August 1^st our full day students kicked off the 2011/2012 school year. September 1^st marks the first day that all our students returned to the Charlotte Jewish Preschool. As I remarked in my welcome address on Tuesday night, The Charlotte Jewish Preschool is a home when all our children return. I am looking forward to the year with great anticipation as we roll out new programs, develop our facilities, welcome new clergy and support the Parent Teacher Organization.

New Programs

Our teachers have always incorporated science into the CJP curriculum. A preschooler has a natural curiosity and wonder of the world in which they live. Whether blowing bubbles, watching Miss Nadine’s hermit crabs, working at light tables or watching the leaves change color, your child is engaged in discovering how the world works. Science beyond the classroom is the enrichment program that Miss Stacey will provide to all our students and staff this year.

 

Though our ones and twos are too little for gym, developing their gross motor skills is part of CJP curriculum. Miss Patty will provide gross motor enrichment classes for our (5) day ones and twos students. Students in our (3) & (2) day program will enjoy special gross motor activities with Miss Jill and Miss Rachel.

Facility Development

For two years, it has been my vision to create stronger outdoor learning spaces. In the spring, The CJP Board of Directors took the first steps to bring this vision to life. As this project progresses, the CJP Board of Directors and I will keep you informed every step of the way. Many hands will be needed to make this happen and I know when called, our parent volunteers will be available to help.

 

New Clergy

Everyday the clergy of Temple Israel and Temple Beth El are available to work with our students. Each Friday, CJP celebrates the coming of Shabbat. Rabbi Murray Ezring (Temple Israel), Cantor Elias Roochvarg (Temple Israel), and Rabbi Judy Schindler (Temple Beth El) have joined our staff for many years to provide an incredible preschool Shabbat experience. CJP welcomes three new members of the Charlotte clergy; Rabbi Noam Raucher from Temple Israel, Rabbi Jonathan Freirich and Cantor Mary Thomas from Temple Beth El. I look forward to the classroom learning and the Shabbat magic that our new clergy will bring to our children. Please remember that this amazing team is always supportive of the needs of our school and our families.

PTO

A sense of community is an important part of the CJP experience. The PTO has created a calendar of events to strengthen our CJP family. Volunteers are the most important ingredient in creating a successful community. From fundraising events to social outings, I know each one of you will make a commitment to becoming a working member of the CJP Parent Teacher Organization.

It has brought me tremendous joy to welcome our returning families and to see how your children have grown so big over the summer. I am looking forward to getting to know all out new families and students as we journey through their first educational years. The Charlotte Jewish Preschool is here to help each family and student to Learn, Grow and Connect.

Please contact our office at any time if you need any assistance.

We are excited to announce a new change to our entry system for our preschool building.  For the last 5 years, CJP has been using swipe cards.  The Foundation of Shalom Park has been responsible for the programming and issuance of these cards.  As some of you may know, it took some time to get new cards issued and/or to replace lost cards.  Also, how many times have you called from the front door to gain access because you left your swipe card in your other purse or jacket?

We now have in place a numeric keypad located in the same spot as the swipe card reader.  Each family has been assigned a 4 digit code that will grant you access into the CJP, through the front door only (All other doors will still remain locked).  Please do not share this code with friends and neighbors; if they do need entry into our building please have them use the call box.

Here is the process for getting your access code:

1. Return your swipe card(s) to Alyson using the personalized envelope that was sent home this week.
2. Upon receipt, Alyson will issue your access code in a sealed envelope. Please share this code with only  your spouse or significant other.
3. If you have lost your swipe card, please send in a check for $15 in the envelope and your access code will be issued to you.
4.  If you did not pick up a swipe card this year, please return the envelope with a note indicating such.

All swipe cards must be returned to Alyson no later than Friday, February 4.  Any family not returning their swipe cards will be charged $15 to their tuition account.  Swipe cards will no longer work on our doors as of Monday, February 14, 2011
Thank you for your cooperation during this process!!

In the case of inclement weather, CJP will post closings on the following resources:
CJP website, CJP's Facebook page and our main number at 704.944.6776.  We will also post closings on WCNC Charlotte (NBC), WSOC-TV (ABC), and News14 Carolina.  Please note that in some cases we may not follow the CMS closing schedule.