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The Joy of Spring

"It is Spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart." 

~Rainer Maria Wilke

It would be an understatement to say we have been reveling in the warmth and sunshine of last week. Friday brought us the warmest temps of the year, and you'll see the gladness in the children's faces. Be sure to check out all the pictures from the week below. Springtime joy abounds. 

Save the Date: Parent Potluck, 5/22
Join us on Friday May 22nd from 6-7 pm for a parent potluck at MVS. Bring a dish to share. If you have questions, let Sarah know. Thanks.

Welcome Mike
We'd like to welcome a new face to MVS. Mike joins our team as a floating teacher, and he'll be spending time in all of the classrooms here at school. Mike comes to us with a ski school background and is excited to get his feet wet off the hill. Do be sure to introduce yourself!

Vermont Blue Ribbon Commission on Sustainable Childcare Funding 
Last month at Early Childhood Day at the Legislature, the Vermont Early Childhood Alliance addressed many important issues regarding education for the youngest children in our state. Their full, detailed legislative agenda can be found here.

Of note is the formation of a Blue Ribbon Commission; the purpose of the Commission is to have a focused and informed discussion on how to finance high quality and affordable childcare for Vermont families. 

Here is a bit more info on the aim and intent of the Commission:
"Childcare is an important issue for Vermont’s future. Science tells us that the earliest years, when the brain is developing most rapidly, present the greatest opportunity for healthy development of our children. We also know that healthy development is dependent on quality early experiences during this critical time. But too many of Vermont’s children do not have access to quality early experiences because 1. the cost of childcare is unaffordable for parents at all socio-economic levels; 2. the costs associated with quality programming are unaffordable for providers.

This Blue Ribbon Commission will delve into one of the most important and pressing long-term issues facing Vermont: how we can best invest in our youngest children so they can have healthy and productive lives. This commission will consider:
1. How we can achieve high quality childcare in Vermont.
2. How we can make it affordable for all Vermont families, including investigating potential public and private funding revenues, both traditional and innovative."*

For further reading on this topic, you can also view a 2013 report from the Building Bright Futures State Council that provides recommendations for financial sustainability in early education. 

Lastly, for more updates on the progress of the Commission and the work towards affordable childcare in the state, consider liking The Vermont Early Childhood Alliance on Facebook, or following them on Twitter @vtchildren. And of course, we'll keep you posted here on the newsletter as we learn more. 

*Courtesy of the VT ECA "Talking Points" document. 

Classroom Happenings
*All Parents/Families: A friendly reminder to please take articles of wet and/or dirty clothing home at the end of the day to dry/clean. Please return for use the following day. -Many thanks, MVS Teachers.

Infant I: We welcomed a new infant to the classroom this week, she is doing well and becoming adjusted to life at school. The children enjoyed more time outdoors this week, and were so pleased to soak up a little sun. The children are transitioning from snugger sleep sacks, to ones that are a tad more roomy and allow for more movement of the arms.

Infant II: "It was a lake of learning! I feel like I could just see their brains growing!" After some ultra engaged play in the rivers and wet puddles on the front playground, Carly had lots to say about what was unfolding in front of her eyes. With several hours of outdoor time at a clip, the students in Infant II have had some prime time for exploration. On Friday, the children were mesmerized by small scoopers and cups, as they poured the cool water back and forth from scoop to container and back again. The playground was quiet, focused and completely engrossed. Educational philosopher Jean Piaget would applaud this kind of play, and regard it as part of the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development where children learn through their senses, learn though reflexes, and manipulate materials. 

Toddler I: This week brought a renewed interest in playing dress up. The children were very excited to play with the clothing, most notably, the scarves. Indoors, the children also enjoyed the challenge of a new firefighter puzzle, finished painting the pine cones they collected, and marveled at a rejuvenated fish tank. Outdoors, the high point of the week has been mitten-free exploration.

Toddler II: More and more talk of spring and all of the changes it brings. The kids have been very observant and are keen at taking in the world around them. During circle time, the children read a book about birds, and later in the week constructed pine cone birdfeeders, which can be found on the back playground. In the sensory table, the class enjoyed caring for the beloved classroom babies by washing them with soap and water, and "shampooing" their hair. 

Pre-K: Highlights...warmth, walks, sliding hills, deer tracks, kindness...Thursday's walk was the stuff that dreams are made of as the young explorers spent considerable time outdoors and in the woods. The sun and time outside of the classroom has brought kinder, gentler behavior; the students are lighter with each other. Friday was indicative of that as well as the students worked creatively and cooperatively to design their own maple sugaring operation. See the photos below. It was so wonderful to see that the children were taking their experiences from out in the community and applying them to creative play. Several students have visited sugar houses this season and have made it a topic of discussion. 


As Seen At MVS




Collecting "sap."

Pouring the "sap" into the pan to boil.
A Maple sugaring operation in full swing, from tapped trees, sap collection, and a roaring boil.
Now those are some smarty Vermont kiddos!








Thanks for Reading
Yours in the mud, once again! -Sam 

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