doodle days - Doodle Bugs!

DOODLE DAYS
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2014
SERVING WNY SINCE 1992 • WWW.DOODLEBUGS.COM
In This Issue
Season’s Festivities
1
From Our Family
2
Center News
3
Extra! Extra!
5
Your Doodle Bugs!
6
Team8
Let the Season’s Festivities Begin!
Whether your family is preparing for snow or decorating palm trees, the entire
doodle community is excited for this magical time of the year and is looking
forward to celebrating with your family. Our doodle days in November and
December are filled with introductions to cultural traditions, seasonal festivities
and joyous celebrations.
In November, we’re sponsoring our annual food drive at each center. We’ll also
participate in our traditional Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Feast, as we learn
more about the Thanksgiving traditions and the origin of the holiday.
Our December curriculum is centered around Traditions and Celebrations! We
always encourage our families to share their own family traditions. Please let
your child’s teacher know if there is a special song, story, recipe or custom you’d
like to share.
Learn more about our events, activities, parent reminders and center happenings
in this newsletter. With so much going on before the end of the year, keep a copy
for your reference!
www.doodlebugs.com
Center Events
10
Doodle Details
11
Center Calendar
12
stay updated on the latest
doodle bugs! news at:
direct links are available
at doodlebugs.com
From Our Family
From Our Family to Yours:
A message from the founders
Here we are getting ready for the festive holiday season and
wrapping up the year. With all the happenings at our centers
and in our communities, it seems 2014 flew by quickly.
In our November and December 2013 newsletter, we talked
about making 2014 even better and enhancing the Doodle Bugs!
experience. Looking back, we think we can say we accomplished our
goal. We brought the Doodle Bugs! brand to South Florida, allowing
even more families to be introduced to the doodle differences. Our
partnership with ABCmouse.com offers our students engaging
online lessons and complements our fantastic curriculum. Doodle
Bugs! introduced Listen360, a parent survey tool, giving us real-time
feedback on what is important to our families and how to strengthen
our program. Additionally, we’ve further engaged our families through
a scholarship promotion, fun center events, community initiatives and
much more.
Through all that growth and exciting initiatives, we’ve never lost
sight of our priorities: SCOPE (safe, clean, organized, professional,
educational) and our CARE (commitment, accountability, respect,
excellence) values. We made each move over the last year with those
two concepts in mind, ensuring the changes aligned with them.
We’re not ones to wish away time or want to speed through
moments, as we know better than anyone that time already
goes too fast. We watch infants grow into preschoolers and prekindergarteners become 12 year olds in a blink of an eye. So, though
we are so excited for the adventures that lie in 2015, we are taking
a moment to enjoy the holiday season and be thankful for all our
doodle families and their support.
We wish you and your families the very best this season.
Clarine, Anna and Anthony Insinna
“
”
“Success means that we go to sleep at night knowing that our
talents and abilities were used in a way that served others.”
2
-Marianne Williamson
novemBER • december 2014
Center News
Parent-Teacher Conferences Coming Soon
In response to parent feedback and interest, our annual parent-teacher
conferences will now be held mid-year in January. Doodle Bugs! understands
how hectic the fall and back-to-school season can be for families, so this move
is to help alleviate schedules.
However, parents can request a one-on-one conference at any time and are
welcome to review their child’s portfolio. They are stored in each classroom
for easy access. If you have any questions on the curriculum or your child’s
assessment, please see your director.
Mr. Doodle Bug Says Thank You
Many thanks to the fabulous faculty, families, and friends who supported our
annual Fall Festival on October 8th and the Read for the Record on October
21st. With the help of several incredible guest speakers, the doodle community
read to more than 2,000 children! Special thanks to Senator Kennedy,
Rochester Lancers soccer players, Kyle Orton from the Buffalo Bills, and many
more for supporting this event and promoting a love for literacy.
Our community helpers unit was a tremendous success thanks to the fantastic
doodle families and friends who visited our centers to help children learn about
their roles. We extend special thanks to everyone who generously shared their
time and talent with our little learners. The doodle community is a special place
because of you!
Thank you to our dedicated families, doodle friends, and faculty for your
support and participation in the Light the Night Walk on September 26th and
the Making Strides Walk on October 19th. The Making Strides Walk took place
in Rochester, NY and supported the fight against breast cancer. The Light the
Night walk raised awareness for leukemia and lymphoma and took place in
Buffalo, NY. The Doodle Bugs! family came together to support one of our own
faculty members, Heather Furner, and her daughter, Payton, who is currently
battling leukemia.
MSA
Accreditation
Doodle Bugs! was the first child
care program in Western New York
to be accredited by the Middle
States Association (MSA). MSA
provides nationally recognized
accreditation to early childhood
programs, elementary schools, high
schools, and colleges. Accreditation
is a voluntary, rigorous process
that requires a program to meet
and maintain high standards.
Accreditation by MSA is recognized
around the world as an indication
of trustworthiness, educational
quality, and a commitment to
continuous improvement.
The Doodle Bugs! administration
office hosted a Middle States
Association visit in October to be
accredited as a system (a “Learning
Services Provider”). The official
results will be expected at the end
of the year.
School Agers – Join Our Club!
With the holidays and the end of year upon us, the number of days school agers have off are adding up, but there is no need to
take a personal day or scramble for care arrangements!
School-age children and UPK students are invited to attend our centers during winter recess and dates that school districts are not in
session. Our Vacation Club provides a safe, supervised environment with plenty of fun and educational activities. The Vacation Club
has been packed with exciting field trips to make the day off school a blast! Emergency school closings create a real problem for
working parents, but Doodle Bugs! offers a reliable child care solution during these unforeseen closings with our Stormy Day Club.
These spots are filling up fast, so please see your director as soon as possible to reserve your child’s space.
www.doodlebugs.com
3
Center News
Doodle Bugs! Sponsors Paul Louis Arena Programs
Doodle Bugs! Children’s Center has become a sponsor of the “Doodle Bugs Learn-to-Skate” and
“Doodle Bugs Learn-to-Play-Hockey” programs at the Paul Louis Arena in Rochester, NY. Any
Doodle Bugs! family that signs up for one of the programs will receive a $25 gift card to the Locker Room Sports store.
Learn more at: www.paullouisarena.com.
As a partner of Doodle Bugs! and the upcoming ice-skating season, here are some tips on taking kids out skating for the
first time, courtesy of Paul Louis Arena:
• Dress warmly and appropriately. Though arenas let you skate inside, it’s still chilly. Remember to dress with mittens, pants, and
layered garments. Snowsuits are perfect for little ones! Wear long, thin socks that go over the ankles to prevent blisters from the skates.
• Wear helmets. All children under 8 are required to wear a helmet; however, all beginner skates (no matter their age) should wear a
helmet too. Knee pads are also a good idea.
• March. Once on the ice, stand four to five feet away from your child and have him or her march toward you. Marching helps them gain
confidence in balance and feel comfortable lifting their feet off the ice. Don’t skate holding hands, or you’ll pull each other down! The rink
will offer walkers for young children. They are great for new skaters who are establishing balance.
• Start Slow. Have children go around the rink once or twice, and then take a break. They will enjoy the experience more if they have
frequent breaks, and get to go on and off the ice a lot until they feel confident. Resist the urge to urge them to keep going; let them stop
whenever they want to do so.
#DBFirstDay Instagram Winner Revealed
Congratulations to Roger Haskins and his daughter Ellah for being randomly selected
as our #DBFirstDay contest winner on September 22nd! Ellah has received a $2,000
Doodle Bugs! tuition scholarship. The contest asked families in the Buffalo, Rochester,
Pittsburgh and Lake Worth areas to show us pictures of their first day at Doodle Bugs!,
or first day of school, or their everyday morning routine as we celebrated the start of
the back-to-school season.
Ellah, 8, started third grade this year but has been going to Doodle Bugs! since
before she entered kindergarten. She loves Doodleville and the big, red slide.
Roger loves the “full service of Doodle Bugs!, from the transportation and field trips to warm lunches and webcams.”
Ellah even has a bit of “doodle” at home! To the right, is a picture of her and her family with her golden-doodle dog, Coby. She
loves to ride horses, go swimming and watch football! Thank you, Roger and Ellah, for being a part of the doodle family and
showing us those “first day” moments!
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novemBER • december 2014
EXTRA EXTRA!
Bloomsbury Lane Toy Shoppe Keeps the Holiday Magic Alive
With the holiday shopping season upon us, toys are certainly top of mind for families with young children. As parents,
we remember going to the toy store with loved ones and how exciting the colors, sounds and actual toys were to us. You
didn’t always leave the store with a toy, but the experience created a feeling of euphoria. Nowadays, big retailers like Toys
R Us and Target can be overwhelming for parents, aisle upon aisle of options with no real indication of what is really age
appropriate or what skills those toys can build upon.
Our friends at Bloomsbury Lane Toy Shoppe, an enchanting family-owned toy store in Lancaster, NY, offers parents a list
of award-winning toy brands and their popular toys this holiday season.
Age 0+
Corolle:
Dolls – From soft dolls for newborns to larger vinyl dolls for age 4 and up, this premium
doll brand offers the perfect size, look, feel and scent for young children.
Age 2+
International Play Things:
Pirate Den or Royal Princess Playhouse – These cute tents have a flap front door, 2
mesh windows, and sturdy material to withstand hours of play.
Age 3+
Melissa and Doug:
Mega Race Car Carrier - This giant hauler comes with six unique cars and kids will be
building motor skills as they play. With a variety of colors, designs, and numbers on the
sides, they’ll naturally be sorting, sequencing, and grouping, as well, building important
cognitive skills too.
Creativity for Kids:
Metallic Mania Art Kit - All-inclusive young artist set with an assortment of tools for
metallic fun, drawing, coloring and painting.
Play Visions:
Sands Alive! – Moldable, organic and antibacterial sand product that allows children to
sculpt and build dinosaurs, mermaids, castles and more.
Calico Critters:
Berry Grove School – These award-winning miniature animals and their life-like
environments inspire imagination and creativity.
International Play Things:
Hop & Squeak Unicorn Pogo Jumper - Magical unicorn pogo jumper is great indoors or
out. Stretchy bungee fits any height and sturdy foam supports up to 250 pounds.
COMMUNITY
CONNECTION
Did you know Doodle Bugs! is
proud to be the child care provider
of the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
and the Buffalo Sabres (NHL)?
Both organizations have selected
Doodle Bugs! for another year to
provide child care services during
all home games for players and
coaches families. Stay tuned for
opportunities for Doodle Bugs!
families to participate in the
support of these teams.
Age 4+
Melissa and Doug:
Suspend Junior – A fun game where kids learn how to balance and counterbalance, take
smart risks, and foresee consequences!
Age 5+
Melissa and Doug:
Princess Design Activity Kit – A princess-themed fashion-plate rubbing set lets designinclined kids create a wardrobe full of fashions.
Creativity for Kids:
Grow and Glow Terrarium – Children turn this plastic mason-style jar into their own little
habitat with real plants and tiny figurines.
Bloomsbury Lane Toy Shoppe is located at 1 West Main Street in Lancaster. They offer
personalized customer service to help locate the perfect age-appropriate toy, free gift
wrapping and plenty of parking.
www.doodlebugs.com
5
YOUR DOODLE BUGS!
6
novemBER • december 2014
www.doodlebugs.com
7
T.E.A.M
Together Everyone Achieves More!
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill
September Employee of the Month
Ever since Becca joined the Webster
center in February, the smile on her
face has been a permanent fixture and
she exudes happiness. In May, she
transferred to the infant classroom and
has continued to bring joy and laughter
to the room.
The babies and parents are obviously
very comfortable with being near
her, and she has already built lasting
relationships with many of them, which
truly showcases her dedication to the
Doodle Bugs! mission of building a
community of happy children, happy
parents, happy teachers. In addition,
she takes the Doodle Bugs! standards
very seriously and exemplifies the
10-foot rule. It is these actions and her
knowledge in the classroom that make
Doodle Bugs! a special place.
Becca is a genuinely positive person
that takes time to spread that warmth
throughout the center. We are so
thankful to have a wonderful teacher
like Becca on our doodle team
and a part of the Webster Doodle
Bugs! family. Thank you, Becca, for
embracing every doodle day as an
opportunity to “take a moment to make
a moment.”
Rebecca Templeton - Infant Teacher, Webster Center
“How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.” ~George Elliston
October Employee of the Month
Henry Seege - Administrative Office Cleaner
8
Henry has been a part of the Doodle
Bugs! team since January 2007. His
behind-the-scenes attention to detail,
conscientious attitude towards costs
and quality of products, and positive
demeanor demonstrates his loyalty
to Doodle Bugs!. He is always willing
to lend a helping hand to the home
office team and maintenance team
and works hard to maintain a clean,
organized office environment. That
dedication is not unnoticed to home
office staff as they enjoy a pleasant
working environment. Henry is often
smiling and enjoyable to be around,
giving the impression to others he
likes being in the office. He makes an
effort to ensure the training room is
free of debris and garbage, no matter
how much there is after a successful
team training day! Despite being
unseen by so many Doodle Bugs!
faculty and team members, Henry
plays a huge role in upholding our
commitment to quality. His work ethic
and positive personality is what makes
him so deserving of this recognition.
The doodle community is a better place
because you CARE! Thank you, Henry,
for being a part of our doodle team.
novemBER • december 2014
Doodle Bugs! in East Amherst Welcomes Ann Kinney!
Please join us in welcoming Ann Kinney to the East Amherst center as a Center Director-In-Training.
Ann is a passionate and professional educator who is excited to be back in Western New York, and
she is especially excited about joining the doodle team.
A Silver Creek, NY native, Ann earned her degree in early childhood development and psychology
from the University of Buffalo. Ann also has earned her Master’s degree and is certified to teach
children from birth-grade 6. For the past nine years, Ann has been teaching in a public school
in Maryland. Ann’s recent work has included leading her fourth grade team, heading county
wide initiatives in her school system, and mentoring new teachers.
We are excited to have Ann enter into her new position and be a part of the
doodle community!
5th Annual Doodle Bugs! Conference
Scheduled
We are pleased to announce our annual early childhood conference will take
place at the end of March in 2015. Our outstanding team is truly the heart of
our program’s success, and we are proud to celebrate them through this fun,
interactive event.
Teachers will have the opportunity to win baskets, gift certificates and amazing
prizes. Please stay tuned to find out how families or local businesses can
graciously contribute or donate a gift for this event as a token of their
appreciation for our amazing teachers. Details on conference dates will be
announced soon.
www.doodlebugs.com
MILESTONE
ANNIVERSARIES
Mr. Doodle Bug extends his
congratulations and many thanks to the
following team member who celebrates
an employment milestone in November
and December!
5 YEARS
Mitch Gabner, Administrative Office
As the maintenance specialist, Mitch is
working with the maintenance team to
ensure the home office, centers and their
properties are in tip top condition. Mitch
is a dedicated, hardworking employee,
and is always reliable and willing to work
long hours to complete a task. He seems
to enjoy visiting all of the centers and
maintains a positive attitude. We
thank you, Mitch, for
your commitment
to the doodle
differences.
9
CENTER EVENTS
Community Connection:
Annual Food Drive
November 3-21
Our annual food drive is the perfect
opportunity to introduce children to the
joy of giving. Please place your nonperishable donation in any of the turkey
boxes that the children have created and
placed throughout the center. All locations
will be accepting donations November 3rd
through the 21st.
World’s Largest PJ Party
November 28
You won’t want to miss this event on
Friday, November 28th. For this annual
Day-After-Thanksgiving tradition, everyone
comes to school in their jammies. Pillow
fights and bedtime snacks add to the fun!
Milk & Cookies with
Doodle Bugs!
December 10
Santa isn’t the only one that loves cookies.
The holidays are a terrific time to relax and
enjoy some holiday treats! Join us for this
sweet family event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. While enjoying your cookies and milk,
tune in to our annual Holiday Sing-a-Long.
Each classroom will perform two festive
holiday songs. A detailed schedule of events
will be available in advance at the front desk.
Hanukkah Read Aloud
December 16
Turkey Trot
November 25
No need to travel to New York City to see
a turkey trot. We’re hosting our annual
Turkey Trot parade on Tuesday, November
25th. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., each child
will gobble through the halls dressed as
a turkey. You’re invited to attend this fun
event and bring your camera to capture
the smiles. For your family’s convenience,
you can log in to WatchMeGrow to see the
parade.
Thanksgiving Feast
One of the highlights of our Hanukkah
celebration is a shared reading of our
favorite Hanukkah books! On Tuesday,
December 16th, we’ll gather together in
the playroom at 10:00 a.m. for a special
storytime. Please join us if you can.
How the Grinch Stole
Christmas Celebration
December 22nd
Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer.
Cheer to all Whos far and near! Children
will enjoy a special screening of this holiday
classic, Grinch snacks and special games.
November 26
Our annual Thanksgiving Feast will
take place at lunch time on Wednesday,
November 26th. Each classroom will enjoy
a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We’ll also
have plenty of games and stories focused
on thankfulness and appreciation.
Holiday Party
December 23
Please join us on Tuesday, December
23rd to celebrate the holidays with festive
games, songs and treats! Details and signup sheets will be posted in each classroom.
‘Twas the Night Before
10
‘Twas the Night Before
Christmas
December 24
The children will come together on
Wednesday, December 24th at 10:00 a.m.
to enjoy a traditional reading of “The Night
Before Christmas.” The reading will be
followed by festive classroom activities
and snacks. As a reminder, all Doodle
Bugs! locations will close at 3:00 p.m.
on Christmas Eve and remain closed on
Christmas Day.
Game Day
December 26th
Let the games begin! Children will keep the
holiday fun going by enjoying a full day of
favorite games and toys, include a board
game tournament.
Kwanzaa March
December 29th
Dress in Kwanzaa colors (red, green
& black) for our annual Kwanzaa
march on Monday, December 29th at
10 a.m. The children will carry their
flags proudly through the center and
play special Kwanzaa games. For your
family’s convenience, you can log in to
WatchMeGrow to see the parade.
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
December 30th
Rudolph’s job of leading Santa’s sleigh
may be over, but he’s sticking around for
some fun! Children will enjoy a special movie
screening, with snacks and reindeer games.
New Year’s Eve
Celebration
December 31
The children will gather together on
Wednesday, December 31st to practice
for the real ball drop by counting down the
seconds and seeing a 2015 ball fall. Arthur
Doodle Bug’s Rocking New Year’s Eve
Party includes hats, horns, confetti and
music. Happy New Year! As a reminder all
Doodle Bugs! locations will close at 3:00
p.m. on New Year’s Eve and remain closed
on New Year’s Day.
Doodle Details
Parent Reminders
In observance of Thanksgiving, our centers will be closed on Thursday,
November 27th. We will resume regular hours of operation (and host our
annual pajama party!) on Friday, November 28th. Happy Thanksgiving.
In observance of Christmas, our centers will close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday,
December 24th and will remain closed on Thursday, December 25th. We
will resume regular hours of operation on Friday, December 26th. Happy
Holidays.
Orchard Park and Clarence families can pre-order dinner from Gourmet
Meals to Go by 10 a.m. and pick it up at the center after 4 p.m. With the busy
holiday season upon us, Gourmet Meals to Go makes dinner easy…and
delicious! See your director for details.
Outdoor play is an integral part of our program—even during the winter
months. Please dress your child appropriately, or provide additional wear for
everyday outdoor fun
Kimberly Lawrence from ABVI’s Vision Wellness & Preventive Services will be
stopping by our Penfield location on November 19th and November 20th to
provide free vision screenings to interested families during the day.
www.doodlebugs.com
11
Center CalendAR
November
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
4
5
6
7
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
21
23
24
25
26
27
28
2
3
9
Annual Food
Drive Begins
Veterans’ Day
School
Agers Welcome
Turkey Trot
10:00 a.m.
Thanksgiving
Feast
THANKSGIVING
CENTERS
CLOSED
Fan Friday
Fan Friday
Annual Food
Drive Ends
Fan Friday
World’s Largest
PJ Party
Fan Friday
8
15
22
29
Light Up Lancaster
Village of Lancaster
5-9pm
December
Sunday
7
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
12
Milk & Cookies with
Doodle Bugs!
Fan Friday
Fan Friday
Saturday
6
13
SantaLand
Chestnut Ridge - OP
11am-4pm
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
14
15
16
17
18
21
22
23
24
25
28
How the Grinch
Stole Christma
Celebration
29
Kwanzaa March
Hanukkah Read
Aloud - 10:00 a.m.
Holiday Party
30
Rudolph’s Shiny
New Year
‘Twas the Night Before
Christmas Celebration
CHRISTMAS EVE
CENTERS CLOSE AT 3:00
19
CHRISTMAS
CENTERS
CLOSED
26
Fan Friday
Fan Friday
Game Day
31
New Year’s Eve
Celebration
NEW YEAR’S EVE
CENTERS CLOSE AT 3:00
12
novemBER • december 2014
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27