Office of Early Childhood
Ridgefield Park Preschool Program
From Deanne Guastello, Director of Early Childhood
In the midst of this natural wonder, I am also reveling in the joys of parenthood as my 16-year-old child embarks on new milestones - obtaining his driver's permit. Spending quality time together, while teaching him how to drive reminds me of the precious bond between a parent and child. Each stage of a child's life brings unique moments of growth, and I hold dear the memories of my son's early years when his personality flourished, and his curiosity knew no bounds.
Reflecting on the importance of the early years, I am reminded of the critical role that preschool programs play in nurturing young minds and shaping their view of the world. By providing a secure and stimulating environment, we lay the groundwork for their future learning and development. As we approach the summer season, I encourage you to embrace the simplicity of life and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether it's exploring local parks or embarking on new adventures outside, I hope you make the most of every opportunity to connect with those who matter most.
From Anna Mattesich, Preschool Instructional Coach
As the warmer days of summer approach, let's take learning outside and create summer magic! Here are some ideas inspired by the Creative Curriculum:
- Gather loose parts such as boards, boxes, and milk crates; these make excellent materials for building.
- Use tape or clothespins to attach paper to a fence, and you have an outside easel.
- Make your own musical instruments using old pans and kitchen utensils.
- Start collections of natural items that children can investigate, manipulate, sort, and classify.
- Build movement stations and obstacle courses that grow and change over time.
- Grab a book and read together outside.
- Enjoy a meal or snack outside -- there is a different feeling when we are outdoors.
We hope these summer-inspired ideas bring endless joy and laughter to your family as you explore, play, and learn together.
Preschool Registration Update
We are excited to announce that as of May 30th, we have successfully accommodated all families who have applied for our program. Here is a brief overview of the current status of our programs:
**3-Year-Old Program**
All applicants who have applied for the 3-year-old program have been accommodated. However, please note that we have reached full capacity for our 3-year-old spots. Any new applicants will be added to a waitlist, and as openings become available, we will reach out to individuals in the order of application.**4-Year-Old Program**
Similarly, all applicants who applied for our 4-year-old program have been successfully accommodated, and we still have remaining spots available. New applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach full capacity. Once all spots are filled, we will initiate a waitlist system.Ridgefield Park-Early Childhood Advisory Council (RP-ECAC)
The Early Childhood Department successfully hosted its first Ridgefield Park-Early Childhood Advisory Council (RP-ECAC) meeting. The RP-ECAC serves as a platform for community stakeholders to collaborate on developing, evaluating, and addressing the needs of the residents of Ridgefield Park. We had an excellent turnout, and we have already begun making progress on important initiatives. Your participation and input are valuable to us, and we would like to extend an invitation for you to join our June meeting. Please complete the form if you are interested: RP-ECAC Member Form
Preschool Classroom Highlights From Around The District
Co-op Class 1
Exploring the wonderful world of insects with Mrs. Brianne's class at Ridgefield Park Co-Op! πππΏStudents discovered the beauty of tiny critters with magnifying glasses and tweezers in hand during the Insect Study!
Little Stars Class 1
Connecting dots between classroom learning and real-life observations, one insect sketch at a time π¦π¬! In Ms. Maria's class, these children are enhancing their learning experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the insect world around them.
Grant School
Welcome to the wonderful world of learning in Ms. Steele's class! πβ¨ These students are embracing new experiences and discoveries every day, thanks to materials from All Schools Special Needs. Special shoutout to Ms. A for the captivating Ooblek experiment β solids and liquids never looked so fun!
Little Stars Class 2
Ms. Christine and her students are on a roll this month - crafting bald eagles for Memorial Day and creating a class yearbook! Getting Ready for Kindergarten is full steam ahead as they prep for graduation, personalize cap and gown templates, and go on a trip to Lincoln School to visit a kindergarten class! πβ¨
Co-op Class 2
School Visits
Playground Safety
Outdoor play has many benefits for young kids as well as grownups! It provides exercise, fresh air, interaction with nature, and opportunities to use motor muscles in different ways. Before you head out to your favorite park or playground, check out these safety reminders from kidshealth.org!
As summer approaches, exploring different parks and playgrounds can be an exciting adventure for families. From Vogt Park to various other village parks, each outdoor space offers unique recreational opportunities for kids and adults alike. Setting a goal to visit different town parks throughout the summer can provide a fun and enriching experience for the whole family.
Ridgefield Park Summer Recreation Program
The Ridgefield Park Recreation Department offers a summer camp tailored for children aged 4 to 6th grade, providing a venue for summer fun and activities. Those interested can access further details on the program through the provided link for the Ridgefield Park Summer Recreation Program.
Preschool Program Information Session
Thanks for joining us for the preschool information session on May 15th. If you were unable to attend, you can view the information on our website: https://www.rpps.net/preschool/latest_news
PIC/PIRS: Anna Mattesich, amattesich@rpschools.net
Questions about the registration application should be sent to kthompson@rpschools.net
Questions about medical documents should be sent to eaguilar@rpschools.net