Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 4 December 2014 A Message From Your Executive Director, Robin McCants Parent Applause Congratulations! Arthurtown Parent Vashekia Simpson who is training to become a volunteer at Harvest Hope. Children’s Garden Parents Shaanda Cheeseboro on her promotion to assistant manager at Family Dollar and Calista McKenzie on her new job at Lexington County Mental Health. Tender Years Parent Cynthia Goodwin who started her new job at Kraft Foods.. Vital O Polar Express Day Save the Date! Come enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while watching Polar Express with your children Children’s Garden Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 3pm Arthurtown Thursday, Dec. 18 at 2pm Tender Years Friday, Dec. 19 at 2pm From Your Health Services Manager, Martina Mitchell Think Toy Safety This Holiday Shopping Season Choose toys with care. Keep in mind the child’s age, interests and skill level. Look for quality design and construction in all toys for all ages. Some helpful hints: 1.Look for age recommendations, such as “Not recommended for children under 3.” 2.Infant toys should be large enough so that they cannot enter and become lodged in the baby’s throat. 3.Toys with long strings or cords are dangerous. Projectiles like flying toys can turn into weapons and can injure eyes in particular. 4.The law bans small parts in toys intended for children under 3. This includes small button eyes and noses on stuffed toys and dolls. December is the Month for Family and Traditions 1. Acknowledge your feelings. It’s normal to feel sadness and grief. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it the holiday season. 2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious, or social events. 3. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are. 4. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Plan ahead for shopping and other activities and stick to your budget. You can’t buy happiness with expensive gifts. 5. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Make some time for yourself. Tips for Managing Holiday Stress Whether you have a tight budget or work too many hours, there are a lot of reasons to stop and make this season a time for family traditions. Helping children to understand the joy of helping others and celebrating family is a lot of fun and creates happiness. There are a lot of ways to celebrate this season without focusing on expensive gifts. Here are just a few ways that VCM families can celebrate: 1. Stroll the farmers’ markets. 2. Make and decorate ornaments and cookies. Give them to a senior citizen’s home or your older neighbors who may not get out much. 3. Go to Edventure’s Snowville. It is free with our VCM pass. 4. Attend the art museum’s special holiday programs. 5. Make gifts instead of buying them.

President’s Day December 2014 Sunday MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday Saturday 1 World Aids Day: Do you know your status? 2 3 Parent Workshop TY at 2:45 pm 4 Policy Council Meeting at 4pm at Arthurtown Fiscal Training at CG—open to all parents 10 Donor Holiday Drop-In at CG at 4:30 pm Parent Workshop at AT 2:30 pm 11 Special Education Training at CG 4:30 pm 12 VCM Staff Holiday Party at CG 5:30 pm Parent Workshop at CG 3pm and 4pm Parent Committee at Tender Years 2:45pm Parents please remember that children will still go outside on most days even in colder weather. Please ensure that your children have the proper attire for outside playtime. Fatherhood Initiative Daddy and Me Story Time Dads visit your child’s classroom and read the children a story. Ask your teachers when is the best time to visit the classroom. Don’t forget to sign your in- kind sheet. Weather Closings I n case of inclement weather, VCM will follow Richland One School District’s closing recommendations. It is best to watch WIS-10 for delays and closings. Remember to change your child’s extra change of clothes as the weather changes! Literacy Corner Don’t forget to continue to read to your children over the holiday break. Spend time reading books about family, friends, sharing, and holidays. Start a family tradition of reading the same book every year during the holidays. Substituting your child’s name for one of the characters will make him enjoy the book even more. Please check your child’s cubby every school day! All Centers Closed All centers closed ATTENDANCE REMINDERS If your child is going to be out of school you must call in that morning before 8:30 to alert the school that they will not be here and why. When your child returns to school you need to have a note from the doctor or you stating why your child was out sick. Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter.very important Parent Workshops Come get great tips on how to manage holiday stress and purchase safe and educational toys for your children. Please see the calendar for dates and times at your center. POLAR EXPRESS WEEK DADDY AND ME STORY TIME WEEK From the VCM Family to Yours