Monthly Calendar
Important Dates
March 1: Annual Fees are Due
April 13: Parent Teacher Conferences
SPARK 4 Star Rating!
We have great news to share with you! In recent months, Growing Tree has been working hard to raise our Quality Program rating . We are proud to report that we have been awarded a 4-Star Quality Program rating!
This quality rating means we meet essential evaluation standards that support quality early learning for all children. We are committed to quality care and learning for all children, and know the first years of life build the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
A 4-Star Quality Program has met the requirements for a 3-Star Quality Program, as well as additional standards. A 4-Star Program uses enhanced materials and curriculum that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. The program uses tools to individualize teaching strategies for each child and takes active steps to learn about each child’s and family’s needs, interests, and traditions. The staff has additional training and education and completes regular self-assessments for their own professional development.
We are particularly proud of our efforts in the Personnel Quality standard area. When we started this process half of our teaching staff had accomplished at least a Step 7 in the Oregon Registry. Today we have two staff at a Step 8 and nine staff at a Step 10. We have one teacher enrolled in the Early Childhood Educaqtion program at COCC. Growing Tree's dedication to professional development is being felt in each of our classrooms.
Thank you for continuing to support us as we focus on growth and improvement. Your involvement in the program is essential. Our #1 priority, as always, is to ensure we are bringing our best to your children every day.
Mod Pizza Fundraiser
Join MOD PIZZA in supporting Growing Tree on Monday, March 19th, All Day. Bring in flyer at the top of the newsletter or show the flyer that was emailed/texted to you and MOD will donate 20% of your bill to support our great work!
That Pesky Leprechaun
Spring Forward
Daylight saving time (DST) or summertime is the practice of advancing clocks during summer months by one hour so that evening daylight lasts an hour longer, while sacrificing normal sunrise times
- Wikipedia
With that being said, don't forget to SPRING FORWARD your clocks on Sunday, March 11th!
Swim Sign Ups
You can sign up for swimming lessons beginning Monday March 12th. Please only sign up for 1 session, if on Wednesday there are openings left you are welcome to sign up for a second session. There are no refunds so please check the dates before signing up.
- Swim sessions are Monday -Thursday for two(2) weeks
- Session 1: June 18th - 28th
- Session 2: July 2nd - 12th
- Children must be 3 years old and potty trained
- Cost is $60 per session, payable to Growing Tree by March 24th
Breakfast
Reminder: Breakfast is served under our USDA contract until 845am. If you arrive after 845am please make sure that your child has eaten breakfast prior to arriving. Thank you for understanding.
Summer Schedules
Book Fair
Conferences
Please note: Growing Tree will be CLOSED on Friday, April 13th to give teachers the opportunity to meet with you for Parent/Teacher conferences.
Inclement Weather/Emergency Closure Policy
For your review our Inclement Weather/Emergency Closure Policy.
- Growing Tree does NOT follow the public school schedule for snow/weather days or 2-hour delays. It is our goal to remain open as usual.
- On these days when the public schools have closures I do try to send out an early email/text confirming our status
- If we need to close the center because of weather or an emergency, we will contact you first via text/email and then post closure information on Facebook.
- In the event of an emergency, if the situation allows we will the contact you via phone.
Please friend us on Facebook so that you may receive notifications of all the happenings at Growing Tree: https://www.facebook.com/growing.tree.bend
Dressing for the Weather
- A complete change of weather appropriate clothes in their cubby at all times
- A jacket to wear as needed
- Hat & gloves
- Boots & snowsuits
- Please label all items
- Please put winter clothes in a bag that easily fits in their cubby. I do have bags for sale at the front desk. Cost $6
Family Resources:
Healthy Beginnings
Family Resource Network
Call 211
Volunteer Hours
Volunteer hours are not prorated in the event you withdraw from the Center prior to December 31st.
Do you need volunteer hours? If you are interested in this job please let me know. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Shovel snow
- Blow sand off playground walkways
Amazon Smile
When you are shopping for those holiday gifts online, please remember our AmazonSmile program!
Head to smile.amazon.com to get started.
Message from Board of Directors
The Board of Directors will meet again on March 14th
First Friday
First Friday will be held on Friday,March 2nd. Cost is $20 per child. In February First Friday will be on April 6th. Please pay prior to Friday night, so that we may pay the teachers in a timely manner. Just a reminder, if you cancel after signing up, you will still be responsible for First Friday fees.
Birthdays
Carly: 12th
Matt: 29th
Anniversaries
Kristine: 2 years
Newbies
No newbies to introduce this month