1,2...Jesus, I love you!

3,4...Knock at my

heart’s door!

5,6… Open it quick!

7,8… His love is SO

great!

9,10...Jesus, I love you!

AMEN!!

2017-2018

St. Patrick’s Catholic

Preschool Handbook

Director-Stephanie Adams

Phone (402)332-3050

staadams@archomaha.org

THREES-M W am/T TH am/T W TH pm

FOURS—MWF am/T TH F am/M T W TH pm

FIVES - M T W TH am

Dear Families,

Welcome to St. Patrick’s Catholic Preschool. I

feel so blessed that you have joined this

community and look forward to sharing my

faith and enthusiasm for educating young

children. The staff and I are eager to meet

you and your children. I anticipate this year

will be full of growth, love and development

and it is my goal to make this preschool a

place where God’s love is seen and felt. As

always, I have an open door and I invite you

to share any thoughts with me. Dates for the

Open Houses have been set and I look

forward to meeting you on your child’s special

day.

Many blessings,

Stephanie Adams

Director of Preschool

FIELD TRIPS/PROGRAMS-Save the Date

THREES AM/PM

October 16/17-Fontanelle Forest In-House Field Trip

November 14-Grandparent Day for Heinrich/Penney AM (11:00am)

November 15-Grandparent Day for Wigdahl/Schroeder AM (11:00am)

November 15-Grandparent Feast for Heinrich PM (2:00pm)

December 19-THREES AM Christmas Program (11:00am)

December 21-THREES PM Christmas Program (2:00pm)

May 1-Gifford Farm Field Trip (8:45am-12:30pm)

May 9-May Crowning for THREES (11:00am)

FOURS AM

October 13-Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Field Trip (8:45am-11:30am)

November 17-Thanksgiving Feast for FOURS AM classes (11:00am)

December 15-FOURS AM Christmas Program (11:00am)

January 29/30-Conferences for FOURS AM classes during preschool

April 27-FOURS AM to Durham Western Heritage Museum (8:45am-12:30pm)

May 16-Preschool Celebration for FOURS (6:00pm)

Note this is a Wednesday evening!!

FOURS PM/FIVES

October 12-Bellevue Berry Farm Field Trip (8:45am-11:30am)

November 15-Grandparent Feast for Calvert FOURS PM (2:00pm)

November 16- Stone Soup for FIVES AM classes(11:00am)

December 20-FIVES AM Christmas Program (11:00am)

December 21-FOURS PM Christmas Program (2:00pm)

January 29-Conferences for FOURS PM/FIVES AM classes during preschool

April 26-Wildlife Safari Park (8:45am-12:15pm)

May 16-Preschool Celebration for FIVES (6:00pm)

Note this is a Wednesday evening!!

*Other field trips may be added to enhance our curriculum. We will give notice if an opportunity arises.

St. Patrick’s Preschool Calendar

August 28-Open House for THREES PM/FOURS PM(6:00pm)

August 29-Open House for THREES AM/FIVES(6:00pm)

August 31-Open House for FOURS AM (6:00pm)

September 6-Preschool Begins (1st day)

September 28– Fall Family Night (6:00pm)

October 20-NO PRESCHOOL/STAFF WORK DAY

November 3-No Preschool

Nov. 23/24-Thanksgiving Vacation

December 22-Jan. 4-Christmas Break

January 5-Preschool classes resume

January 5-1st day of preschool for TADPOLES

January 15-NO PRESCHOOL/STAFF WORK DAY

January 29/30-Conferences for FOURS/FIVES-am/pm clas-

ses during preschool

(We will not be holding conferences for THREES this year)

February 9-Set up for Taste of Arts (6:00pm)

February 10-Taste of Arts (6:00pm)

February 12-13-No Preschool

February 19-No Preschool

March 26-NO PRESCHOOL/STAFF WORK DAY

March 27-April 1-Easter Break

April 9– Spring Family Night (6:00pm)

May 18-Last Day of Preschool

Mission Statement

Our goal at St. Patrick’s Catholic Preschool is to

provide a nurturing Christ Centered environ-

ment where children are allowed to nurture

their faith and become followers of Jesus while

developing social, cognitive, physical, emo-

tional and spiritual growth through develop-

mentally appropriate activities that promote

the whole child. Our play based preschool will

incorporate the Nebraska Early Learning

Guidelines to encourage academic excel-

lence and inspire service to their community

and parish.

St. Patrick’s Catholic Preschool Goals

Love and respect God.

Love and respect ourselves.

Love and respect others.

St. Patrick’s Catholic Preschool does not

discriminate on the basis of race, color, national

and ethnic origin in the administration of its

educational policies, admission policies,

scholarships or any other school-administered

program.

St. Patrick’s Preschool Advisory Board

The Preschool Advisory Board is comprised of a

group of volunteers organized to support and

assist in the development of St. Patrick’s Catholic

Preschool. They meet monthly to advise, adver-

tise and promote the program. They also devel-

op and implement special projects or fund-

raising activities and serve as a liaison for the

parish. Please contact Stephanie if you would

like to become involved in this organization.

Licensing

St. Patrick’s Catholic Preschool is licensed by the

State of Nebraska through the Department of

Health and Human Services. All regulations

pertaining to childcare centers (from the

Nebraska Department of Social Services, the Fire

Marshall's Office and the Douglas County Health

Department) are followed.

Volunteer Opportunity

Throughout the year, there will be various opportunities to

share your gifts with our students, inside and outside of the

classroom. Parents are a child’s first and most important

teacher and we are eager to collaborate together.

Opportunities for volunteering will arise throughout the

course of the year. We do attend several field trips through-

out the year and have provided the dates for those wishing

to help in the back of this handbook for your scheduling/

work needs.

We will also request some classroom help to create our pro-

jects for the annual fund raiser, Taste of the Arts, which is

held in February. Volunteers needed this year include a

room parent for each classroom, parents that are willing to

assist and help complete projects, parents needed to super-

vise siblings in the nursery during parent/teacher confer-

ences and a chairperson for the annual preschool book fair.

These are wonderful opportunities to get involved and sup-

port the parish.

Although most of our activities will have staff present, I en-

courage anyone who will be working with the St. Gerard

MOMS group and assisting with field trips to receive safe en-

vironment training, which is valid for 5 years.

Please contact Shane, our reli-

gious education director at (402)

332-3454 to register for a training

here at St. Patrick’s in August.

Other dates at various parishes

are also available if this date

does not work for you.

Snacks All children will be offered a peanut free snack during their

day here at preschool. Parents are asked to provide a

snack for the group on designated days. Snack calendars

will be attached to the monthly newsletter for AM students.

PM students will be scheduled to bring a bulk snack for the

week. The State Licensing Department requires that all

snacks must be store bought. A list of healthy options and

peanut free options will be handed out at open house. If a

child has a particular allergy, parents can bring a bulk

snack for their child to store at school to accommodate

special dietary needs.

Cooking Cooking will occur 1 time a month and will be provided by

the school. This will be marked on the snack calendar.

Birthdays Each child will be scheduled for snack on the day closest

to his/her birthday and we will make it an important event

for that child. Special snacks such as cookies are accepta-

ble on a “special” day. Summer birthdays will be celebrat-

ed on their “1/2” birthday. Each class celebrates birthdays

a little different so watch backpacks for more information

from your child’s teacher.

Sanctuary Time

TBD

Sample of Daily Schedule

FOURS

8:40-9:00/12:10-12:30 Tub Time

9:00-9:15/12:30-12:45 Opening/Prayer/Calendar

9:15-9:25/12:45-12:55 Small Group Instruction (concept review)

9:25-9:45/1:15-1:30 Recess-am/Snack-pm

9:45-10:00/1:15-1:30 Snack-am/Recess-pm

10:00-10:30/1:30-2:00 Large Group Instruction/small group activity

10:30-11:00/2:00-2:30Discovery Centers

FIVES

8:40-9:00/12:10-12:30 Tub Time

9:00-9:15/12:30-12:45 Opening/Prayer/Calendar

9:15-9:25/12:45-12:55 Small Group Instruction (concept review)

9:30-9:45/1:00-1:15 Snack

9:45-10:00/1:15-1:30 Recess (playground, sandbox, playhouse)

10:00-10:30/1:30-2:00 Large Group Instruction/small group activity

10:30-11:00/2:00-2:30 Discovery Centers

11:00-11:10/2:30-2:40 Closing and Dismissal

THREES

8:40-9:00/12:10-12:30 Tub Time

9:00-9:15/12:30-12:45 Opening/Prayer/Calendar

9:15-9:25/12:45-12:55 Small Group Instruction (concept review)

9:25-9:45/12:55-1:15 Recess (playground, sandbox, playhouse)

9:45-10:00/1:15-1:30 Snack

10:00-11:00/1:30-2:30 Large Group Instruction/Individual Instruc-

tion/Discovery Centers (Project)

11:00-11:10/2:30-2:40 Closing and Dismissal

Calendar

Our school will adhere to the Gretna Public

Schools Calendar. Please note that in the event

Gretna Public Schools have a late start or are

closed due to inclement weather, we will be

closed for the day. Listen to your local radio

(KFAB is the official station for Gretna Public

Schools) or television station for information on

school closings. There may be an occasional

time that we decide we do not want to endan-

ger our families by having them out in the ele-

ments. If this occurs, you will receive a personal

phone call by a staff member.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences will be scheduled

during the preschool day on January 29/January

30 for students in our preschool. There will be no

conferences for our THREES, however, if you

have any questions or concerns regarding your

child’s milestones or development, we are hap-

py to meet with you. Please watch our monthly

newsletter for more information. A progress note

will be sent out in early November and May for

all students. Informal or formal visits that pertain

to the positive growth and development of

each child are always encouraged.

Please label all coats, backpacks and

car seats to eliminate any lost items.

Supplies

We request that each child bring

a standard sized backpack with

their name on the outside of the

bag in a visible location. We also

ask that each student bring the

following items for use throughout

the year.

THREES

1 container of Clorox Wipes

1-3 pack of Elmer's glue sticks

1 box of JUMBO 8 crayons

1 box of PAPER only 5 oz. cups

1 box of plastic spoons

FOURS

1 box of PAPER only 5 oz. cups

1-3 pack of Elmer's glue sticks

1 bottle of Elmer’s glue

1 container of Clorox Wipes

1 box of kleenex

FIVES

1 3pack of Elmer’s glue sticks

1 container of Clorox Wipes

1 box of PAPER only 5 oz. cups

1 pkg of napkins

1 box of 24 crayons

Arrival We ask that on your child’s first week of school, you park

and walk your child into the classroom. Walking your child

into the classroom during the first week will help you and

your child become acquainted with the teachers, parents,

facility and the routines. It will be an essential part of the

transition from home to school.

Beginning on Wednesday, September 13, we will begin

curbside drop-off. Our staff will be available from 8:30-8:40

and 12:05-12:10 for curbside drop-off. If you arrive later than

8:40 or 12:10, you will need to walk downstairs and ring the

doorbell. A staff member will come and retrieve your child

and escort them to their classroom.

Dismissal We will be staggering our AM dismissal until December this

year to avoid congestion in the reception area. The FIVES

AM will dismiss at 11:05am and the other classes will dismiss

promptly at 11:10am or 2:40pm respectively. All classes will

dismiss from the reception area. We plan to walk the chil-

dren to their designated wall area in the hallway and have

parents identify themselves to the teachers. No child will be

allowed to cross the “danger” line without a parent/

guardian until teachers become familiar with the families/

caregivers.

The staff at St. Patrick’s have the right to refuse dismissal of

one of our students with someone that may be under the

influence of drugs or alcohol. Police will be notified in this

event.

Please make every effort to be punctual in your child’s dis-

missal as the time after class is important for teachers as

they clean up from their daily projects and plan and pre-

pare for the very best preschool experience for your child.

A late fee of $10/family per occurrence will be implement-

ed after written warning if needed. If your child is picked up

after 11:20 (AM) or 2:50 (PM), this will be considered a late

pickup. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. It is

not our desire to implement this policy but is necessary to

ensure enough time is available to prepare for almost 100

students.. Curb side dismissal will begin for all classes in Jan-

uary.

For safety purposes, please remember younger siblings

should not be left in the car unattended.

TUIT ION

Payment for tuition will be withdrawn on a monthly basis

from your account that is set up through our parish soft

program or paid in full in at Open House with cash or

check. Please return the authorization form by August 15.

Turning in form after 8/15/17 provides less dates to select

from in a month. Please take special notice that the expi-

ration date on your card is dated 05/18 or after.

If a problem with the cost of tuition arises, please discuss

with the Preschool Director, Stephanie Adams. Tuition is

prorated on a nine-month basis so that your tuition rate

will remain the same each month regardless of how many

preschool days are in the month.

A one time activity and field trip fee will be withdrawn on

October 15, 2017, which will cover outreach and on loca-

tion field trips, all transportation, Stretch and Grow Class

for THREES PM, FOURS and FIVES classes, and our monthly

music and foreign language class. New this year is a

cultural enrichment curriculum led by teachers of Jemi-

ma’s Playhouse that is an interactive curriculum that will

promote music, foreign language, culture and geogra-

phy.

If, for any reason you choose to withdraw your child from

our preschool program, you are responsible for tuition for

30 days from the date of withdrawal.

*If you wish to make your entire cash

payment for the school year, you will

receive a 3% discount. Because of in-

curred fees, credit cards are exempt

from this discount.

Attendance

Attendance is expected and a wonderful habit

to establish in these formative years. Please no-

tify the school if your child will be absent due to

a family vacation or illness. This helps with plan-

ning.

If your child is overly tired or not feeling well with

fever, undiagnosed rash, cough or runny nose,

it is better for him/her to stay home. If your child

becomes ill during the school day, we will call

parents or the emergency number on the

child’s emergency forms. All students must be

fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

If a child has vomited or has had diarrhea, the

same policy applies. Our goal is to keep every-

one healthy and happy!

Communication

A monthly newsletter will be emailed to each

child . Your child’s teacher will send out weekly

emails with digital photos attached to share our

daily projects and accomplishments. It is im-portant that we have an accurate email on file. If

you do not have access to an email, please let

the Director know and other arrangements can

be made.

Please contact your child’s teacher if your child is

undergoing any changes in their routine due to a

move, separation or divorce, death in the family,

etc.. We strive to help our students and parents

with a warm heart and the power of prayer dur-

ing difficult times.

For emergency phone calls during the preschool

day, please call the preschool office at (402)332-

3050 or parish office at (402)332-4444 and the

message will be transferred to the director.

Any parent grievances, questions or concerns

should be communicated with director Stephanie

Adams.

Security

All doors to the “school” area will be locked dur-

ing preschool class hours. If you arrive during

those hours, please ring the doorbell at the bot-

tom of the stairs and a staff member will open for

you. If there is someone other than the “regular”

pickup person at dismissal, the staff will be re-

quired to check their id before releasing the child.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Registration and Admission Policy

Children enrolling in St. Patrick’s Catholic Preschool

must be three, four or five years of age before

October 15 for eligibility in their respective programs.

Some exceptions may apply to the age restriction. All

children must be toilet trained. Forms below are

required to be returned before the first day of classes.

1. Registration form and $45 non refundable registration fee.

2. Children’s Emergency Information and Medical Records packet

3. Authorization for Automatic Withdrawal Form

4. School supplies

5. Childcare Licensing Brochure

PROGRAMS

THREES Ages: 3-4 years old

(AM) 8:40-11:10

M W/T TH

$105/month

(PM)12:10-2:40

T W TH

$130/month

FOURS Ages: 4-5 years old

(AM) 8:40-11:10

M W F/T TH F

$130/month

(PM)12:10-2:40

M T W TH

$155/month

FIVES

Ages: 5 years old

Hours: (AM)8:40-11:10

M T W TH

$155/month

TADPOLES Ages: 3 by March 31,2018

Hours: 8:40-11:10

Days: F

Begins in January, 2018

$60/month

Evacuation Procedure

In the case of student evacuation from the St.

Patrick’s Catholic Preschool, it is our procedure to

safely exit the building from the west doors and

proceed around the building to the parking lot

across Angus Street. Police will be notified in the

event of an evacuation. This parking lot is locat-

ed south of the old entrance to the church. The

teacher’s assistants will collect the student bind-

ers, any necessary medications and their cell

phones and parents will be notified when we

reach the destination.

Termination

In the rare event that your child is unable to adjust

to the routine of a preschool day or displays phys-

ical aggression toward staff or other students, St.

Patrick’s Catholic Preschool reserves the right to

terminate the child from their program. If a child

is struggling in one of the above areas, a confer-

ence will be called with parents to discuss a plan

of action regarding the child. If improvement

goals are not met, the child will be asked to find

an alternative educational placement.

Tornado or Lockdown Drill

In the event we are required to have a tornado or lock-

down drill, the doors will remained locked for everyone, in-

cluding but not limited to parents of our students until the

situation is deemed safe by the director .