Unexpected Fire Drill!

Children do well when they have very clearly defined reactions prepared. Even if it means giving them specific words or phrases to use, make sure that they have a definite course of action in mind. Rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse. Talking about what to do is helpful, but nothing will ingrain it in your child’s head like actually doing it. Practicing how to react is the single most effective way to ensure your child will react safely if confronted with danger. So make a plan, then practice it. Practice listening for the smoke detector (test it so they know what it sounds like), crawling under the smoke to get outside to your meeting place, feeling the doors, etc. Make it a game, but make sure they know the steps.  We had an unexpected fire drill this week and it couldn’t have gone better. Way to follow directions kiddos! 

Pirate & Princess Week

The children had a great pirates and princess week! On Monday they all made pirate hats and tiaras, then Tuesday each class made a pirate flag and they looked great! The highlight of the week was when Captain Hook and Anna come to visit. She sang the most beautiful songs and helped the kids build a snowman. Captain Hook wasn't scary at all, in fact he was very nice and funny! What a fun and magical place our school was transformed into this week!

Mr. Dennis Comes To Visit With The Skid Steer Truck!

In honor of dirt diggers and wood working construction week, the children had a very yummy dirt pie pudding with worms! Also, the kids made bird houses in each class and today we saw an entire flock of geese fly over our playground. Today, Mr. Dennis came to visit with his big Skid Steer Loader. The children had a great time learning about this small rigid frame, engine powered machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of labor-saving tools or attachments. We ended our fun week with a great water play day.

Mr. Amato the Magician Visits!

We're starting off great with a summer full of magical fun! Mr. Bruce Amato is the kids' favorite visitor. He is always so funny and has great messages of moral character and friendship! He lets the kids be part of the act and he always has his sweet bunny Maybeline with him. Great job Mr. Amato, you're the best!

Life is better with SpRiNkLeS!

It's the FIRST FRIDAY of SUMMER 

and all of our AoHV teachers got a 

FUN FRIDAY Surprise...

an ICE CREAM BAR! 

They said ice cream was a great way to COOL OFF in the SUMMER HEAT!  

LIFE is BETTER with SPRINKLES...

of all kinds!

All of the children enjoyed their first WATER PLAY FRIDAY of the SUMMER in the SPRINKLES, while the teachers enjoyed some surprise sprinkles of their own!

 From cupcakes...

to Hershey's...

to the Sundae Sprinkles, the first FRIDAY of SUMMER at AOHV has been a BLAST!

We are so excited to wish all of our friends a HAPPY SUMMER!!

Teacher Appreciation Week!

Few other professionals touch as many people as teachers do. Educators contribute to communities across our state every day in many ways. During Teacher Appreciation Week, thousands of communities will take time to honor their local educators and the commitment, enthusiasm and hard work of all educators and caregivers— past, present and future. Teacher Appreciation Week is your opportunity to show your appreciation to teachers/caregivers for all the effort they put in each day and the education that we receive thanks to them, and to acknowledge the crucial role teachers play in making sure every student receives quality care and education. A big shout out to the Annastas family for an amazing lunch that was catered in from Dream Events & Catering. It was great!

Pre-K Prom!

The most amazing event for our children at AoHV is the experience of learning, laughing, and of course growing, but whenever we have moments like this, the 2016 Hollywood prom, our efforts are glorified forever by memories of sweet innocence of the purest form. Our children learn also from each other to lead, follow, and make choices that ultimately define their personalities and futures. We as teachers, administrators, and parents feel a bittersweet sorrow when our children leave our facility to go into the world, but we are surely proud we gave then their best first head start! Congratulations Pre-K, you're almost there!

Releasing A Baby Butterfly!

The school age children of AoHV were given baby caterpillars to hatch and care for. Our friend Jeremy thoughtfully decided to donate his baby caterpillar to our room. As we watched the chrysalis get darker and bigger, the children anticipated his butterfly birth. Behold! Yesterday he hatched and we let him go on a nearby honeysuckle bush. We are honored to give your children more than the gift of art, structure and respect, but the gift of life and caring for our Earth and all its inhabitants from great to small.

Last day of Labrador Hollow at AoHV!

The children have really enjoyed the Labrador Hollow Learning Program every Friday this month. Last week the children got to dress up and have their picture made and the ladies brought the portraits to us today for them to take home. They also taught the children about being respectful, having patience and listening to their hearts. Today, they taught them how to put the "icing on the cake" and they got to eat their cupcakes at snack time. We are so happy & fortunate to be blessed with the devotion of these teachers & authors that came to visit our school.