Baby Jesus

Merry Christmas Covenant families! The Bible concept this week is "God's son is born for us" (Isaiah 9:6). The children will continue to hear the story of Christmas. This week's story is the Shepherds at the Stable (Luke 2:8-20)

 

 

Save the Date!!!

Thursday, December 18 - Christmas Chapel and Reception

Friday, December 19 - Tuesday, January 6 - Christmas Break

 

Christmas Chapel

 Christmas Chapel and reception is on Thursday, December 18 at 9:30am in the Sanctuary.  The three-, four- and five-year-old classes will perform while our toddler classes will attend to watch the “big” kids.  The children will return to their classrooms for the day while parents enjoy refreshments in Eaton Hall provided by our parent volunteers!  This is an otherwise “regular” day and extended care is still available.

Advent with Kids

Recently the Covenant MoMs group enjoyed a presentation on ways to celebrate Advent with young kids. Below are a few of her great ideas.

 

Paper Chains

free printable courtesy of Small Fry blog

 

Life Made Lovely's paper chain incorporates daily readings from the Jesus Storybook Bible and is also a free printable.

 

 

Jesse Tree

Does your family make a Jesse Tree? Do you want to start one? Here are a set of Jesse Tree ornaments for purchase. Also, a free one.

 

Christmas Countdown

Tomfo gives out the great Santa Christmas Countdown as a free printable. Even the smallest kids could get into this one.

 

 

Little Family Fun made a countdown using letters. Check it out the ABC Christmas Countdown.

 

Service Opportunities Advent Calendar

Advent is a great time to speak with children about kindness. Below are some ideas that incorporate acts of service into your countdown.

 

The Imagination Tree has a really cute take on a service countdown that is also an alternative to the Elf on the Shelf. If you already take part in the Elf on the Shelf tradition, maybe your elf can leave these service suggestions in addition to their usual antics of climbing the curtains or fishing in the toilet. :)

 

This family did acts of service in lieu of a gift exchange and it really warms the heart to read their story.

 

Thirty Handmade Days did a beautiful acts of kindness list that has many ideas for you to incorporate into your own Advent calendar.

 

 

And even more ideas can be found here.

 

Jesus Storybook Bible

This beautiful free printable includes numbers for envelopes and readings for the envelopes. It's a very easy Advent calendar.

 

Advent Wreath

Light a candle each Sunday to mark the countdown to Christmas. This wreath can also be used during Lent.

 

Nativity Scenes

Pretty and bright nativity figures can be found at the Caravan Shoppe. An adorable peg people version can be found here.  And the simplicity of this black and white version is beautiful.

 

Hopefully you will find an idea in this list that works with the way your family celebrates Advent.

 

 

Daniel

During this week before Thanksgiving break the bible unit is Daniel and His Friends/In Furnace/Lion's Den (Daniel 3;6). The Bible verse is "God will help you" (1 Chronicles 12:18).

Make and Take!!!

Our amazing and creative parents have come up with another fantastic Make and Take. Available in the 2nd floor lobby Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20. The Make and Take is a holiday snake.

 

 

Save the Date

Monday November 24-Friday November 28 - SCHOOL CLOSED for Thanksgiving

Monday, December 1-Friday, December 5 - Scholastic Book Fair

 

David and Goliath

Welcome back after the long weekend! This week in chapel the children will hear the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The Bible concept is "God will help you"

Save the Date

Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20 - Make and Take in the lobby

Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28 - SCHOOL CLOSED for Thanksgiving Break

December 1 - 5 - Scholastic Book Fair

Holiday (Free) Fun

Whether you are the type to put off your shopping until December 24 or you already have the presents wrapped waiting for the tree, the holiday season is upon us. While hitting the stores and checking off everyone on your list may be occupying your mind, there are many free events in Austin this month to get everyone feeling in the spirit. Check out this list of free November events from Free Fun in Austin for all the details.

Moses - the Ten Commandments

This week's bible unit is Moses - the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20) and the Bible verse is "God has been good to me." (Genesis 33:11)

 

Save the Date

Thursday, November 6 & 7 - Speech and Language Screening - If you are interested in a screening for your child, click here and register!

Tuesday, November 11 - Veterans Day: School is CLOSED

 

A Moon of My Own

We had a great author reading of A Moon of My Own last week. If you'd like to order a signed copy for your home or as a great gift idea with the holidays quickly approaching, please return your forms this week. If you need another form, please see Christy or Emily in the office.

Lunch Ideas

Now that school has been in session for two whole months (wow!), you may be needing a little inspiration for the little lunchboxes. Check out MPMK for an entire month of nut-free lunch ideas.

 

 

Moses - Travels in the Wilderness

This week's bible unit continues talking about Moses (Exodus 14:18-20; 16; 17:1-7).

Save the Date

Wednesday, October 29th - Trunk or Treat 5:30pm-7:00pm

Thursday, October 30th - Reading of A Moon of My Own by author Jennifer Rustigi 10:30am, room 300

Thursday and Friday, November 6 & 7 - Speech and Language Screenings

A Moon of My Own

Local children’s book author, Jennifer Rustgi will be coming to Covenant next Thursday 10/30  to read her new book, A Moon of My Own.

Jennifer will be reading her book to the 3-5s classes at 10:30am in Room 300 if you would like to join us. Since this book is not available on the shelves yet you have the lucky opportunity to purchase directly from the author! Jennifer will personally inscribe and sign copies of her book for anyone who would like to purchase! You can learn more about the book by visiting amoonofmyown.com. We will be sending home a flyer the day of the reading or you can stop by the office to grab an order form ahead of time!

 

Moses - Exodus from Egypt

This week's Bible verse and concept is "God has been good to me". This week's Bible story is Moses - Exodus from Egypt. (Exodus 7-14)

 

Save the Date!

Thursday, October 23rd - Dad's Pizza Night 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Friday, October 24 - Fours and Fives Conferences and Staff Development (School CLOSED)

Wednesday, October 29 - Trunk or Treat Your Way Through the Bible 5:30pm - 7:00pm

 

Reminder from our Teachers

The weather is getting cooler. Please update your child's spare change of clothes appropriately.

God Loves Me and Always Helps Me: Joseph Forgives His Family

The children hear more about Joseph this week with Bible verses Genesis 42:1-8; 45; 46:5-7. And they will continue with the verse "I will sing of the Lord's Great Love Forever".

 

 

Save the Date!

Tuesday, October 14 - Parent Education Night 6:30pm

Wednesday, October 15 & Thursday, October 16 - Make and Take activity in the lobby at drop-off

Thursday, October 17 & Friday, October 17 - Fire Truck Visit for all classes, sponsored by the Koalas Class

Thursday, October 23 - Dad's Pizza Night 6:00pm-7:30pm

Friday, October 24 - Fours and Fives Conferences and Staff Development (School CLOSED)

Wednesday, October 29 - Trunk or Treat Your Way Through the Bible 5:30pm-7:00pm

 

Make and Take

Please stop by the Make & Take table in the 2nd floor lobby this week (Wednesday and Thursday) for a quick fun age-appropriate activity. This month's Halloween themed Make & Take is ABC Ghosts originally found at Little Family Fun

God Loves Me and Always Helps Me: Joseph in Prison and Joseph Shares Food

As the children continue their Bible concept "God Loves Me and Always Helps Me" they will hear about Joseph in Prison/Joseph Shares Food (Genesis 39-40; Genesis 41)

 

Songs you might hear this week reinforcing the Bible unit are "I Will Sing" "God Will Help You" "Rabbit Dance" and "Absolutely Nothin'"

 

 

Class Sponsored Events

 

In case you missed it, please look over our class sponsored events flyer with valuable information on volunteer opportunities.

 

The next event coming up is the Firefighter Visits sponsored by the Koalas on October 16 and 17th. 

 

 

 

God Loves Me and Always Helps Me

Goodbye September and welcome October! It's hard to believe we have already been back to school for a month. This week the children will begin the bible unit is God Loves Me and Always Helps Me learning the story of Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37).

 

 

 

Save the Date

 

Thursday, October 9 - Vision/Screening Hearing for four-year-olds

Monday, October 13 - School CLOSED (no Fives class)

Tuesday, October 14 - Parent Education Night 6:30-8:00pm (NEW DATE!)

Thursday, October 23 - Dad's Pizza Night 6:00pm-7:30pm

Friday, October 24 - Fours and Fives Conferences and Staff Development (School CLOSED)

Wednesday, October 29 - "Trunk or Treat"

 

We LOVE Covenant

 

The 2014-2015 Fall Fundraiser is less than $1000 away from its goal and you still have time to contribute!  Thanks to ALL of you who have already donated!!  Part of making our school so special for our kids is making sure we can offer the amazing programs and facilities for our children to benefit from each and every day.  For our fall fundraiser, we are asking you to show your love for Covenant Presbyterian Preschool by making a contribution to support our wonderful programs such as Spanish, Playground Beautification, Teacher Wish Lists, Field Trips and Parent Education.  Donations are requested by Wednesday, Oct. 1. Forms went out last week. As always, all contributions are voluntary.

God Made People

This week's bible unit is God Made People (Genesis 1:26-31; 2: 7-23; 3:20; 1:1-24) which will wrap up the concept "God Made Everything in the World".

 

 

Thank you from Covenant

 

It was so great to see everyone at the picnic last Thursday evening!  I think the barbecue and bouncy house were big hits so it was a good thing that the weather drove us indoors!  A huge thank you goes out to the Parent Advisory Team and most especially our Hospitality team, Deon Wright and Kirsten Scarbrough, for making this event a success.  Every PAT member shared in the fun by monitoring the bouncy house, applying tattoos and serving our meal.  Also, thanks to everyone who brought the delicious desserts!! - Christy Milam

 

 

Save the Date!

Tuesday, October 7 at 6:30pm - Parent Education Night with Marlyn Kramer, "Roadmap to Reading"

Thursday, October 9  - Vision and Hearing Screening for four- and five-year-olds
Tuesday, October 14 - Parent Education Night 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Thursday, October 23 at 6:00pm - Dad's Pizza Night
Friday, October 24 - Fours and Fives Conferences and Staff Development (School CLOSED)
Wednesday, October 29 - "Trunk or Treat"
 

 

 

Safety First!

Covenant's campus is a busy place with many gathering and using the grounds at different times. Please be extremely careful and have your child hold hands with you at all times - do NOT talk on your phone while walking through the parking lot with your child! As a reminder, you may not park in the loading zone around the side of the Fellowship and Education Building. In addition, please keep the preschool AND the parking lot "cell phone free zones". PLEASE do not use your cell phone while driving in the parking lot. 

 

Lunchtime!

Are you stumped on what to send to school for lunch? Here are some great ideas from Austinite food blogger and preschool mom, Marie Saba, from cocinamarie.com Most of them are nut-free and even if you don't send quiche for your 3-year-old or make your own bread, there's still plenty of healthy inspiration.

God Made Animals

Welcome back Covenant families. Hopefully everyone is settling into their routines. This week's bible unit is God Made Animals (Genesis 1:20-25) which continues with the concept of "God Made Everything in the World".

 



Covenant Family Picnic

 

Please join us as we kick off the school year with a family picnic and barbeque dinner. With a reservation, friends and family of the preschool and Child's Day Out are welcome to attend!

 

When: Thursday, September 18 from 5:30-7:00pm

Where: Patio & Playground (FEB room 200 if raining)

Cost: $8 adults, $4 children

Bring: Blanket or lawn chair

RSVP: TODAY September 16

 

Make & Take

 

Don't miss the Make & Take in the second floor lobby Wednesday, September 17 and Thursday, September 18. PAT Parent Activities Coordinators, Lindsey Cook and Diane Hurtado, will have a table set up where you can stop by right after drop-off and make a quick "activity bag" to take home with you. This month's Make & Take is "Get up and Move Dice".

 

 

Love and Logic - Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun

 

Please find information on the amazing offering here. The sessions begin in October.

 

HopeFest

 

Do you have gently used baby equipment and gear that you are no longer using? What about maternity clothes? Baby and children's clothing? Please consider supporting HopeFest '14. Donations will be accepted in the boxes on both second and third floors through October 16. More information can be found on the flyer.

 

 

 

The Preschool Life

Engaging in conversation with preschoolers is always fascinating, but it can also be a challenge if you're trying to get any specific information. This article has popped up in social media during the last two weeks. So, you may have seen it already. If not, click on over to Simple Simon and Co. blog. It has some really great questions to help interrogate kids about their day. Hopefully you'll learn something new about the school day.

Thursdays will be our day to post interesting articles and posts from around the web. Please feel free to email us with anything you think we should highlight here.

God Made the World

It is so great to see all the smiling children on campus this week. Hopefully everyone is adjusting well to the school schedule, parents too! Our school year starts with the Bible Unit "God Made the World". The children will be hearing how God made the world and everything in it. Genesis 1:1-19

 

 

Important Dates

Friday, September 12 - Pizza starts for W/F Toddler IIs, W/F Twos, Fours and Fives

Wednesday, September 17 and Thursday, September 18 - "Make and Takes" in the second floor lobby - check back here soon for a preview

Thursday, September 18 - Pizza starts for T/Th Toddler IIs, T/Th Twos and Threes

Thursday, September 18 at 5:30pm - Back-to-School Picnic on the patio and playground

 

This week also brings the start of Extended Care and FUN Fridays. If you haven't signed up for the entire month of Extended Care, you can still "drop-in" when you need extra time in the morning and/or afternoon. "Drop-in" is also available for both FUN Fridays (Threes classes) and Enrichment Mondays (Fours classes).

 

 

Back to School

Welcome back to school CPP families! The teachers and staff have been busy preparing for a fun-filled school year. Thank you to all the families that came out and made the Playground Workday a success. It's going to be a great year for everyone from Koalas to Lions!

April Newsletter

What We've Been Up To...

 

  _________________________________________ 

Save the Date!

Check back for more dates soon!

_______________________________________

Meet the Teacher

Ms. Jean

Name: Jean Pravednikov

Job: 5 day Fives Teacher

Years at CPP: 13!

Job Before CPP: Taught Early Childhood and 2nd Grade in Texas and Virginia.  Her last school in Austin was Doss Elementary.

Hometown: Army Town, USA - moved around A LOT!

Children: 3 Children... All CPP alumni - Paul, a Junior at Westwood High School; Matthew, a 7th Grader at Canyon Vista Middle School; Claire, a 5th Grader at Laurel Mountain Elementary.

Favorite Food: Mexican Food

Favorite Children's Book: Good Night Moon

Favorite Music: Country Music

Hobbies: Cooking and Wine Pairing, Running, Watching her kids play sports

Pets: One Schnauzer named Miles.  He's a bit crazy but he's loyal!

Dream Vacation Spot: Anywhere!  She loves to travel!

Role Model: Ms. Lisby

Favorite Quote: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Favorite thing about CPP: Watching the kids in my class change, grow and mature throughout the school year.

Ms. Lisby 

Name: Linda Lisby

Job: 5's Teacher

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Favorite Children's Book:  The Runaway Bunny

Favorite Band: Bruno Mars right now!

Hobbies: Exercising and Cooking

Favorite Food: Mexican Food

Dream Vacation Spot: Italy

Role Model: Ms. Jean

Favorite Quote: "We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do." 

- Mother Teresa

  _____________________________________

Bible Units

In Chapel, the children are continuing to learn that Jesus Loves Me So Much That He Died on the Cross and Is Alive Today.  The verses "Sing praises to the Lord," (Psalm 9:11) and "God made us to do good," (Ephesians 2:10) are repeated throughout the next few weeks by Munn, Jill, Christy and our new Pastor Thomas Daniel.  They are learning through the Bible Stories of the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-53; Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:1-9), Building the Boat (Genesis 6:5-22) and Loading the Big Boat/Safe in the Boat (Genesis 7:17-8:14).

Please talk with your child about Chapel and learn with them as they digest these important concepts.  They may even teach you a song or two!

_______________________________________

Make and Take

This month, our LAST Make and Take took place on Wednesday, March 16th and Thursday,  March 17th.  Thank you to our fabulous hosts are Kristin Knight and January Pfiester.  

We are so appreciative to EVERY couple that helped make our Make and Takes such a success this year.  We are so thankful for each and every one of your ideas and can't wait to see what the volunteers next year come up with!

  

________________________________________

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Budgets, Recipes and Easter Fun!

(Submitted by Bridgette Stahlman)

http://www.today.com/id/20072930/ns/today-money/t/build-family-budget-actually-works/

http://spoonful.com/recipes/chicken-chili-cheese-cups


http://spoonful.com/family-fun/easter-morning-yarn-maze

Music Web Site

(Submitted by Barb Miaso)

I invite you to visit the web site that I started several years ago to give you and your children access to the songs that we are singing in music class and chapel.  Unfortunately, I have not updated it recently, but hopefully will do so shortly.  However, on this site you will find numerous songs that are already posted for you to enjoy.

The site is organized so that you can search various categories for songs, such as by music class or chapel, by age of the child, by active or quiet songs, and by unit number.  You can also search by song title.  Also included are the chapel and music lesson plans for each unit, as well as other items of interest (listed under “Music Notes”).  For each song, there is a link to the words and motions.

Just go to “www.missbarb.org” and enter user name “music” and password “pr3sk00l” (00l is zero zero and lower case “L”).  I hope that you will enjoy this with your children.

  ~ Barb Miaso

___________________________________________

Happy Birthday to You!  

Owen Wright (4/17)

Alyssa Kelly (4/20)

Mary Soper (4/20)

Hampton Edgar (4/21)

Renn Timms (4/21)

Elizabeth Wolkind (4/22)

Harper Henrichson (4/23)

Logan Potts (4/28)

Johnny Barksdale (5/1)

Fielding Little (5/5)

Clove Becker (5/11)

Kenneth Witt (5/11)

______________________________________

Covenant Happenings

The MoMs Group

When: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Where: SA 114 Contact: Becky Butterworth, beckybutterworth@gmail.com, or Rachel Gossen, rachel.gossen@gmail.com

Covenant MoMs Group is for new, expecting and experienced moms. We generally meet on the first and third Monday of each month from 9:30-11:30 a.m. to share informative and helpful presentations, parenting ideas, and general support.
All meetings are open to Covenant members and non-members alike. Free childcare is available from our wonderful Covenant childcare staff and infants are always welcome in our meetings. Please make childcare reservations at least 48 hours in advance by contacting childcare@covenant.org or 334-3020. Come join us for coffee and a snack. We provide interesting topics, support from understanding moms and well-deserved breaks for busy, hard-working moms!

Lunch Group

When: 11:30–1 p.m. (3-4 times a year, dates pending) Where: FE 107
Contact: Amy Johnson at aanort@yahoo.com or Gelsey Mahanes at gelseym@gmail.com

We also have meetings for working moms and moms who are unable to attend the morning meetings. The MoMs Lunch Group meets over lunch to give mothers (especially those who work in jobs outside the home) time to meet other moms, get practical advice and enjoy lunch and fellowship. Lunch and childcare are provided free of charge with a reservation.
Please make childcare reservations at least 48 hours in advance by contacting childcare@covenant.org or 334-3020. Please make lunch reservations at least 48 hours in advance by contacting Amy Johnson at aanort@yahoo.com.
For more information about the MoMs Group, please contact Rachel Gossen at 426-7120 or rachel.gossen@gmail.com or Alicia Gostylo at 589-6161 or azappgo@gmail.com.
 

Wednesdays for Children at Covenant

On Wednesday nights from 6-7:30 children four years old through 4^th grade are invited to meet with Coach Kelly for a time of very active games with a Biblical message. Midway through the evening the kids are divided into age groups to explore the Bible through story time, crafts, snacks and Bible story videos.

To reserve childcare for children three years and younger during Wednesday night activities, contact childcare@covenant.org.

Children's Choirs

Covenant offers children's choirs for children ages 4 by Sept. 1, 2012, through 6th grade. The choirs rehearse on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. during the school year. In addition to experiencing the joy of music and singing, our choir members learn the importance and the excitement of being actively involved in worship. The children sing special music at worship services, present a Christmas program, and perform in our annual spring musical.

• Choristers: 4th - 6th grades
• Carolers: 2nd and 3rd grades
• Sunshine Singers: 1st grade
• Praise Makers: Kindergarten
• Music Makers: Pre-Kindergarten

Questions? Contact Stacy Curtis at scurtis@covenant.org or 334-3033.

Children's Programs at 9:30 on Sundays 

Covenant offers numerous learning programs for your children. At 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, kids can play games and socialize while learning about the Bible. Refer to the menu at left for more information on these programs.

Tot Spot 

Tot Spot is loving childcare for babies three months up to two years old. It is available Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Preschool Place

Preschool Place is Sunday school for two-year-olds through pre-kindergarten. At 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, Children enjoy an hour of song, prayer, Bible story time and crafts. The curriculum is activity-oriented for those energetic little ones. Tons of fun!

zone k-4

zone k-4, for kids in kindergarten through 4^th grade, is Sundays at 9:30 a.m. This elementary age Sunday School program provides 10 different learning labs for children to be immersed in the Bible. It incorporates food, games, computers, science, art, music and storytelling. The children are divided into groups according to grade and gender and are led by “Shepherds” to a different lab each week. The hands-on lesson presented at each station reflects stories being studied throughout the year.

“Bible Bucks” are issued to students for memorizing the point of the day, the scripture of the month, leading in prayer, etc. Those bucks can be redeemed at our “Inspiration Store” where kids can purchase items that reinforce what we are teaching in zone k-4. Our hour concludes with a large gathering time where we sing songs of worship and praise. It is truly an energizing and motivating hour for kids!

Club 56

Club 56 is a Sunday school program for 5^th and 6^th graders on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Club 56 starts the hour with fun games that introduce the Bible lesson for the day. Later in the hour students break into groups by gender and have deeper discussion and prayer time. Club 56 on Sunday mornings is led by Club 56 parents and our fabulous Club 56 Interns.
 

Children's Programs at 11 a.m. on Sundays

Treasure Island

Children, from four-years-old to second graders, may sail away to Treasure Island at our 11 a.m. services.  Kids begin the hour with their families in either the 11 a.m. Traditional or the Contemporary Service. After 10-15 minutes, the kids are invited to join a member of the Children and Preteen Ministry staff and make their way to FE 300. There, the kids learn a Bible story and engage in activities that enhance the learning experience. Parents should pick their kids in in FE 300 at the conclusion of the worship service.

March Newsletter #2

What We've Been Up To...

Sweet Home Covenant

You Can Still Order Photo Books

Perhaps you have seen the adorable photo books for each class?  They were on display at the fundraiser and are currently outside of some of the classrooms.  Our gifted parent photographers Elizabeth Moore and Megan Little are responsible for their creation and while the sale of the books was part of our fundraiser, you STILL have an opportunity to order one (or more).  Please email or visit Emily Taylor at etaylor@covenant.org for more information.  Orders will be accepted until Thursday, March 20.

 

********************************************************************************

If you have pictures from a Covenant Presbyterian Preschool event, please send them to Elizabeth Moore (eamoore@me.com), so that we can feature you on the blog!  Please send pictures of adults only.

  _________________________________________ 

Save the Date!

Wednesday, March 19 –Thursday, March 20 – Make and Take Activity Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4 – Picture Days with Mr. Dabbs 

_______________________________________

Meet the Teacher

Ms. MacQueen

Name: Lynda MacQueen

Job: Four's Teacher - Brainy Bears

Hometown: Nelson, New Zealand

Favorite Children's Book:

Bark George by Jules Feiffer and The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

Favorite Band: Celtic-Solas and also Debussy

Hobbies: Reading and Hiking

Dream Vacation Spot: Anywhere - New Zealand, the UK, Scotland and Alaska

Role Model: Old family friend who encouraged her to become a teacher: Marie Decastro

Favorite Quote: The poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling

Favorite Food: Depends on where she is - Here: Tex-Mex; In New Zealand: Fish and Chips

Ms. Kayla 

Name: Kayla Fuller

Job: Four's Teacher - Giraffes

Years at CPP: First year!

Job Before CPP: College, then substitute teacher and Stay at Home mom.

Hometown: Austin and McKinney, Texas

Children: Mason - 19 months old... he does not attend CPP right now, but hopefully we'll next year!  Kayla says he's awesome and, of course, THE smartest 19 month old!  He is so fun!!

Favorite Book: The Help and Redeeming Love

Favorite Food: Chinese Food!

Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Favorite Band: Lady Antebellum

Hobbies: Spending time with family and Cowboy, cooking, outdoor activities, Pinterest projects!

Pets: Cowboy- a brown and white spotted Chiuahua who is five years old and her "first baby."

Dream Vacation Spot: Greece

Role Model:  Mom

Favorite Quote: "Do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa

Favorite thing about CPP: The awesome kids!  They are sooo sweet and well mannered!

  _____________________________________

Bible Units

In Chapel, the children have started learning that Jesus Loves Me So Much That He Died on the Cross and Is Alive Today.  The verse "Sing praises to the Lord," (Psalm 9:11) is being repeated throughout the next few weeks by Munn, Jill and Christy.  They are learning through the Bible Stories of Jesus Entering Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11, 15-16; Mark 11:1-10) and the Last Supper and Good Friday (Matthew 26:17-20, 26-29; Mark 14:12-17, 22-25).  They will also be rehearsing for Easter Chapel, which is coming up in April.

Please talk with your child about Chapel and learn with them as they digest these important concepts.  They may even teach you a song or two!

_______________________________________

Make and Take

This month, the Make and Take will be on Wednesday, March 19th and Thursday,  March 20th.  This month our fabulous hosts are Kari Lavelle and Elizabeth Moore. Stop by to make some fabulous bath toys for your kiddos!  We'll be making fun toys for bath time!

  

________________________________________

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Make Life Easier!

(Submitted by Brooke Howe)

Click on the attached link to visit a montage of photos that will seriously make your life easier.  Thanks for the recommendation, Brooke!
http://seriouslyforreal.com/seriously-for-real/99-life-hacks-that-could-make-your-life-easier/

Music Web Site

(Submitted by Barb Miaso)

I invite you to visit the web site that I started several years ago to give you and your children access to the songs that we are singing in music class and chapel.  Unfortunately, I have not updated it recently, but hopefully will do so shortly.  However, on this site you will find numerous songs that are already posted for you to enjoy.

The site is organized so that you can search various categories for songs, such as by music class or chapel, by age of the child, by active or quiet songs, and by unit number.  You can also search by song title.  Also included are the chapel and music lesson plans for each unit, as well as other items of interest (listed under “Music Notes”).  For each song, there is a link to the words and motions.

Just go to “www.missbarb.org” and enter user name “music” and password “pr3sk00l” (00l is zero zero and lower case “L”).  I hope that you will enjoy this with your children.

  ~ Barb Miaso

___________________________________________

Happy Birthday to You!  

McCrae Moore (3/20)

Wesley Roebel (3/21)

Carter Lyons (3/24)

Gretchen Palm (3/24)

Elizabeth Hurtado (3/30)

Beckett Carlin (4/8)
Emma Zabaneh (4/11)
Hannibal Windler (4/12)
Shepherd Howe (4/13)
Miles Wright (4/13)

______________________________________

Covenant Happenings

The MoMs Group

When: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Where: SA 114 Contact: Becky Butterworth, beckybutterworth@gmail.com, or Rachel Gossen, rachel.gossen@gmail.com

Covenant MoMs Group is for new, expecting and experienced moms. We generally meet on the first and third Monday of each month from 9:30-11:30 a.m. to share informative and helpful presentations, parenting ideas, and general support.
All meetings are open to Covenant members and non-members alike. Free childcare is available from our wonderful Covenant childcare staff and infants are always welcome in our meetings. Please make childcare reservations at least 48 hours in advance by contacting childcare@covenant.org or 334-3020. Come join us for coffee and a snack. We provide interesting topics, support from understanding moms and well-deserved breaks for busy, hard-working moms!

Lunch Group

When: 11:30–1 p.m. (3-4 times a year, dates pending) Where: FE 107
Contact: Amy Johnson at aanort@yahoo.com or Gelsey Mahanes at gelseym@gmail.com

We also have meetings for working moms and moms who are unable to attend the morning meetings. The MoMs Lunch Group meets over lunch to give mothers (especially those who work in jobs outside the home) time to meet other moms, get practical advice and enjoy lunch and fellowship. Lunch and childcare are provided free of charge with a reservation.
Please make childcare reservations at least 48 hours in advance by contacting childcare@covenant.org or 334-3020. Please make lunch reservations at least 48 hours in advance by contacting Amy Johnson at aanort@yahoo.com.
For more information about the MoMs Group, please contact Rachel Gossen at 426-7120 or rachel.gossen@gmail.com or Alicia Gostylo at 589-6161 or azappgo@gmail.com.
 

Wednesdays for Children at Covenant

On Wednesday nights from 6-7:30 children four years old through 4^th grade are invited to meet with Coach Kelly for a time of very active games with a Biblical message. Midway through the evening the kids are divided into age groups to explore the Bible through story time, crafts, snacks and Bible story videos.

To reserve childcare for children three years and younger during Wednesday night activities, contact childcare@covenant.org.

Children's Choirs

Covenant offers children's choirs for children ages 4 by Sept. 1, 2012, through 6th grade. The choirs rehearse on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. during the school year. In addition to experiencing the joy of music and singing, our choir members learn the importance and the excitement of being actively involved in worship. The children sing special music at worship services, present a Christmas program, and perform in our annual spring musical.

• Choristers: 4th - 6th grades
• Carolers: 2nd and 3rd grades
• Sunshine Singers: 1st grade
• Praise Makers: Kindergarten
• Music Makers: Pre-Kindergarten

Questions? Contact Stacy Curtis at scurtis@covenant.org or 334-3033.

Children's Programs at 9:30 on Sundays 

Covenant offers numerous learning programs for your children. At 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, kids can play games and socialize while learning about the Bible. Refer to the menu at left for more information on these programs.

Tot Spot 

Tot Spot is loving childcare for babies three months up to two years old. It is available Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Preschool Place

Preschool Place is Sunday school for two-year-olds through pre-kindergarten. At 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, Children enjoy an hour of song, prayer, Bible story time and crafts. The curriculum is activity-oriented for those energetic little ones. Tons of fun!

zone k-4

zone k-4, for kids in kindergarten through 4^th grade, is Sundays at 9:30 a.m. This elementary age Sunday School program provides 10 different learning labs for children to be immersed in the Bible. It incorporates food, games, computers, science, art, music and storytelling. The children are divided into groups according to grade and gender and are led by “Shepherds” to a different lab each week. The hands-on lesson presented at each station reflects stories being studied throughout the year.

“Bible Bucks” are issued to students for memorizing the point of the day, the scripture of the month, leading in prayer, etc. Those bucks can be redeemed at our “Inspiration Store” where kids can purchase items that reinforce what we are teaching in zone k-4. Our hour concludes with a large gathering time where we sing songs of worship and praise. It is truly an energizing and motivating hour for kids!

Club 56

Club 56 is a Sunday school program for 5^th and 6^th graders on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Club 56 starts the hour with fun games that introduce the Bible lesson for the day. Later in the hour students break into groups by gender and have deeper discussion and prayer time. Club 56 on Sunday mornings is led by Club 56 parents and our fabulous Club 56 Interns.
 

Children's Programs at 11 a.m. on Sundays

Treasure Island

Children, from four-years-old to second graders, may sail away to Treasure Island at our 11 a.m. services.  Kids begin the hour with their families in either the 11 a.m. Traditional or the Contemporary Service. After 10-15 minutes, the kids are invited to join a member of the Children and Preteen Ministry staff and make their way to FE 300. There, the kids learn a Bible story and engage in activities that enhance the learning experience. Parents should pick their kids in in FE 300 at the conclusion of the worship service.