Hello and welcome families to the green class! This week was a busy week with lots of new faces and things to learn. The kids did a great job the first week. They are picking up the daily routine and becoming comfortable exploring the class. We will keep that going as we move into next week’s Bear week!

We had a very special raccoon to stop by on Monday to visit our circle time, his name is Chester. Chester was shy at first and didn't want to come out of the tree. Once the class reassured him it was ok, he visited our circle and Ms. Rappaport read his story, “The Kissing Hand.” Chester told my friends that he was unsure about school too, but he had a way to feel better. When he felt a little unsure and needed to be brave, he looked at his paw where mom kissed him and knew his family's love was with him all day. Even if he washed his paws! Each child made a hand print with a “kiss” to remind them that mom and dad’s love is always with them and their love is always with you.

On Tuesday, I began to preview our monthly fire drills at school. I put out a fire station and truck for the kids to play with and read them a social story about fire drills. I pointed to the big red box in our classroom that flashes and makes a loud noise. The noise is very loud so everyone can hear, but it's a good noise, because it makes us safe and lets us know it's time to go. I explained how we leave the classroom together, the teachers make sure everyone is safe, and then walk to the playground where we count our friends. A firemen or Mrs. Reiss will let us know it's safe.

In my experience, some kids come home and remember everything that happens at school. Others take a more Vegas style approach; what happens at school, stays at school. My own kids have always been in the latter category. Here are some conversation starters to ask at home