonderful children.

When I see their lovely faces come in in the morning, I see their inner light shine and feel grateful to know them and spend time with them.

thank you for attending the Lantern walk in the rain and for your patience with wet clothes this winter.

I look forward to see you all back in January.

with much love

Maayan

On Monday, December 15, 2014 4:18 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Ok my mistake 

We will meet at oak hill park on Wednesday not Thursday 4:45

Maayan 

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 14, 2014, at 5:53 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear parents

We will meet next Thursday 12/17 at 4:45 at oak hill park in Petaluma for our lantern walk. We will have some warm cider and then we will begin our lantern walk.

We will walk up towards the stone labyrinth and can walk the labyrinth or walk around it.

Once we light our lanterns and start our walk you can join me in a song.

It will be the same song we sang last year:

I walk outside with my lantern,

My lantern is walking with me.

Above the stars are shining bright,

Down here on earth shine we

2x  So shine my light in the darkest night

      La bimba La bmba La boom

It is an easy song and we repeat it over and over and will not be hard to learn.

You may invite family members, all are welcome to join. It is a special event for me, celebrating the light that shines in all of us, and units us.

I like celebrating our lantern walk as part of the holiday season, it reminds me of what is important at this time, kindness and love for one another.

with love

Maayan

On Tuesday, December 2, 2014 7:01 AM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

Our lantern walk is just a week away, on Thursday evening at 5:00pm at Oak Hill park in Petaluma.

The children worked hard on their lovely lanterns and we are singing our lantern song in preparation for the walk.

(we will meet even if it is drizzling but if it is hard rain we will have to postpone)

The lantern walk is a wonderful celebration of each of us inner light, how unique and different we all are yet we share a bright light that connects us to each other.

We will walk together with our lit lanterns on a path lit with luminaries, singing a song together.

I believe it is a lovely way to start the holiday season.

We do not celebrate one particular holiday at play garden but the common thread in many holidays at this time of the year, which is the light at the darkest time of year.

One tradition I do love is lighting a candle each week leading to the holiday break to celebrate the mineral kingdom, plant kingdom, animal kingdom and finally one for Humanity.

We will make candles in the next few weeks for the children to take home.

Please look at our holiday calendar on the website so you are aware of the breaks we take during the school year.

I look forward to the coming weeks with all the fun crafts and stories I share with the children.

I have one request, after pick up, though I don't want anyone to feel unwelcome, if your children still would like to play together please do so at the park or at your home. When they play here while I have children getting ready for nap the noise creates a distraction.

Thank you for the time Barb and I spend with your children.

Best

Maayan

Re: Open Arms Newsletter

Dear parents

It's is great to be back with the children, they all grew so much over the break! 

Thank you for the gifts, cards and warm wishes we received before the holiday break.
We are back to our usual rhythm with a new story and new winter songs, and we are painting with red and blue to discover purple.

We will have another parent evening soon I will give the date as soon as I have it.

On another note one of the children had lice at home. I cleaned and washed here, and checked the children that came to school yesterday and I will continue to do so until we are sure no one got it. It is very rare in preschool, in 8 years teaching I have not had more then just one other scare and no one got it here.

If you have questions about it please ask me I will be happy to help and give advice.

Warmly

Maayan 

On Dec 22, 2014, at 9:00 AM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

I want to wish you and your children a wonderful holiday season and to thank you for this past year.

It is a pleasure to work with you and your wonderful children.

When I see their lovely faces come in in the morning, I see their inner light shine and feel grateful to know them and spend time with them.

thank you for attending the Lantern walk in the rain and for your patience with wet clothes this winter.

I look forward to see you all back in January.

with much love

Maayan

On Monday, December 15, 2014 4:18 PM, Maayan <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Ok my mistake 

We will meet at oak hill park on Wednesday not Thursday 4:45

Maayan 

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 14, 2014, at 5:53 PM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear parents

We will meet next Thursday 12/17 at 4:45 at oak hill park in Petaluma for our lantern walk. We will have some warm cider and then we will begin our lantern walk.

We will walk up towards the stone labyrinth and can walk the labyrinth or walk around it.

Once we light our lanterns and start our walk you can join me in a song.

It will be the same song we sang last year:

I walk outside with my lantern,

My lantern is walking with me.

Above the stars are shining bright,

Down here on earth shine we

2x  So shine my light in the darkest night

      La bimba La bmba La boom

It is an easy song and we repeat it over and over and will not be hard to learn.

You may invite family members, all are welcome to join. It is a special event for me, celebrating the light that shines in all of us, and units us.

I like celebrating our lantern walk as part of the holiday season, it reminds me of what is important at this time, kindness and love for one another.

with love

Maayan

On Tuesday, December 2, 2014 7:01 AM, michael schoeman <schoeman@att.net> wrote:

Dear Parents

Our lantern walk is just a week away, on Thursday evening at 5:00pm at Oak Hill park in Petaluma.

The children worked hard on their lovely lanterns and we are singing our lantern song in preparation for the walk.

(we will meet even if it is drizzling but if it is hard rain we will have to postpone)

The lantern walk is a wonderful celebration of each of us inner light, how unique and different we all are yet we share a bright light that connects us to each other.

We will walk together with our lit lanterns on a path lit with luminaries, singing a song together.

I believe it is a lovely way to start the holiday season.

We do not celebrate one particular holiday at play garden but the common thread in many holidays at this time of the year, which is the light at the darkest time of year.

One tradition I do love is lighting a candle each week leading to the holiday break to celebrate the mineral kingdom, plant kingdom, animal kingdom and finally one for Humanity.

We will make candles in the next few weeks for the children to take home.

Please look at our holiday calendar on the website so you are aware of the breaks we take during the school year.

I look forward to the coming weeks with all the fun crafts and stories I share with the children.

I have one request, after pick up, though I don't want anyone to feel unwelcome, if your children still would like to play together please do so at the park or at your home. When they play here while I have children getting ready for nap the noise creates a distraction.

Thank you for the time Barb and I spend with your children.

Best

Maayan