Hello and happy Spring PEDP families!
Spring is here!!! Already I can see our spirits lifted by the warm(ish) breezes and the ice all thawed away. March was the (long) month of Creepy Crawlies and the kids had a blast being mini entomologists, creating classic dirt cups, investigating the fascinating science of speculative evolution, and getting curious about the most populous and diverse group of animals. On our early release Thursday, we even had a bug-themed special event, where the kids rotated between seven different bug-themed games and activities. We were also fortunate to have the chance to hear from a representative from the ACLU of Massachusetts, who read them a couple books about standing up for themselves and others, and gave a very informative presentation to the students about their human rights, and how important it is to protect them. Our Musical staff have worked incredibly hard to pull together an incredible show, and as we speak they are wrapping up the last few rehearsals before the big night.
With the onset of spring, we decided what better way to get the kids grounded and curious about rebudding trees and blooming flowers than to make April’s curriculum theme Rainforests. Another nature-based theme that has this naturalist extremely excited. Already PEDP teachers are coming up with plans for Rainforest Murals, reinforcing vocabulary with keyword games, and delving deep into the diversity of this incredible ecosystem.
The Wizard of Oz is coming to PEDP! I spoke about how the rehearsals are coming to a close, so if you are interested in seeing the fruits of this incredible production, the shows are Friday, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at PEDP.
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For all of you looking for a way to occupy your kids during the April Vacation Week, why not sign up for a day (or four) of our Spring Vacation Program!! Take a look at the details below and see if any of these wildly interesting programs interest you:
Tuesday:
HOW’S YOUR GOLF GAME? We’re headed to Kimball Farm to play mini golf and get some of that ice cream they are famous for!Field Trip: Kimball Farm in Westford, MA
Project: Make your own visor!
AM Snack: Bananas
Lunch: Bagel with cream cheese, Fruit
PM Snack: Skinny Pop and Apples
Wednesday:
A SPORTING CHANCE! Sportball Boston will be coming to PEDP. They provide high-quality multi-sport programs for young children with a strong focus on fun, confidence-building, and age-appropriate skill development.
Activity: Sports/Games with Sportball Boston at Peirce
Project: Sports ball keychain
AM Snack: Cereal with (or without) milk
Lunch: Pizza and salad
PM Snack: Pop Corners and pears
Thursday:
PUT ME IN THE ZOO! It’s always an adventure at Roger Williams Park Zoo! The Zoo is home to over 100 rare and fascinating species from around the world. Kids always enjoy this field trip.
Field Trip: Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI
Project: Travel games on the bus!
AM Snack: Petite Belgian Waffle
Lunch: Sack lunch (sandwich, chips, fruit)
PM Snack: Animal crackers and clementines
Friday:
THIS LITTLE PIGGY 🙂 We’ll be getting curious about pigs today! Michelle Burns will help us to get up close with two pigs from Gilbert the Party Pig. Discover why pigs are actually more intelligent than dogs! From their incredible memory to their problem-solving skills, you’ll leave a total pig expert.
Activity: Visit from two pigs!
Project: Paper Plate Pig Twirler
AM Snack: Yogurt
Lunch: Pigs in a Blanket (Hot dog in a crescent roll), chips and fruit
PM Snack: Cheez-its and melon
Sign up for the vacation program here —> Link to parent portal
-Search events and note that each of the four days is its own event so if you want all 4 days, you need to sign up for each one of them. Fees are $85-100 per child per day. Payment will automatically post to your account when you sign up and is due by February 6th. Let us know if you have any questions!
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If you are a Minnow parent looking to build some regulation skills in your child, then definitely take a look at this upcoming class: Coming back this spring is our greatly appreciated Movement and Mindfulness program! Desirée Reese Mottard is a former professional ballerina. She has taken her years of performing and teaching ballet, along with years of study in mindfulness from Lesley University, and combined these experiences to create her program Movement & Mindfulness. She has been sharing her program since 2014 with children and adults. Visit her website at:
Movementmindfulness.com
Class Details:
Day: Wednesdays starting April 8th through May 20th
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Where: Outside on the Peirce field (Peirce gym in inclement weather)
Cost: $150
Sign up through the above parent portal link, choose the EVENT “Movement & Mindfulness FY26”
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Looking ahead a little bit:
Join us on Friday, May 1st at the Neighborhood Club for our annual PEDP TRIVIA NIGHT!!! Wooooo!!! Join us for a night of trivia, laughter, and friendly competition — all in support of PEDP!
This adults-only event is one of our favorite nights of the year. Enjoy great company, dinner and drinks, exciting auction and raffle items, and a lively trivia competition — all while helping raise critical funds for our student programs.
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Finally, I’d like to close this newsletter with some news from our Beloved Minnow Coordinator, Ms. Courtney:
It is with a heavy heart that I, Miss Courtney, have to announce I will be leaving PEDP after the April vacation week. My family is relocating back to Virginia for my husband to take advantage of a new job opportunity. I have adored my time working with PEDP and I will truly miss being a part of such a wonderful community. My time here, the children, families and staff I’ve worked with will forever hold a special place in my heart! I hope to be back to visit for a future craft fair or Trivia night event!
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TL;DR:
Friday, April 3 – No School or PEDP
Tuesday, April 7 – The Wizard of Oz dress rehearsal
Friday, April 10 at 7:00 pm – The Wizard of Oz performance
Saturday, April 11 at 7:00 pm – The Wizard of Oz performance
Tuesday, April 14 at 9:00 am – The Wizard of Oz performance for Peirce School
Monday, April 20 – No school or PEDP
Tuesday, April 21 – Friday, April 24 – PEDP Vacation Week Program
Friday, May 1st – PEDP Trivia night.
Until next time,
JP, on behalf of PEDP. 🐌
