This summer, I had the distinct pleasure of being able to watch a nest of robins in a bush by my patio. I got to see them in all stages from the brilliant blue eggs to fledglings—what a treat! It reminded me of what each new school year is like…full of the unknown, the excitement, the wonder. We are so excited to welcome back all of our fledglings: Minnows (K-1), Barracudas (2-3), and Sharks (4-5)! Dive in and swim with us!
Our monthly newsletters are one of the ways we communicate with you. After this one, they will be much shorter with just brief newsworthy notes. We welcome your feedback at any time. Send an email, give us a call or stop by to see us! Another great way to get info about PEDP is to look on our website: www.peirceedp.com.
First and foremost, let me introduce our amazing staff!
Admin Team Position Year at PEDP Schedule
Kathy Lynnes Executive Director 41st M-F
Nancy Holly Administrative Asst. 12th M-Th (and teaches Tu Early Birds)
Deb Wyler Administrative Asst. 9th Tu
Alicia Karunaratne Administrative Asst. 3rd F (and teaches Friday Early Birds)
Joanne Malouf Asst. Director/Coordinator 36th F
Jeff Newton Float Teacher First! M-Th
Minnow Team Position Year at PEDP Schedule
Courtney Broaddus Coordinator 8th M-F
Eliza Anise Teacher First! M-Th
Deb Blumenthal Teacher 2nd M-F
Lula Butler Teacher 2nd M-F (and teaches MTh Early Birds)
Kassidy Buzzell-Shane Teacher First! M-F
Norda Lino-Kelly Teacher First! Tu-F
Barracuda Team Position Year at PEDP Schedule
Joanne Malouf Asst. Director/Coordinator 36th M-F (and teaches W Early Birds)
Eric Goodridge Teacher First! M-F
Dru Maguire Teacher First! Tu-F
Laurie Pedzewick Teacher 17th TuWTh
Monica Reuman Teacher 3rd M-F
Arati Wanchu Mehta Teacher First! M-F
Yvonne Emery Support Staff 2nd M
Shark Team Position Year at PEDP Schedule
JP Myers Coordinator 2nd M-F
Yvonne Emery Teacher 2nd TuW
Alex Kaplan Teacher First! M-F
Deb Wyler Teacher 9th W
In addition to the group above, we will be welcoming 4 students from Boston College who will be doing their work study with us: Valentina Berthin, Emma Cunningham, Armani Frazier, and Linnea Guy. Sandra Pires will be a frequent substitute teacher for us. Gail Shaheen is the Program’s bookkeeper. She works offsite but you’ll see her name on paperwork.
We really value the experience our returning staff provide but also welcome the fresh perspective we gain from our new team members! When picking up, you should plan to have a photo ID with you in case you are asked by the staff to show it. It takes a while to learn all your names and faces!
We have 151 children currently enrolled in the program (over 60% of Peirce School!)
The Program’s Board of Directors for 2024-25 is listed below:
Alma Adler, Member
Alyssa Foster, Alternate
Travis Looker, Treasurer
Andrea Merin, President
Matt Orlando, Member
Dan Pregibon, VP
Pam Sarian, Member
Diana Schwartzstein, Member
Jason Schroder, Member
Karthik Venkatesh, Secretary
We have room for 1 more alternate on the board so let us know if you might be interested! Parents are always welcome to attend our monthly Board meetings held in the evening (in person or virtually).
CURRICULUM
After some brainstorming and lively discussion last week, the staff chose several themes which will be the focus of many activities throughout the year. These planned activities help to make the Program interesting, educational, and fun. During September, our theme is Space! We’re going to have some fun learning about planets, stars, galaxies, space travel, and much more!
CLASSES and FIELD TRIPS
We are planning to have several this year! Stay tuned for details about when they will be held, cost and how to enroll.
REQUESTS AND REMINDERS FOR ALL PARENTS…
- Our snack schedule is created 2-3 weeks at a time. Feel free to ask if you’d like to see a copy of it.
- All children should come to school each day with a water bottle clearly labeled with their name.
- Please pick up from the Program at Door #4 on the side of the school.
- Do not drive into the driveway AT ALL that leads to our entrance. Children and staff cross this pavement constantly; their safety is at stake.
- The Early Birds program ($14 per day) and Extra Hours ($14 per hour) are available to all families as space allows. Just ask!
- Remember that you must notify PEDP whenever your child will not be attending for the day. You may do this in person, by phone (617-332-5881), in writing, or via email: kids@peirceedp.com. There is a calling fee of $25 if the staff need to make phone calls to find out where your child is at attendance time.
EARLY RELEASE DAY: Thursday, September 26th (School dismisses at 12:10pm)
We are excited to have Flying High Dogs coming to do a presentation for the kids. Mike is a world record holder and multiple time world finalist in K9 frisbee. Mike and his 4 flying high frisbee dogs have appeared on Animal Planet, ESPN, commercials, and have performed for the NFL, NBA and loads of other places. We can’t wait to see the show!
I know this is a lot of information. Trust me, your children are getting even more! If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask. Again, welcome! I look forward to meeting and talking with each of you and getting to know your children.
Bidding summer adieu,
Kathy
