Week 3 August 24-28, 2026
Hello TK-C Families!🌟
Things are starting to click into place! I can’t believe tomorrow is the first day of SEPTEMBER! 🍁Pumpkin Spice Latte Season -- is here!
Last week we wrapped up our third week together and we really seem to be settling into our routines, our mornings, and increasingly comfortable in our classroom. It feels good in the room! Friendships are developing, personalities are shining through, and we are seeing so many little moments of kindness and care for one another.
This week, we will connect further with the Zones of Regulation and discuss our feelings, moods, and emotions. Check out our TK webpage.
We will also be putting extra attention on two important skills: sharing and cleaning up together.
We intentionally use many communal supplies in our classroom to build the idea of “ours” rather than “yours and mine.” For example, when we build with blocks or Magna-Tiles, one person can't take all the pieces—we are learning how to play, build, negotiate, and create together. We have been talking about what sharing means and highlighting when someone says, “they are NOT sharing with me.” We talk about how it is ok to not give someone something that you are playing with straight away. We ask “can I please have that when you are finished,” to solve this problem.
The same idea applies to clean-up time. Of course, children are learning to take responsibility for the materials they use, but we also want them to understand that we are a school family. Sometimes that means noticing what needs to be done and helping—even if you weren't the person who made that particular mess. We all work together to take care of our classroom.
We are so proud of the growth we are already seeing after just three weeks. Little by little, these routines, relationships, and responsibilities are helping our group become a classroom community—and it is pretty wonderful to watch and be a part of.
Thank you for sharing your kiddos with us!
❤️Frau Holt and Frau Barbara
Some reflections on the week:
Drop off: Great job getting everyone here in the morning and safely to our line! Go team!!
Recess: As the kids continue to become more comfortable with each other I have noticed that we are having more talks that include an apology. This is great practice in listening, speaking, and taking responsibility. We are getting very handsy, both girls and boys so please remind everyone that hands are for helping and playing on the playground!
We will start using tricycles soon! Students will work on safety first, taking turns, and having fun using their big muscles. Tricycle/Bicycle riding helps your child develop in many ways.
** Physical and Motor Skills
Leg and core strength: Pushing the pedals builds lower body muscles, while sitting upright engages core stomach and back muscles.
Bilateral coordination: Children learn to use both sides of the body together by pedaling with their feet while holding and turning the handlebars with their hands.
Balance and stability: Steering around curves and managing the trike teaches basic weight shifting and body control that prepares them for a two-wheel bicycle.
** Mental and Social Growth
Spatial awareness: Kids figure out distance, direction, and how much room they need to make a safe turn.
Problem-solving: Navigating around trees, toys, or rough patches teaches them to make quick decisions and avoid obstacles.
Confidence and independence: Moving on their own power gives young children a sense of agency and control over where they go.
🍔Food: THANK YOU for the labeled snacks and lunches!! This really helps us a lot! We have gotten to know better what the kids bring for snack and who needs lunches. Thank you for the support!
🫰Independence: “I Can Try!” — Backpack unzipping, planners in the basket, lunch container opening/closing, putting on shoes/socks, water bottle filling, bathroom routines - including zippers, snaps, etc., keeping their space organized - whether playing or working, and asking for help after trying first. Keep encouraging!
The students are doing great with support and will continue to get more and more independent as the weeks continue. The transition from toddler to age 4+ is a continuum and the range of skills is wider each month. From chores to self-care, emotional and social independence -- there is a LOT that your child is tackling each day. Thank you for practicing these skills at home and helping to build independence with your child in the wider world.
🥱Rest: We have started doing yoga as our intro to calming our bodies for quiet time. The goal of a yoga class is to get to Savasana -- the calm rest portion. We have been learning a lot of strategies to calm our bodies such as; body scan, belly breathing and simply listening to calming music. We are settling our nervous system to help us get the old energy out and let some new fresh energy come in so we can be ready for our afternoon together!
🟩 🟨 🟦 🟥 Zones:
Zones discussions are still happening and will continue through the year. Here is a song that we will be learning about following rules and directions. We are VERY CLOSE to filling up our “noodle jar” and we should be earning a whole class reward “Super Kinder Party” this week!
🏁Planners & Reading: Many parents are initialing nightly, and jotting down each evening what books you are reading together. Reading is where we hope you spend the most time with your child.
I would like to revisit how we use our planners and make this easier on both of us. For NOW…..we are only going to look at planners on Friday. We will be looking for the books that have been read that week and find a special Friday sticker to surprise the kids! Our communication seems solid on Class DoJo and the planners take a lot of time to go through and are not used by all families. You can keep them in the backpacks if you choose, but we will only be looking on Friday!
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Family photo: If you have not sent in a photo, please do and thank you to those that have been able to do so!
🗓️Important Dates
Monday, September 7 – Labor Day
🚫 NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, September 8 -- School Board Meeting @ 4:30pm
Wednesday, September 9 -- Golden Rule Day Wear gold shirts, metallic shoes, glittery accessories, or yellow clothing to visually represent the "Golden" Rule. (Kindness, hearts shirt messages too)
Thursday, September 10 – Elementary Back to School Night
🏫 5:00–7:00 PM
Come visit our classroom and learn more about our TK year! Classroom sessions will be offered at 5:30 PM and again at 6:20 PM.
Friday, October 2 -- 🇩🇪German Spirit Day 🇩🇪
Friday, October 9 -- 📸Elementary School Picture Day - UNIFORMS REQUIRED
October 19-23 -- 📚Scholastic Book Fair -- Volunteers needed!
October 19-23 -- Parent Conference Week - MINIMUM DAYS ALL WEEK
Friday, October 30 -- Character Day (cute costumes, not scary -- link to a book!)
Week 2 August 17-21, 2026
Happy SUN☀️DAY!!!
WOW! What a great week we had with our TKC Family! In just our short time together, we are noticing small differences in how we are working together as a family! The kids are connecting and we can see relationships growing! We have also seen a LOT of runny noses, coughs, ear aches and I have heard of COVID cases as well last - I expect it to continue for a bit so let's stock up on vitamin C and we will keep washing hands and the tables!
Last week we had Musik with Frau Claudia, and this week we are back on for PE, Art and library! Specials are a super way to get your feet wet volunteering. This process takes a little bit to get through, but it is good for several years, so please turn in your paperwork and let's get you into class with us for some fun!!!
Here is the direct link: https://app.cariina.com/public/workflows/boards/68939ffd0150f9608d65c58e
Some reflections on the week:
👋 Drop off: We are beginning WEEK 3 on Monday. Thank you for helping to streamline our drop offs and pick ups! Please be sure not to leave any vehicles parked in the vehicle drop off line to pick up kids on foot. We appreciate your cooperation! If you have any concerns, please let me know!
🍔 Food:
**If your child is bringing Home Lunch— please be sure they know what is SNACK and what is LUNCH. Having a separate SNACK BAG and LUNCH BAG is useful, if you are able.
* Notes from parents have been very helpful in guiding us!
🍎 Snack: Most children seem to have enough snack through the day. Most snacks seem on target - healthy food. Please- NO COOKIES or CANDY. Save those treats as leverage at home— rewards for a successful day at school- cooperating with their teachers and classmates. Water should also be the only drink students bring from home. Milk is available at lunch. Please do not send Gatorade or juice.
If you would like to donate to the class here is a sign up sheet!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1itScR6WoDRvyvfWgkmoBvyOKO9ZVbYNbK_6ikdZOyrA/edit?usp=drivesdk
🍱 Lunch: Students play first, then eat. Our system for ensuring School Lunch and Home Lunch students have time to eat each day relies on being prepared and students following their group from the playground to the lunch arbor. Talk with your child about staying in their correct line so they have time to eat. We eat as a class at the TK-C table and students have gotten to see/practice how to use the trash bin, compost bin, and leftover milk bucket. Next week, especially for School Lunch, we will focus more on being independent with opening their own food containers. A good skill to practice is “pinch and pull open” — like opening a ziploc bag or small package of food. Frau Barbara and I will begin taking our lunch at our regular time, which is during student lunch. We have been tag-teaming staying through lunch, but we will start eating our lunch during this time as well....Safety Crew will be with the students to help them be responsible for following the routines of getting from the playground to the lunch arbor, opening their food, and staying at their table. If students need to use the bathroom, they need to raise their hand and let a Safety Crew member know - but we do use the bathroom as a class right after lunch. It gives your child more time to eat if they wait for the bathroom until after eating. Students have a 40-minute recess/lunch break: 18-ish to play, 2-3 to walk, 3-4 to get settled and open food, 10-13 to eat, 2-4 to clean up. When lunch is over, they clean up, then stand in line by the table. Safety Crew only has 5-minutes between grade levels to reset the area, so everyone working together to ensure the next grade has clean tables is critical. Students need to look for me at our line and we need to stay together as we exit the Lunch Arbor. Single file line down the ramp and up the stairs on the right side to the bathroom.
* Menu is on our TK website!
💧Water: The water bottle situation has been great! Thank you for labeling and sending reusable water bottles. Students have a tray at their table to have easy access to water through the day. They also try to remember to carry it to and from lunch, so they can hydrate as they eat. Students may also have milk at lunch with the school lunch, and may choose to leave their water bottle on the white table outside our classroom door while they go get lunch.
🥱Rest: We have been using our hug-a-balls and sharing blankets as we still decide the best rest time options for our TKC family. I am noticing that some kiddos are having a harder time resting their bodies during quiet time. This is very normal.....as we have BUSY days and are constantly on the go- I remind them it is ok if this feels hard....they do not have to sleep but we use this time to calm all of our nervous systems so we can recharge for the rest of the afternoon!
👟 Shoes: Some children have been taking their shoes off at rest time. We are asking that they only do this IF they can put them back on by themselves. Please PRACTICE at home!! Not all students are independent with putting their shoes on yet. If they cannot put them back on, they will be asked to keep them on as they rest. If there were an emergency and we needed to leave the classroom, we would not be able to help everyone put on their shoes.
🚻 Bathroom: PLEASE be sure your child is comfortable and INDEPENDENT with how to manage their clothing for using the bathroom. Buttons, closures, zippers, etc. can be tricky and we are not supposed to provide help with using the bathroom. We are there for support, if needed, but they should be self-sufficient in using the bathroom and managing their clothing to do so. This includes wiping. If you have concerns about toileting, please let us know.
🎒 Backpacks: More students are becoming more independent with their backpacks and belongings, AND we are still practicing. When students arrive, they first need to put their backpack on their hook, then unzip, next put their planner in the basket. After that, they need to put their snack and water bottle on their table. In the morning, that is their first job. At the end of the day, we reverse this. To practice at home, try developing a similar routine where your child is responsible for emptying their backpack of their snack, water, and planner. Have a specific place for them to put these items. This routine at home will help you for years to come!
🟩 🟨 🟦 🟥 Zone:
This week we will continue to explore the zones of regulation. If you can use this concept at home it will make the connection stronger. Feelings equal a zone- all zones are ok. We have different strategies for different zones. I love to model for the kids when I am feeling a zone and need to adjust....
🏁Planners & Reading: Many parents are initialing nightly and writing the names of books read in the planner in the Spelling Words column. Reading is where we hope you spend the most time with your child on "homework". You are building your routines now for taking time to do some book and paper/pencil work now. Thank you for your support!!
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Family photo: We will be starting our unit on family....if you can send a picture or email me a picture of your family, that would be wonderful!
Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday evening!
❤️Frau Holt and Frau Barbara
Dates to note:
Monday, September 7 – Labor Day 🚫 NO SCHOOL
Thursday, September 10 – Elementary Back to School Night 🏫 5:00–7:00 PM
Come visit our classroom and learn more about our TK year! Classroom sessions will be offered at 5:30 PM and again at 6:20 PM.
Friday, October 9 – Elementary Picture Day 📸
Monday, October 12 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day 🚫 NO SCHOOL
Friday, October 16 – Picture Make-Up Day 📸
October 19–23 – Parent/Teacher Conference Week ⏰ Minimum Days all week
More information about conference scheduling will come as we get closer.
October 19–23 – Elementary Scholastic Book Fair 📚
Family shopping will be available after dismissal during conference week.
🛜 AEA Social Media Links to Follow
Instagram:
Albert Einstein Academies: alberteinsteinacademies
Friends of AEA: friends_of_aea
Facebook:
Albert Einstein Academies: https://www.facebook.com/people/Albert-Einstein-Academies/100063712476464/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Friends of AEA: https://www.facebook.com/foaea?mibextid=wwXIfr
Week 1 - First Week of School! August 10-14, 2026
😎 Happy Saturday!
WOW! What a week we had- meeting new faces, learning new expectations and routines, and getting more and more comfortable with our new physical spaces. Every child (and adult) seemed to grow more comfortable with each day and that will surely continue as we get further into our year.
The saying, “the days are long, but the years are short” is so important to remember as we move forward! Some days are going to feel very long…but, every so often we need to look back and remember that time is passing!? Think back to when these now TKers were just little babes. That time went by in the blink of an eye…one long day at a time. This is the magic of parenting…and teaching. Thank you for allowing Frau Barbara and I to be part of your child’s long (and quick) journey through TK.
Some reflections on the week:
👋 Drop off: THANK YOU for being such a punctual group! Starting on time is VERY important. Building that habit now in TK will help your child as they grow. Many older grades begin the day with academic content and being late means missing important instruction. In TK, we start with recess, but this time is JUST as critical in these early years. Play is your child’s work right now. We see and hear your child working out how to make friends, share toys, take turns, communicate, manage self-care by using the bathroom, and sometimes move through big emotions during recess. All of these “soft skills” help predict future success in so many other areas. The time we spend supporting the students' growth in these areas will pay off in dividends. Single steps will lead to running. There are a few tears hanging on, this is normal and these fade quickly once our day gets going. If you have specific concerns, please let us know.
🍔 Food:
**If your child is bringing Home Lunch— please be sure they know what is SNACK and what is LUNCH, Separate snack and lunch bags are the easiest for students, Adding a “snack” or “lunch” label can also help us adults support. Lunch is one of the hardest times of the day because everyone needs a lot of help, right now. This small adjustment will support the adults, which will support the kids! Also, if they cannot open the container themselves, they might be waiting- we have 20 little ones that all need help at the same time. Practice opening the containers at home with them so they can cut out the waiting time. THANK YOU!
🍎 Snack: Most children seem to have enough snack through the day. Some children are observing more still and snacking less— but even if they are not eating all the food, they are using the time to talk with their classmates and teachers. Most snacks seem on target - healthy food. Please- NO COOKIES or CANDY. Save those treats as leverage at home— rewards for a successful day at school- cooperating with their teachers and classmates. Water should also be the only drink students bring from home. Milk is available at lunch. Please do not send Gatorade or juice. We usually have fresh fruit to offer the kids and they love eating pears and apples becuase we can slinkify them with a spiralizer- they will eat every last piece of it....so if you send a whole apple we are happy to make the magic happen at school!
🍱 Lunch: Students play first, then eat. Our system for ensuring School Lunch and Home Lunch students have time to eat each day relies on being prepared and students following their group from the playground to the lunch arbor. Talk with your child about staying in their correct line so they have time to eat. Once we leave the playground, there is no walking back to play. If they forgot something, they need to let an adult know. This first week we focused on getting to the correct table and how to use the trash bin, compost bin, and leftover milk bucket. Next week, especially for School Lunch, we will focus more on being independent with opening their own food containers. A good skill to practice is “pinch and pull open” — like opening a ziploc bag. Frau Barbara and I have taken our lunch time this first week to be extra hands on deck at lunch, but we will be fading this support as students get more independent so that we also get a lunch break.
Safety Crew will then be relying on the students to be responsible for following the routines of getting from the playground to the lunch arbor, opening their food, and staying at their table. If students need to use the bathroom, they do need to raise their hand and let a Safety Crew member know - but we DO use the bathroom as a class right after lunch. It gives your child more time to eat if they wait for the bathroom until after eating. Students have a 40-minute recess/lunch break: 18-ish to play, 2-3 to walk, 3-4 to get settled and open food, 10-13 to eat, 2-4 to clean up. When lunch is over, they clean up, then stand in line by the table. Safety Crew only has 5-minutes between grade levels to reset the area, so everyone working together to ensure the next grade has clean tables is critical. Students need to look for me at our line and we need to stay together as we exit the Lunch Arbor. Single file line up the ramp and to the bathroom.
*Thank you for writing a quick note in the planner SCHOOL LUNCH or HOME LUNCH will give me the information I need to be successful!
💧Water: The water bottle situation has been great! Thank you for labeling and sending reusable water bottles. They try to remember to carry it to and from lunch, so they can hydrate as they eat. Students may also have milk at lunch with the school lunch, and may choose to leave their water bottle at our classroom while they go get lunch. If you have questions about what your child is eating or any concerns, please let us know. It is a busy time with a lot of activity- we try to see it all, but we may miss something. We appreciate you asking if you are concerned about your child’s eating time.
🥱Rest: Some students have been falling asleep during rest time, and the rest of us have been using the time to lay down, relax, and restore their energy. This is important practice to help your child manage their emotions, process all they are learning, and just be more balanced with their work/play/rest spheres. Everyone has gotten a hug-a-ball to use during quiet time. We listen to calming music and relax followed by a body scan and then some mindfulness exercises that we all do together!
👟 Shoes: Some children have been taking their shoes off at rest time. We are asking that they only do this IF they can put them back on by themselves. PRACTICE at home :-) Not all students are independent with putting their shoes on yet. If they cannot put them back on, they will be asked to keep them on as they rest. If there were an emergency and we needed to leave the classroom, Frau Barbara and I would not be able to help everyone put their shoes back on.
🚻 Bathroom: PLEASE be sure your child is comfortable and INDEPENDENT with how to manage their clothing for using the bathroom. Buttons, closures, zippers, etc. can be tricky and we are not supposed to provide help with using the bathroom. We are there for support, if needed, but they should be self-sufficient in using the bathroom and managing their clothing to do so. This includes wiping, so please make it a point to practice at home and ask them to show YOU how they do it at school. If you have concerns about toileting, please let us know.
🎒 Backpacks: Your child is expected to be unzipping and zipping their backpack to take out their planners and snacks. Please practice at home and if your child is not yet independent— keep practicing. They will get better with daily practice. The goal is that students can independently unpack their own materials at the start of each day and repack their belongings at the end of the day. We have been practicing putting our own backpacks on as well....they sit in front of their backpack put their arms through and then stand up! They are so proud to do it on their own!!
🟩 🟨 🟦 🟥 Zone Cards, Helping Hands & Treasure Box: We will begin using our Zones Cards in class to help students identify and keep track of their emotional Zone of Regulation. Green=Ready to Learn, Yellow=Excited/Extra Energy, Blue=Sad/Tired, Red=Mad.
All zones and feelings are valid. As humans, we expect to not always be feeling a-okay and in the Green Zone. As students and part of the TK-C School Family, though, we are all expected to work together and cooperate. Students not in the green zone may use the Calm Corner or a fidget or other tool to help reset. We encourage them to let us know if they are needing a break, a hug, or a moment to reset. The goal is being able to communicate this with words. We know all humans get frustrated and mad sometimes, but hitting, biting, pushing, etc. is not expected or okay. When students can cooperate and use their self-control as they are with us, they have been earning a sticker in their planner to communicate this to you at home. A sticker means your child worked WITH their teachers and class. If anything comes up I will either email you, send you a Dojo message in the chat or write a note in the planner.
🕝 Dismissal: Principal Mora has communicated the change in pick up procedure at the end of the day. Grown ups will ALL need to walk up and come to the classroom to pick up your TK-C student. You will come to the HEART ❤️ door on the corner of Ash and Fern Street, enter and come to room 2. We will be waiting there for you!
This will be a first for us, but we believe it will be the safest approach and help create a smoother end of day experience for your child. KinderMission and AfterStein students will be picked up by these programs and transferred safely. Thank you for your patience and flexibility regarding all of these logistics. In another week or two; we should be working as a well-oiled dismissal machine! Wednesday is 12pm! All other days, pick up @ 2:30pm. Students not picked up by 2:45pm will be waiting in the front office for you to sign them out.
🏁Planners & Homework: Many parents are initialing nightly and writing the names of books read in the planner. Thank you! If you have not started with this routine yet, please work to do so as you are able this next week. We understand this has all be a big transition. A lot of new things!
🗓️Important Dates
Back-to-School Night: September 10th, 2026 at 5 pm to 7 pm
Pastries with the Principal: Aug 20th at 8:30 am
Week 0 - Before School Begins! August 3-7, 2026
Hello TK Families!
TK Welcome Tea Event:
Save the Date Friday, August 7, 2026, 9:45 am – 10:30 am
It is an AEA tradition to have a TK/ Kinder Tea on the Friday prior to the start of school. This is an opportunity for our newest Einstein students to meet their teachers, see their classrooms, and receive their special Schultüte. Stay tuned for specifics from the office! Check your email!
Please note the start times below:
FYI -- Kindergarten will be held at 9:00, before TK.
9:45 TK Welcome Tea
*Your TK student’s class placement will be emailed to you the week of August 3rd for your planning purposes.
IF you don't receive an email, please contact the front office staff or email "Support@aeacs.org" for help.
We look forward to meeting you and beginning our journey together! It's going to be a wonderful year!!
Remember, School Begins on August 10th and campus opens for breakfast at 7:45am, students not eating breakfast are welcome on campus at 7:50am. First Day Only - grown ups may help walk their child to their line up area shared at TK Tea.
Check back for the most current information & updates!