Dear CNS Families,
I’m not sure about everyone else, but it feels like summer flew by - I cannot believe the first day of school is almost here! If your family is anything like mine, you’re probably trying to reestablish reasonable bedtimes, limit ice pops to special occasions, and cut back on those 8 p.m. trips for Bishops Ice Cream because “it’s summer!” While the school year brings much-needed structure and routine, many of us are also embarking on an exciting (albeit daunting) new chapter in our children’s lives.
Fortunately, one of the best aspects of Community Nursery School is its community. I encourage everyone to participate in as many events as possible, sign up for co-op roles, and seek support from veteran parents. The Cooperative is only as strong as our collective commitment!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or just to say hi—my figurative door is always open.
Here’s to new friends, cherished memories, and a fantastic school year!
Taryn Kelly-Doran, CNS Board President
What’s New
Back to School Reminders
The start of the school year is a busy time. Be sure to double check that all of your required CNS forms have been submitted, and you are set up in Brightwheel. The CNS Handbook is a great resource, as is the CNS Co-Op Field Guide - all of this information will help ensure a smooth transition into the new school year.
Save the Date
August 28, 7:30pm: CNS Nature School Orientation Meeting (virtual)
September 3 & 4: Meet and Greets
September 5 & 6: First Day of School
Top Tip - A Goodbye Routine
Before school starts is a great time to start practicing your goodbye routine. For many children entering preschool this is the first time they are saying goodbye and separating from their grown-up. Coming up with a short, sweet, and predictable goodbye routine is a great way to give your child clear expectations about what this will look like on the first (and second, and third!) day of school. It's fun to come up with this special goodbye together. Some children like a hug and a fist bump, others like a special saying, others a secret handshake. It doesn't matter what it looks like as long as it's predictable. Saying goodbye to your child confidently communicates that you feel positive and safe with leaving them at school. Reassure them that you will see them after their day of learning and playing. ♥️
Rachel Daniels, CNS Director
Family Spotlight
The Bartkuses
Andrew and Lauren Bartkus are parents to twins Graham (4) and Rhys (4), both in the Nature Kindergarten class, and their older brother Caelan (7). After many years in Seattle, WA, they moved to Guilford in July. All three boys enjoyed outdoor preschools on the west coast, and Graham and Rhys are excited to continue here.
Andrew is a software engineer for Redfin, a real estate brokerage. Lauren is a graphic designer and is looking forward to working again after caring for the kids full-time. They moved to CT to be closer to Lauren’s friends and family. Together, they’ll be crafting the CNS newsletters all year long!
As a family, they enjoy board games, watching football, and visiting the pool or the beach. The boys spent the summer immersing themselves in the Olympics and the world of Harry Potter - they can spend a whole day at their imaginary Hogwarts!
Classroom Corner
Olympic Spirit!
As summer sessions came to a close, students enjoyed participating in the CNS Nature School Olympics.
