June 15, 2007

Hello St. Catherine’s Preschool Parents,                           

We hope this letter finds all of you discovering the amazing joys of God’s fabulous summer season!  As you read this, St. Catherine’s Preschool is getting ready for a fresh school year with beautiful murals in our hallways, new toys and manipulatives in the classrooms and lots of fun planned for the 2007-2008 school year.  It is so exciting to see the growth of our wonderful parish.  Our theme for the preschool next year is “Walk in Pairs – Always with God.”

We are really looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful St. Catherine’s Preschool families again and are very excited about meeting all the new St. Catherine’s Preschool families we have not yet had the pleasure of meeting.  I would like to introduce myself and Natalie Dawkins, our School Administrator, to those new members.  My husband Ed and I live in West Marietta with our two children Lindsey (19) and Jeff (14).  We have been active members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 35 years.  I am a graduate of Kennesaw State University and have worked in the preschool arena for over 16 years.  During these years, I have taught and developed curriculum at the 3, 4 and 5 year old levels, developed and taught movement to children 1 through 6 years of age and directed a private preschool in Woodstock for 2 years.  I am thrilled to begin my twelfth year as Director at St. Catherine’s Preschool.

Natalie Dawkins has been a strong member of St. Catherine’s Preschool team for over twelve years.  She and her husband, Ricky, live in Powder Springs with their three boys, Adam (18), Eric (16), and Daniel (15).  They have been active members here at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church for over 20 years. We know we are truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family of staff, teachers, parents and children.

Well, now it is time to get out your calendars and mark some very important upcoming dates.  On Wednesday, August 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. we will have Parent Orientation in the Sanctuary.  At this meeting, you will be introduced to our staff and given a brief summary of our school year.  After the meeting, you will be given the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher.  The teacher will give a brief overview of the school year and answer any questions you may have.

THIS MEETING IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR NEW FAMILIES AS WELL AS RETURNING FAMILIES, SO PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND.  THIS IS ALSO A NIGHT FOR PARENTS ONLY!!!!  PLEASE MAKE CHILD CARE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE EVENING!!!

There will be several tables set up in Rooms #316/317 at Parent Orientation night for you to visit.  One is the St. Catherine’s “Spirit Wear” Table.  This table will be full of wonderful items such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, golf shirts, jean shirts, hats, ornaments etc… that have the St. Catherine’s Preschool emblem on them.  Please stop by this table and show your support of our preschool.  Order forms will be available at this table during Parent Orientation night if you would like to place an order for any “Spirit Wear” items.  We will also be taking orders for any “Spirit Wear” during the first two weeks of school.

Secondly, there will be an Information Table at Parent Orientation night.  This table will be set up for you to drop off any forms that we may need for your child’s file.  This year, we will need a copy of your child’s Baptismal certificate.  We will need this on file before the school year begins. This is also an excellent time to drop off your child’s immunization record and a photocopy of his/her certified birth certificate.  The immunization form that is needed for your child is form number #3231.  Previously enrolled students who have their certified birth certificate on file do not need to give us another copy.

There will also be a Volunteer Committee Table.  We have attached a form for your information.  This form gives a list of the committees available at the preschool to participate in.  These committees are a great way for you to become more involved in our “St. Catherine’s Family” and to fulfill your volunteer hours.  If you are interested, please fill out the attached form and return it to the Volunteer Committee Table on Parent Orientation night.  We still need committee chair heads for the Spiritual Committee, the Catholic Schools Week Committee and the Newcomers Committee.  If you are interested in chairing one of these three committees, please give the preschool office a call.  The committee chair person will contact you within the first month of school to give you specific information about each group.

A new form that is attached is our Career Bank form.  This is an informational form that we are asking each family to complete.  Please list the careers of both parents and if you would be willing share your expertise with the preschool.

Our monthly preschool newsletter is called “The Chit Chat”.  If you have a small business that you would like to share with our preschool family such as Discovery Toys, Avon, Tupperware etc….. Please drop a business card or your name and business by the preschool office.  We will have a “Company Collage” page in all issues of the Chit Chat to give our families a chance to share their businesses with each other. 

This year we will continue using the tuition collection system called FACTS.  Each of you filled out a FACTS form during registration.  If you have not already received the pink copy of your FACTS enrollment form, it is enclosed.  Your first tuition payment will be withdrawn in July 2007 ending with your last payment withdrawn in March 2008.  If you elected to pay tuition for the 2007-2008 school year in full, there is no FACTS form enclosed. 

On Friday, August 24^th, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, we will have “Meet and Greet” for your child.  Your child’s teacher will send you a post card stating the specific time during the week of August 20th.  Please accompany your child in and let them meet and get acquainted with their new classroom and teacher.  THIS IS NOT A DROP OFF DAY; THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL WILL BE ON MONDAY, AUGUST 27^th AT 9:00 A.M.  We have also attached a supply list for each age group.  These supplies can be brought into school during “Meet and Greet” or on the first day of school.

Our preschool staff has already been hard at work planning another exciting year for the children!  We look forward to seeing all of you at Parent Orientation night.  If you have any questions, comments or concerns please do not hesitate to give me a call at the preschool office.  The number is (770) 590-0480!

Thank you and keep enjoying the joys of summer!

Peace and Blessings,

 Karen Pickens Director

Natalie Dawkins School Administrator