November Growing Tree News

November Calendar:

Poinsettia Fundraiser:

For those families that are new to Growing Tree, our biggest fundraiser of the year is our Poinsettia sale. This year marks our 26th year selling these beautiful plants to businesses in our community. Funds from the sale are used for teacher incentives and professional development. Poinsettia order forms will be available at the front desk. For every 2 plants you sell you will receive 1 volunteer hour! Every plant counts! I personally deliver the plants to businesses in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, and Sisters. Delivery will happen the week of December 4th. This years goal is to sell 700 plants. Together we can do it! Orders due: November 6th. To date we have sold 156 plants, only 544 to go!

November Conferences:

Conferences will take place on November 10th. The format will be in-person and a casual meet and greet with your childs teacher. Our goal is to connect with parents to better provide care for your child. You should have recieved an invite to sign up.

Winter is Near:

It is time to bring in your child’s labeled winter gear. This includes: snowsuit, boots, hat, 2 pairs of gloves or mittens
We would appreciate it if the winter gear was left at school throughout the week so children have appropriate clothes at all times as weather changes.

Winter Car Safety:

Bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, can compress in a crash and leave the straps too loose to restrain your child, leading to increased risk of injury. Ideally, dress your baby/child in thinner layers and wrap a coat or blanket around your baby/child over the buckled harness straps if needed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ja60Nu5Kjc

Winter Menus:

On October 30th we will switch to our Winter Menus. The menus are posted in the lobby and on our website under the USDA tab

Happy Harvest

What a turn out we had at the DD Ranch! It was a beautiful day and it was a pleasure to watch our families celebrate Fall. Thank you for joining us. The teacher each brought a pumkin back to their classrooms. We cannot wait to see how each class explores their pumpkins.

Halloween:

Growing Tree is going to celebrate Halloween a little different this year. We would like the kids to participate in a “Growing Tree Spirit week” Each day will have a different “theme”

• Tuesday 31st: What Do I Want to be When I Grow Up?
• Wednesday 1st: Crazy Sock Day
• Thursday 2nd: Sports Day
• Friday 3rd: Crazy Hair Day

First Friday:

Growing Tree provides a parents night out on the First Friday of each month. This is a great opportunity to have a date night or just some quiet time. The evening includes: dinner, crafts, and a movie. Children should bring their pajamas. Our next First Friday is November 3rd.

• Sign up at the front desk – space is limited
• Time: 5:30-10:00pm
• Bring pajamas
• Enjoy your evening

Holiday Sing-A-Long

Mark your holiday calendar for Monday, December 11th for the Growing Tree Annual Holiday Sing Along. Each classroom, yes even our Seedlings will pe performing. This event is not to be missed, so start thinking about which holiday sweater you will wear.

• December 11th
• Unitarian Universalist First Church
• 6:00-7:30
• 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR 97703

Growing Tree does not follow the Bend-LaPine scholl districts Inclement weather policy for closeures or delayed start of school. Our goal is to be open. If the school district does post a closure or delay, I typically will notify all families through our Brightwheel App what Growing Tree’s intent is for that day is.

Julia Duke Photography

A big shout out to Julia Duke for the amazing photos she was able to capture! There is nothing that gives me greater joy than looking at the pictures of your children on our walls. There is so much character, attitude and confidence going on, it makes my heart smile. You should have received your child’s school pictures via email. If you did not please contact me. We have displayed the pictures across the center for all to enjoy. Please take time to take a look (don’t forget to look at the display down by Sprout 2.

Dates to Remember:

• November 6th: Poinsettia orders due
• November 3rd: First Friday
• November 10th: Conferences
• December 11th: Holiday Sing A Long

Play Lists:

Class playlists are available on the website under the Parent Tab.
Log in information is: username: parent password: gtcc2023

Helpful Hints:

• Growing Tree is a nonprofit organization. If you are interested in serving on our Board of Directors please speak with Tammy.
• All clothes from home should be labeled with your child name
• Please take your child’s nap supplies home each Friday to wash and return them on Monday
• Check your child’s file folder on Fridays

Blue Bag Drive:

Blue bags are available for your recyclble bottles and cans. Each sleeve of bags earns you 1 volunteer hour. Pleas drop your full blue bags at the bottle drop located at 755 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR 97701. Thank you, to date Growing Tree has received $2000 from your recycling.