For the Love of Learning™

Parent & Family Resources

Director's Newsletter | Links | Parent & Family Education Newsletter

As a Berry Patch family, you have access to a licensed Parent and Family Educator as part of the program. We are delighted to have Becky Danielson, M.Ed, on staff and available to you for one-on-one conversations at no additional cost. To schedule an appointment with Becky, please email her at b.danielson@berrypatchschool.com.

September Parent & Family Education Newsletter

Parent & Family Education Newsletter - posted

Dear Berry Patch Families,

What a wonderful start to a fresh year of love and learning at The Berry Patch School. I hope you and your family had a great first week. It’s sure to be a terrific year!

At The Berry Patch, learning isn’t just for the little ones. The administration and staff take continuing education seriously. As a staff, we continue to hone our craft in developmentally appropriate practices for preschool children throughout the year. As part of our training, each summer we read a book pertaining to best practices. This summer, we read Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. and discussed how to apply the concepts in Berry Patch classrooms.

Continue reading “September Parent & Family Education Newsletter” →

First Week of School FAQs

Director's Newsletter - posted

September 10, 2021

Classroom visits were SO MUCH FUN! We loved having your family come to school together. It was a joy to see the bond between your child (and you) and their teacher continue to form. 
We are all set to go for our first week next week! Please read thoroughly below for answers to our most Frequently Asked Questions. 

Continue reading “First Week of School FAQs” →

September 2021 Director’s Newsletter

Director's Newsletter - posted

September 2, 2021
Teachers had so much fun visiting your children at your home this week! So much joy in those interactions. We are gearing up for your visit to your classroom next week. It will be a gift to have our berries back in the building!
Important September Dates (full school year Calendar HERE)

  • 7th Colonial Classroom Visits
  • 8th & 9th Calvary Classroom Visits
  • 13th & 14th First Days of School- Blueberries & Strawberries (Lunch Bunch Begins for pre-registered students)
  • 15th-17th First Days of School- Raspberries and Huckleberries (Huckleberry Lunch Bunch begins October 4)
  • 20th Staff Meeting (No Lunch Bunch, except for Full Day Strawberry class)

Classroom Visit Details

Continue reading “September 2021 Director’s Newsletter” →

Welcome! Parent & Family Education 2021-2022

Parent & Family Education Newsletter - posted

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Welcome to The Berry Patch School! Whether you are new or returning to our school, a wonderful experience awaits your whole family. Love and learning are at the core of The Berry Patch School for both children and their parents. With Parent and Family Education wrapped into our program, you’ll have support, guidance, and encouragement in all aspects of parenting and family life. In other words, if you have questions, we have answers!

One common topic for parents, especially at the beginning of the school year, is separation anxiety. Teacher visits are unique to our school. Meeting the classroom teachers before the school year begins on a child’s “home turf” is a tremendous advantage. Take a photo of your child with the teacher when she visits your home. Print the photo so your child can become familiar with the teacher’s face. Use her name often so your child gets accustomed to hearing and speaking her name. Other tips and tools for a smooth transition to school can be found on The Berry Patch School Parent Tip Sheet: Separation Anxiety in Young Children. Download the PDF and choose the tips that will be most helpful for your child. Continue reading “Welcome! Parent & Family Education 2021-2022” →

May 2021 Parent & Family Education Newsletter

Parent & Family Education Newsletter - posted

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Thank you for a wonderful year of love and learning!  New adventures await your children over the summer months, including Camp Sizzleberry. As the current school year draws to an end, make plans to connect with other little Berries. And make a plan to keep learning!

For young children learning is best done through play. Play-based activities allow children to practice executive function skills like self-regulation, problem solving, and attentiveness. You can read more in Executive Function is Enhanced Through Play. Summer learning can happen spontaneously or be planned. The goal is to keep the learning alive by sparking the imagination. Consider the following tips for learning during June, July, and August.  Continue reading “May 2021 Parent & Family Education Newsletter” →

May Director’s Newsletter

Director's Newsletter - posted

May 3, 2021

It is hard to believe that we are down to our final four weeks of the school year! Wow. It’s been a school year we willl never forget– where we all felt the GIFT of our berries being together like never before. Our teachers have been INCREDIBLE in adapting and pouring into your children as they have fostered independence and friendship and curiosity, all of the things that create a solid foundation for a LOVE OF LEARNING. You, as parents, have been so supportive and encouraging, flexing right along with us as we’ve wound our way through this Pandemic while keeping the Berry Patch train running on it’s tracks. THANK YOU! A few items for you for this month and looking ahead. Continue reading “May Director’s Newsletter” →

April Director’s Newsletter

Director's Newsletter - posted

Happy Spring Berry Patch Families,

Your kids are having SO MUCH FUN outside in the grass and puddles! Thank you for sending your child with rain gear when it’s wet– mud and muck are the best for our berries!!

CONFERENCES

Your child’s teacher has reached out (or will be!) to schedule your Spring Parent-Teacher Conference. Most of these will be held on Thursday and/or Friday, April 22nd and 23rd. We will not have school on either of

Continue reading “April Director’s Newsletter” →

March Parent & Family Education Newsletter

Parent & Family Education Newsletter - posted

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Faith matters. As a school community, it’s “our desire that each child enrolled at the Berry Patch learns about the heart of God.”1 Faith lessons and family values are rooted at home, in what a child learns, observes, and lives each day. The Berry Patch staff reinforces these values in the classroom.

Foundational faith practices like praying and reading the bible, come from intentional leading on the part of the parent. The bible is a roadmap, instruction book, and communication tool all rolled into one. Reading the bible with children of any age provides a solid foundation in faith. The lessons learned today will translate into truth for the future when the going gets rough. When Mom and Dad lean on God, scripture, and faith-filled friends, children learn to do the same. These practices become habits in times of need and celebration. We as parents will not do it all perfectly, but where we’re lacking, God fills in the gaps. Continue reading “March Parent & Family Education Newsletter” →

March Director’s Newsletter

Director's Newsletter - posted

March 1, 2021

We have had another WONDERFUL month at The Berry Patch!

Our Strawberries are getting so OLD– they are ready for their next step as Kindergartners– the direction following, involved conversations, and leadership development in the classroom are all incredible to see.

Our Blueberries are looking up at those Strawberries and they are READY TOO! The Blueberries are showing massive growth in concentration, depth of questions, and cooperative play.

Continue reading “March Director’s Newsletter” →