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Mask Wearing:
Lucy's Mask by Lisa Sirkis Thompson Masked Ninji by Mary Nihn Smiling from Ear to Ear: Wearing Masks While Having Fun by Kaitlyn Chu Why is Everyone Wearing a Mask (Bilingual/Spanish) by Debbie Qui Mummy Wears a Mask by Laurie Theurer Social Distancing: A Little Spot Stays Home: A Story about Viruses and Safe Distancing by Diane Alber Billie and the Brilliant Bubble: Social Distancing for Children by Tara Travieso What is Social Distancing: A Children's Guide and Activity Book by Lindsey Coker Luckey If You Can't Bear Hug, Air Hug: A book Inspired by Social Distancing by Katie Sedmak The Social Distance King: Introducing Queens and Kings to Social Distancing by Eric Desio
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July 28, 2020 Dear Parents, As many of you know, school districts in our area are opting to begin the 2020-2021 school year with a fully online model. KCP follows the Lake Washington School District decisions to make preschool participation possible for those KCP families that have siblings in the school district. Thus we will begin with a mostly online model. We have heard the voices of our KCP families through our recent survey, where about 65% of responders asked for some type of an in-person option where safety protocols take place. KCP’s Back to School Committee met July 27 to go over the findings of the parent survey and consider health guidelines in order to come up with a plan that meets several needs and also offers the flexibility to either increase or decrease the in-person meeting times in the future as needed. At this time, KCP is considering offering a mostly online learning model that includes optional outdoor activities. Currently, teachers are in the process of determining what the Group routines will entail. They are working hard to hear your voice regarding online learning and to bring value added activities that meet the needs of your preschooler. Some of the online activities you can look forward to are:
Some of the (optional) outdoor activities may be:
Supplemental items include:
KCP’s Back to School Committee will meet again on August 3 to determine the details of each Group’s meeting routine (online and in person outdoors) and the health protocols that must be followed by those that choose to participate in the in-person meetings. Thank you for your patience as we navigate through this time. Sincerely, KCP Board and Teachers MEETINGS The Back to School Planning Committee will be meeting Monday, August 3 at 7:00pm via Zoom. In the days following the meeting, we will send out an update via email. KCP Board members and teachers will meet Wednesday, August 19th via Zoom to discuss and finalize (as much as possible) the Back to School plan. We will keep you updated along the way. Please reach out to your Group Teacher or Parent Leader should you have questions. We value your feedback. July 23, 2020 THANK YOU Many of you took the time to share your thoughts with KCP Teachers and Board through our survey. Thank you very much! This helps us come up with a plan to best serve preschool families while holding in high regard the health safety standards issued at this time. The survey is still open for those that have not already submitted a response. See it here. BACK TO SCHOOL PLANNING COMMITTEE Since our last 2020-2021 Program Changes email sent out on July 13, KCP has formed a Back to School Planning Committee and set a meeting schedule. The committee members include Amy Williams (GIII Teacher), Doreen Fisher (GII Teacher), Kymberly Meade (GI Teacher), Sherry Torpy (President), TR Andrew (Treasurer and GI Parent), Jessica Lake (Publicity and GII Parent) and Caitlin Kristensen (Fundraiser and GIII Parent). The purpose of this committee is to review health and safety standards and study the parent feedback you provided to help us best implement the KCP curriculum we know and love. Everyone's safety is our top priority. Today, we would like to share with you the information sources we are using to come up with this plan.
MEETINGS The Back to School Planning Committee will be meeting Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm via Zoom. In the days following the meeting, we will send out an update via email. KCP Board members and teachers will meet Wednesday, August 19th via Zoom to discuss and finalize (as much as possible) the Back to School plan. We will keep you updated along the way. Please reach out to your Group Teacher or Parent Leader should you have questions. We value your feedback. July 13, 2020
Dear KCP Families, As we approach the beginning of our 2020-2021 school year, KCP teachers and board members are very aware that you may have questions about what our program will look like when class begins mid-September. We are thankful that the next two summer months give us time to prepare for the adjustments we will need to make. As you know, a lot can happen in two months, so we remain flexible to adjust as needed. In the next week, KCP teachers will be meeting with fellow preschool teachers associated with LWTech to discuss how to offer the best educational setting while upholding high health and safety standards. Secondly, KCP teachers have arranged for a training session with a teacher from the Tiny Treks program (outdoor based learning). We are committed to following safety protocols in addition to the cleaning regimens already in place. Currently, a hybrid model for the fall is being considered. We recognize that circumstances can change, thus we will reevaluate throughout the school year. KCP is also following the guidance of LWTech, as our school is connected to the college through the parent education program. This connection offers us many benefits, such as insurance, access to parent education seminars, teacher support and more. Because of this connection, what our classroom looks like in September will be driven by their recommendations. Meetings are taking place to determine what exactly those recommendations are. In the coming weeks you will hear from us again with updates on our progress. In the meantime, please share your thoughts with us through this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GF85399 Your comments will be anonymous. While we may not be able to meet each person's precise needs, the teachers and board members will certainly try. Thank you again for your comments, time and patience. Sincerely, KCP Teachers and Board Members Dear KCP Families,
Kirkland Co-op Preschool stands in solidarity with the Black Community. The murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer, has ignited in all of us new levels of sadness, frustration, anger, and disappointment in the systemic racism, oppression and violence that people of color, specifically black people, experience in our country every day. As you know, KCP is connected to LWTech, and also closely follows the leadership of the Lake Washington School District. Both organizations have issued statements that align with the goals, values and principles of KCP. You can read those statements here: LWSD and LWTech KCP Teachers and Board Members pledge to continue our work to bring an end to systemic racism and violence against Black people in this country by teaching our preschool children acceptance and how to stand up to oppression. Please reach out to teachers should you have questions, thoughts, or concerns that need to be addressed. Should you need support in discussing this topic with your preschooler, many resources are available. Visit KCP's website at http://www.kirklandcoop.com/news/talking-to-children-about-racism for a selection of resources to help you discover the best way to discuss this topic with your family. Sincerely, KCP Teachers and Board Members Several resources are listed here to support you as you talk with your preschooler(s) about racism. This resource list is meant to be an informational jumping off point for you to help you discover the best way to discuss this topic with your family.
They Are Not Too Young to Talk About Race Resource List: http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/social-justice-resources/ Info Graphic on Child Development on Racial Recognition: http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/theyre-not-too-young-1.jpg What Systematic Racism Is and What We Can Do to Solve It Video: https://youtu.be/YrHIQIO_bdQ NPR: Talking Race With Young Children Podcast Episode, 20 minute listen: https://www.npr.org/2019/04/24/716700866/talking-race-with-young-children?fbclid=IwAR262i36JkNreR2lYg0pPPHDPL9u6iyHSVkMV2vrR3Ehdl-1oG-0ZlXKMrY Black Lives Matter At School: Announcing the 2020 Curriculum Resource Guide https://blacklivesmatteratschool.com/teaching-materials/?fbclid=IwAR0dkiNwfwyg5oD1zbnRfxHIX1Bai11IPNNcIzLHYj4twOrHrYYgipFk0uI A Kindergarten Teacher Explains Racism to Young Kids: "You Have the Voice" https://www.popsugar.com/family/kindergarten-teacher-explains-what-is-racism-video-47529956?fbclid=IwAR2x6LfPyRy1vmhu36cOjy7tJXkkEVmKTpI6p6r70NqatY_-N3EOU2FE1Dk Thursday, March 12, 2020
On Wednesday, March 11, Lake Washington School District announced that schools will be closed through March 27th. Kirkland Co-op Preschool will be following suit and canceling classes also. The KCP board will be continuing discussions about how the upcoming months will look for our program. We appreciate your flexibility as we navigate these new unchartered waters for KCP and our community. The Group Teachers have met to discuss ways we can connect with families over the upcoming weeks. Your teacher will be in touch with you soon regarding plans for your group. Our community is experiencing many changes in regards to the COVID-19 situation. KCP Teachers and Board members are committed to remaining updated on recommendations from our local and state agencies. We will continue to send out information as situations change. You are welcome to contact your Group Teacher or Parent Leader should you have further questions. The Board members of Kirkland Co-op Preschool are aware of health concerns regarding Conoravirus. We know that this situation may be worrisome. Currently, the Washington State Department of Health considers this a low public risk as this time. KCP is committed to remaining informed and following surrounding school district policies to keep our students as healthy as possible.
Our current approach to this situation closely follows what is outlined on the Lake Washington School District website. See more at lwsd.org Adapted from LWSD, KCP guidance and approach includes:
In general, if your child is ill with a fever or vomiting within 24 hours of their scheduled school day, please keep him/her at home until he/she is without fever or vomiting for a minimum of 24 hours. KCP appreciates your cooperation. Please feel free to contact your Parent Leader or Group Teacher with questions or concerns. Many companies offer donation matching programs. Your donations help our school community in countless ways, so why not double them? Every time you donate to Kirkland Co-op Preschool, you can double your donation by submitting your company’s employer match form. Search for Kirkland Parents Cooperative Group Inc. (501(c)(3), Tax ID: 91-0728533 as our name and ID.
Direct links to some of the companies in our community that offer Donation Matching Programs can be found in the list below. Not sure if your company offers a matching program? Check with your employer. Cannot find Kirkland Parents Cooperative Group Inc. in your company matching list? Feel free to nominate us through your HR department. Thank you! Giving to the Kirkland Parents Cooperative Group Inc. goes a long way to improve the school experience for all students, teachers and families at KCP. The following companies match employee donations. If your company is not on the list, check with your HR department, and let us know. Amgen AT&T Bank of America Boeing CenturyLink/Qwest Expedia Gates Foundation Microsoft Corporation Puget Sound Energy Starbucks The Home Depot Group III made their annual trip to Kenmore Air this past week. The children were able to get up close and personal with small aircraft, sit in the passenger seats and see planes take off from the water. One of the great perks of the older age of Group III students, is the opportunity to make several special event trips throughout the year. Thank you Teacher Amanda and Teacher Amy.  photo of 2018 walk-a-thon Wednesday, October 9, 10:00amOur annual Walk-A-Thon at Grass Lawn Park in Redmond is approaching. Families are encouraged to ask for pledges from anyone who cares about ensuring your children have a great place to learn and grow. Friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. Remember to ask your employer about matching too. The family that raises the most money will receive the highly coveted GRAND PRIZE of a "Get Out of School Cleaning Coupon." The class that raises the most money will receive a popsicle party. Looking forward to seeing you there, rain or shine! Get more info from Jennifer via kcpfundraiser01@gmail.com
 Many thanks go to Rob Stubblefield, a long-time KCP parent, for leading a Summer Soccer group that met every other Friday evening for an hour at Spinney Homestead Park. With such a great turn out, two groups were formed: current preschoolers and older KCP graduates. What a great way to strengthen those soccer and social skills at the same time. Thank you, Rob! (photo courtesy of Malaika Silliker)
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