May / June 2015

DOODLE DAYS
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER | MAY • JUNE 2015
EXCELLENCE IN CHILDCARE SINCE 1992 • DOODLEBUGS.COM
In This Issue
Make Way for Spring
1
From Our Family
2
Center News & Views
3
Summer Vacation
4
Your Doodle Bugs!
6
T.E.A.M8
Make Way for Spring and Summer with Doodle Bugs!
May and June are filled with excitement and fantastic activities as the doodle
community gears up for summer. We’ll celebrate the end of another school year
and begin to welcome in our ultimate summer camp program.
After a long winter, the entire doodle community is feeling a little spring fever
and eager to get outside! But wait, there’s more than a little fresh air and
sunshine during the months of May and June! Our curriculum is bursting with
terrific hands-on learning activities. May’s theme brings spring to life by focusing
on Eric Carle, including lessons around caterpillars & butterflies, bees & fireflies.
Additionally, a very important part of our program is outdoor play. June’s theme,
Let’s Move, highlights the importance of fitness fun.
For our Pre-K students, June is extra special as they prepare their yearbooks
and rehearse for the graduation night performance! Pre-K parents, please see
your center director for center-specific details about your child’s graduation
ceremony.
We welcome all families to browse through the rest of the newsletter (and keep
a copy) to learn more on our laughter and learning-filled doodle days!
www.doodlebugs.com
Extra! Extra!
9
Center Events
10
Doodle Details
11
Center Calendar
12
stay updated on the latest
doodle bugs! news at:
direct links are available
at doodlebugs.com
FROM OUR FAMILY
From Our Family to Yours:
A message from the founders
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and get ready to
commemorate a new class of Pre-K graduates, it serves as a reminder
that the doodle community is such a unique place for teaching and
learning. It’s so humbling to see the many ways that people can come
together to make a meaningful impact on our future generation and
their families.
On that note, we are eager to welcome in the splendors of late spring
and early summer with our doodle families. It’s such a special time of
year -- May and June are always filled with exciting events and fun
activities, from our year end Tae Kwon Do and Doodle Dance & Fitness
demonstrations to the start of Summer Camp 2015! It’s truly a pleasure
to see so many happy faces enjoying their doodle experience.
As always, we also look forward to continuing to provide you with the
high-quality care and innovative program features that your family
expects at Doodle Bugs!. Our shared mission of building a community
of happy children, happy parents, and happy teachers is more than just
a “motto” – it’s the heart of our work, every day, at every location. Thank
you so much for your ongoing support.
Warmly,
Clarine, Anna and Anthony Insinna
“
”
Each day, we make deposits in the memory
banks of our children. – C. Swindoll
2
may • june 2015
CENTER NEWS & VIEWS
Behind the Scenes: Meet the Education Specialists
We’re really proud of our proprietary Bravo! Early Childhood Curriculum and are pleased to introduce you to our team of
Education Specialists, to provide a “behind the scenes” peek at how the education program at Doodle Bugs! comes to life.
This talented team takes the lead in researching education trends and best practice, in order to develop age appropriate
daily lesson plans to fully engage children in the learning process. Whether they are developing thematic units, updating
curriculum guides, or aligning assessment materials with state-specific early learning guidelines, the Education Specialists
are constantly reviewing, evaluating, and revising curriculum content. Although each Specialist had years of practical
experience as a classroom teacher before joining the Education team, each still dedicates at least 2 full days per week
to spend in classrooms, working with teachers to make sure that every aspect of children’s development is supported as
they learn through interactive, playful experiences. Many thanks to Jennifer, Toni, and Betsy for sharing your expertise
and enthusiasm – the doodle community truly is a better place because you CARE.
Jennifer Horner
M. Ed Elementary Education
BA Sociology
Joined the doodle team in 2012
Toni LaMantia
M.Ed Psychology & Quantitative
Methods Candidate 2015
BA Music Education
Joined the doodle team in 2013
Betsy Wilcox
BA Early Childhood Education
Joined the doodle team in 2010
Doodle Bugs! Introduces Rich Miniconzi as Florida Regional Manager
Doodle Bugs! is pleased to announce that Rich Miniconzi has joined the administrative team as the Florida Regional
Manager. In his capacity as Regional Manager, Rich’s initial responsibilities include providing leadership and support to
the existing Lake Worth center and supervising the development of the new Lakewood Ranch location, which will open
in 2016. As Doodle Bugs! presence in Florida grows over the next few years, so too will Rich’s capacity for educational
leadership and quality assurance throughout the market.
A Philadelphia native, Rich has resided in Florida since 2012; his most recent professional
experience included supervising 8 child care centers in markets in 4 different states. With
15 years of experience in early childhood education management, a master’s degree in
human resources management and a bachelor’s degree in education, Rich brings a
wealth of industry knowledge and practical experience to his new role.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Rich, who can be reached at the
Lake Worth center or by email at rich.miniconzi@doodlebugs.com .
www.doodlebugs.com
3
ULTIMATE SUMMER VACATION!
Happy Campers Found Here! Join Us for Summer Camp!
Whether it is one week or all summer, your child will have the ultimate summer camp experience at Doodle Bugs! Our camp
program provides a safe, supervised environment that keeps children active through creative learning and fun activities.
Leap Ahead Summer Camp (3-5 Year Olds)
Specifically designed for preschoolers and pre-k students, Leap Ahead Summer
Camp is the perfect combination of skill-building and summer fun! School-readiness
happens naturally when children’s minds and bodies are actively engaged in learning.
Special Events
Awesome weekly themes feature
amazing special events! Camper
favorites include parades,
carnivals, bake sales, car washes
and more! Doodle Day Camp is
never the same day twice!
Summer Camp (5-12 Year Olds)
Carnivals, clubs, field trips and special events guarantee that Doodle Day Camp is
non-stop fun. Doodle Bugs! keeps children active through creative learning and fun
activities, all supervised by qualified adults.
Daily Clubs:
Sports Club
Team members and peer coaches enjoy team-building activities and organized sports and
games, including basketball and soccer.
Garden Club
Gardeners plant and tend to our outdoor gardens, harvesting the crops to create unique
recipes and run a Farmer’s Market.
Swim Club
Summer Camp Discount
Campers dive right in and enjoy swimming at local indoor/outdoor town pools.
STEM Club
Love to build with Legos, conduct creative experiments, or solve puzzles? STEM (science,
technology, engineering, math) Club is the place for you!
Summer Camp 2015 is just around
the corner and is sure to be the best
summer adventure yet. Ask your director
about our Early Bird Discount!
Book Club
Campers take some DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read), then bring stories to life with
Readers’ Theater, journals, and more.
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may • june 2015
CAMP THEMES
Themes listed above are in no particular order. For a complete list of weekly
themes and events at your center, please talk to your center Director.
www.doodlebugs.com
5
YOUR DOODLE BUGS!
6
may • june 2015
www.doodlebugs.com
7
T.E.A.M
Together Everyone Achieves More!
“Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work.” ~ V. Lombardi
March Employee of the Month
Whether she is greeting families at the
front desk, or lending a helping hand
in the classroom, Kaitlyn always goes the
extra mile to make everyone feel
welcome and “at home” in our Lake
Worth center.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations and many thanks to our
doodle team members celebrating milestone
anniversaries!
FIVE YEARS
Linda Rowley, a valued member of
the Penfield team, celebrates her 5th
doodle anniversary this year. As an infant
room assistant teacher, Linda provides
consistent, responsive care to our littlest
learners, helping new doodle families feel
at home at the center.
TEN YEARS
Nicole Quigley has been a valued
member of the East Amherst team for 10
years. Nicole gives careful attention to the
cleanliness of the center, assuring that
children and faculty alike enjoy a clean,
sanitary learning environment daily.
Roseann Boswell, our Healthcare
Consultant, celebrates her 10th doodle
anniversary this year. In addition to
approving health care plans and facilitating
training in CPR, First Aid, AED, and
medication administration, Roseann
provides valuable insight and support to the
admin team.
Thank you all for your consistent
commitment to high quality. The doodle
community is truly a better place because
you CARE.
Coworkers greatly appreciate Kaitlyn’s
genuine kindness and interest in
helping others, noting that every
interaction with her is positive and
thoughtful: “she brings a warm smile to
so many faces!”
Thank you, Kaitlyn, for consistently going
above and beyond in your efforts
to build a community of happy children,
happy parents, and happy teachers.
The doodle community is a better place
because you CARE.
“How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.” ~George Elliston
April Employee of the Month
Michele Yoviene has been a valued
member of the doodle team since
2008. As an HR Specialist, she
assures that every center is in
compliance with the varied state, local,
and company HR-related policies,
assisting 11 directors and 500+
employees!
Recently, Michele has also skillfully
covered our Payroll Specialist’s
maternity leave, successfully giving
equal attention to both HR and
Payroll functions. Her willingness to
take on new responsibilities, often
working long hours and juggling
multiple deadlines, is evidence of her
admirable work ethic and genuine
dedication to the doodle community.
8
Kaitlyn Jensen - Teacher Assistant, Lake Worth Center
Michele Yoviene - Human Resources Specialist
may • june 2015
EXTRA! EXTRA!
Doodle Bugs! Children’s Centers
Participates in Screen-Free Week
As technology advances and younger generations become more tech-saavy,
Doodle Bugs! recognizes the benefits of technology in education, such as our
partnerships with ABCmouse.com (for ad-free interactive learning experiences)
and Tadpoles (for electronic daily reporting). However, the core of our curriculum
and program is a full day of hands-on learning, including experiences in art, music
and dramatic play.
To reinforce our philosophy, Doodle Bugs! centers will participate in ScreenFree Week held May 5th – May 9th and invite families to join us in reducing use
of entertainment screen media, including television, video games, computers,
and hand-held devices. During this week, we encourage children and families
to discover fun, screen-free activities. Teachers will take time to discuss with
students the importance of time with friends and family.
Check out the Doodle Bugs! Children’s Centers blog for tips on how families can
generally limit screen time at home!
Celebrate the Let’s Move Theme at Home!
Part of our June curriculum centers around the “Let’s Move” theme, which
discusses transportation and also encourages physical fitness fun. Play, in
general, and good nutrition habits are a very important part of the Doodle Bugs!
program. Physical activities – inside and outside – and healthy, well-balanced
meals are incorporated into every day’s plan.
During the fitness lessons, our students will learn about good sportsmanship and different sports and how athletes
practice. They will also partake in lots of overall fitness activities, such as Zumba, yoga, dancing, biking and walking.
The idea is to reinforce the healthy activities they see parents do at home, which can often create a fond association
with fitness.
What’s even more exciting is this theme can be celebrated at home as a family, too! According to the national
organization, Let’s Move, there are five simple steps for kids to achieve a healthy lifestyle at home.
1. Move Every Day. Kids need 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous active play every day. Physical activity throughout
the day all adds up.
2. Try New Fruits and Veggies. Bring your child to the grocery store and let them pick out new fruits and vegetables to
try. Smoothies are in right now; let them help you mix one up!
3. Drink Lots of Water. If you can’t sell them on strictly water, throw in a piece of fruit or a splash of juice to make it
exciting.
4. Do Jumping Jacks to Break up TV Time. Doesn’t have to just be jumping jacks; try dancing, push ups or even a few
household chores!
5. Help Make Dinner. By participating in the shopping, or finding recipes, or making dinner, you’re teaching your children
about healthy eating.
www.doodlebugs.com
9
CENTER EVENTS
Cinco de Mayo
May 5th
Our centers will celebrate Cinco de Mayo
with a variety of activities, including
participating in a traditional Mexican Hat
dance, and enjoying a salsa and chip taste
test. Don’t forget your sombrero!
Mother’s Day Celebrations
May 7th and May 8th
Mr. Doodle Bug cordially invites every
student’s mom (or special guest) for a
special classroom visit on Thursday, May
8th and Friday, May 9th. The children
are planning activities to celebrate mom,
including special treats and homemade
gifts. This is a FULL DAY celebration, so
guests are welcome to visit at any time
during the day, on either date (or both).
Father’s Day Celebrations
June 11th and June 12th
Mr. Doodle Bug cordially invites every
student’s dad (or special guest) for a
special classroom visit on Thursday, June
11th and Friday, June 12th. The children
are planning activities to celebrate their
fabulous fathers, including special treats
and homemade gifts. This is a FULL DAY
celebration, so guests are welcome to visit
at any time during the day, on either date
(or both).
Teacher Appreciation Week:
May 11th – May 15th
Parents are encouraged to put the
spotlight on a spectacular team member
by completing a Smile Award this week.
Tell the entire doodle community about the
ways your child’s teachers make him or
her (and you!) smile! Awards will be posted
throughout the center all week long to
recognize our team’s many talents.
2015 Pre-Kindergarten Graduation Information
It’s time to celebrate another Doodle Bugs! graduating Pre-K class! We’re so proud of our
students, who have spent their time at Doodle Bugs! having fun, learning, developing life
skills and making friends. We want to thank our faculty for making their journey with Doodle
Bugs! as educational and enjoyable as possible. We are excited for our graduates to enter
the next stage of their educational career. Family and friends are invited to join us for the
ceremony and help us celebrate this joyful occasion. Center directors will provide the date,
time, and location for each classroom’s graduation celebration.
Year-End Performances
Doodle Dance & Fitness
“Creative movement and dance represent the education of the whole child, in the deepest
sense.” Everyone loves Doodle Dance & Fitness classes. They’ve danced, wiggled, tumbled
and giggled all year long and can’t wait to show you what they’ve learned! Please join us
for our year-end demonstrations, a genuine celebration of fun & fitness; classroom specific
demonstration dates and times will be posted on the parents’ boards soon!
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is the perfect combination of fitness and fun! The children are especially proud
of the progress they’ve made in this year’s Tae Kwon Do classes. Please join us to celebrate
their successes and give them a well-deserved round of applause; classroom specific
performance dates and times will be posted on the parents’ boards soon!
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may • june 2015
Doodle Details
Community Connections
Please consider helping the West Amherst center reach their goal of collecting 250+
boxes of fun, colorful bandages. “Bandaids for Booboos” will be donated to Roswell
Park Cancer Institute and Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.
The McCandless center happily participated in the Ultimate Play Day, which was held
in Burgwin Park on April 26th. Hosted by the Pittsburgh Playful Collaborative, this fun
event celebrated play as an essential part of childhood!
Rochester area faculty and families are invited to join in the annual Town of Henrietta
Parade, which will be held on Sunday, May 17th at 12PM. This is a terrific opportunity
to connect with other families and show your #doodlespirit!
The Clarence center is proud to support the Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walk and
invites all faculty, families, and friends to join them on Sunday, May 17th. This event
is held at Island Park in Amherst; check in is at 10AM and the walk begins at 11AM.
Parent Reminders
Doodle Bug! Vacation Club is the perfect place for school age students to spend
spring break! Anytime elementary schools are closed, our centers offer a full day of
fun for children ages 5 – 12. Organized sports & games, arts & crafts, special events
and field trips add to the fun! Please see the front desk for center-specific details,
including field trip plans.
Doodle Bugs! will be closed in observance of Memorial Day (Monday, May 25th).
A doodle day includes lots of outdoor play. Please be sure to provide sunscreen
and protective clothing (such as hats and sunglasses) for your children; safe, sturdy
footwear is also required.
Secure Your Spot Today for Preschool, Pre-K and After School
Enrollment applications are now being accepted for the 2015-16 academic year. We’re proud to implement the Bravo!
Early Childhood Curriculum, an innovative program that combines theme-related age-appropriate classroom experiences,
amazing enrichment programs and our series of center events. Our curriculum is aligned with each state’s early learning
standards, ensuring that children build essential skills through play. At Doodle Bugs!, learning is hands-on fun!
Preschool (3 year olds)
Doodle Bugs! provides preschoolers with the ideal environment for learning through play! We happily support children’s growth and development as
we build a caring community of learners.
Pre-K (4 - 5 year olds)
Doodle Bugs! Pre-K graduates are noticeably well prepared for future school success. The Bravo! Early Childhood curriculum provides meaningful
opportunities to build academic skills through play. Above all else, our staff is responsive to children’s varying needs and abilities, which builds each child’s
confidence and instills a love for learning!
After School (ages 5-12)
We understand that your family’s need for safe, supervised care extends well into your child’s elementary years! We are happy to provide fun, hands-on
recreation activities (sports, computers, theater, crafts and more!) in the educational, high-interest environment you’ve come to expect from Doodle Bugs!.
www.doodlebugs.com
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CENTER CALENDAR
May
Sunday
3
Monday
4
10
Tuesday
5
CINCO DE MAYO
CELEBRATIONS
11
12
Wednesday
6
Child ID event at
Webster center
3-6PM
13
Thursday
7
MOTHER’S DAY
CELEBRATIONS
14
Friday
Saturday
1
2
8
9 Bug Squad:
Fun Festival at the
Irondequoit Public
Library 10AM-2PM
MOTHER’S DAY
CELEBRATIONS
FL Summer Camp Early
Bird Discount Deadline
15
PA Summer Camp Early
Bird Discount Deadline
16
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24/31
25
26
27
28
29
30
Great Strides
Cystic Fibrosis Walk at
Island Park 10AM
Town of Henrietta
Parade 12PM
Bug Squad: Dreams
from Drake event at
Total Sports Experience
from 4PM-6PM (May 31)
MEMORIAL DAY
CENTERS
CLOSED
June
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
NY Summer Camp Early
Bird Discount Deadline
ROC City Values
5K 8:30AM
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Tuesday
FATHER’S DAY
CELEBRATIONS
FATHER’S DAY
CELEBRATIONS
may • june 2015
6
Bug Squad Volunteers at Ronald
McDonald House