NEW BEGINNINGS
     It can be a return to a familiar and comfortable location or an arrival at an as yet unknown place…still, an adventure awaits stirring the senses to a mix of excitement and anticipation. Some might say it's just that old "First Day of School" feeling. But there are those of us who thrill with delight at the old adage, "Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life" because we know that is truly the spirit of childhood.
     As the new school year begins to unfold, know that you are in an environment that embraces the concepts that children learn and develop through creative exploration and experimentation, and that play is truly the work of childhood. By being provided with a rich environment and allowed the freedom to take risks, the children become the creative architects of their own early learning experiences.
     As I'm sure you know, Crestwood Hills Cooperative Nursery School encourages and supports the personal, social and emotional growth of children. Throughout the year in the classroom and on the playground we focus on helping the children develop the lifelong skills of problem solving, decision-making and conflict resolution-and we don't forget to have FUN!
     I firmly believe that the Crestwood Hills Cooperative Nursery School philosophy is also completely applicable to adults as well as to children. As parents here you have become part of an organization which welcomes new ideas, makes time for discussion and process, and faces challenges through problem solving cooperative effort-and we have a good time doing it.
     So this new "Back to School" ADVENTURE is yours-the parent-as well as your child's. What you have learned, or may yet learn, here about problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution and PLAY can be applied to ourselves, with our friends, colleagues and co-workers. Try to give yourself permission to apply it all on an adult level. If you give yourselves the same gift each of you is giving to your children-the gifts of play, the gifts of skill at problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution, the gifts of respect for self and other-than you can take the Crestwood spirit out into the world with you and be a builder of community spirit and connectedness.
     YOUR CHILDREN CAN DO IT-SO CAN YOU. Have a great year!