March Newsletter

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

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

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

First Friday