NACS logoNorthern Adirondack Central School Story Archive

Dec. 2011

On Monday mornings, you might see babies, toddlers and preschoolers, along with their parents/caregivers, heading to school.  You might be wondering what they are doing at NACS!

They are participating in the play group at the family resource center which takes place in the elementary science lab in the basement of NACS!  Yes, the Child Care Council transforms a science lab into a family resource center on Mondays (when school is in session) from 9:30 am to 12:15 pm.  All families with very young children are invited to participate in this free program funded by the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant from the federal government to our local CVES.  The Child Care Council contracts with CVES to provide this programming.  DeAnn Gregory and Jamie Basiliere are the two staff people from the Child Care Council who are on site Monday mornings.

What does it look like and what exactly do we do? 

After clearing tables and stools aside, we set up the science lab with the following areas:

  • soft padded infant area with baby toys
  • wooden block area
  • easel painting
  • sensory table with corn, water or some other fun substance
  • play dough table
  • doll and housekeeping kitchen

We have free play, healthy snack, circle time with songs and a story, and an arts activity and then we head upstairs to the gym for running, jumping, parachute play and ball play! 

We also offer a 12 week parenting enrichment series called The Incredible Years which will start Monday, January 23, 2012 at 10 am and will take place during play group.

Ages and Stages Questionnaire is offered to all the children and this developmental screening helps inform parents/caregivers on how their children are developing

Parents/caregivers have told us the following about our programming:

  • “We are so excited to come and play.”
  • “Play group is the highlight of our week.  It is a great place for the children to play, learn social skills and have fun.”
  • “We look forward to coming to play group!  My kids love playing with everyone.”
  • “We look forward to play group each week!  It is such a great place to make new friends and have fun.”
  • “Play group is our favorite way to make local friends, network with other families and have fun.”  Emily Blauvelt
  • “Play group is definitely something we look forward to each week.  The flexible structure not only enables the kids to socialize and learn valuable skills for school, but also allows parents time to interact as well. We love it!” Jessica Gilmore
  • “Play group is something we have found definitely needed for preschoolers for socialization, love and learning from others.  It is a necessity that helps tremendously in learning, socializing and helping and guiding parents.”  Mr. & Mrs. McGowen

FAST Program Update:
One of the families that participated in the program has a high energy daughter who struggles with listening to instructions.  Mom has had a difficult time redirecting the little girl.  The FAST team has watched the family grow throughout the program.  During week 6 the mom came across the room to redirect her daughter back to her table without any direction from the FAST team.  It is very empowering for this mom to be able to discipline her child in a healthy manner and have her child listen.

April 2011

Northern Adirondack Central Safe Schools/Healthy Students:
There has been many exciting things going with our “Communities of One” Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative at NAC Elementary since the beginning of 2011.  Here’s what is happening:

Too Good for Drugs Program:  As you are probably aware, Mrs. Brudvig and Mr. Kowolowski are presently delivering the “Too Good for Drugs Curriculum” in the K-2 grade levels.  The program focuses on making healthy choices.  The students are learning a lot and seem to be enjoying the lessons.

The Childcare Coordinating Council continues to offer our Playgroup and Mini Family Resource Center every Monday beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the elementary building.  They are also offering “The Incredible Years” Family Enrichment Program from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Child care is being provided.  Additionally, the Kinship Caregiver Group meets typically the second Monday of the Month at 10:00 in the NAC Family Resource Center.

Behavioral Health Services North has been providing us with the Adventure Based Learning Program and offering our on-site Mental Health Clinic.  Both of these have been of such great value to our students and families.

PMHP Child Associate, Mrs. Sheehan has been very busy providing child-directed play to some of our kindergarten students.   Again, Behavior Health Services North is a partner with us in this project.  The model for Primary Project is data based and stems from Children’s Institute.

The NAC Elementary Family Resource Center is available to families in our district.  There are many wonderful resources that can help assist with parenting and education issues spanning from prenatal care to raising teenagers.  You will also find that the resources cover a wide range of topics.  Please feel free to come take a look at what we have to offer.  Resources are available through books and DVDs and may be signed out from Mrs. Filion at our check-in desk.

Golden Rule Week was celebrated the first full week of April.  We had a “kick off” with a wonderful presentation from Motivational Media on “Children Practicing Respect.”  Twin Day, Hat Day, Dress Your Best Day, Crazy Sock Day and Spirit Day/PRIDE Assembly were highlighted.

Up-Coming Developmental Asset Events:
The NAC Elementary Career Fair will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2011 highlighting various careers.  Students will be engaged in a number of career exploration activities throughout the week.

The NAC Fifth Grade Job Shadowing Day will be held on Friday, June 10, 2011 where students participate in a job shadowing experience. They can attend work with a parent, relative or visit another work site.   In the past, our students have returned to school with so many exciting things to share with their classmates regarding their experience.

NAC Elementary Spirit Day held on Tuesday, June 21 will be one our final events of the Year.   It is a day filled with activity, fun and excitement.  It is an opportunity to spend quality time with classmates and faculty/staff while also building developmental assets.