Dear SDP Families,

Happy New Year and welcome back! As we begin the month of January, our classrooms are filled with renewed energy, familiar routines, and exciting opportunities for learning and growth. We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed a restful Christmas break. Please take a moment to read below for this month’s themes, important dates, and upcoming updates.

January Themes: In January, we will be exploring topics such as New Year’s reflections and self-awareness, winter sensory experiences and simple science explorations, healthy winter habits, and building friendships while learning about feelings and emotions. Through hands-on activities, play, and daily routines, children will continue developing confidence, curiosity, and social-emotional skills. We look forward to having an amazing start to 2026 together! Throughout the month, we’ll continue practicing healthy habits such as hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and dressing appropriately for the cold weather.

Important Dates: Monday, January 5th – School Reopens Monday, January 19th – School Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Community Opportunity In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Traffic Reform Warriors will be holding another community street cleaning on Monday, January 19th. More details will be shared soon.

PTO Update – Parent Involvement: Our next PTO meeting will be held on Monday, January 26th at 3:30 PM via Zoom. Families who have already signed up will receive the meeting link via email. If any families who have not previously signed up would like to join this Zoom meeting, please let Ms. Jennifer know and she will be happy to send you an email. We’d love to have you involved!

Winter Weather Reminder: Cold weather is here! Please make sure your child comes to school with: Warm jackets Hats Gloves/mittens Scarves Weather-appropriate shoes State regulations require a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor play daily, weather permitting, so please dress your child warmly.

Parent Resource Spotlight: “Helping Children Build Self-Awareness & Emotional Skills” This month’s resource highlights simple ways families can support children in understanding feelings, building confidence, and strengthening friendships. (https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/social-emotional-learning-helping-children-build-skills-life)

Thank you for being an essential part of our Small Discoveries family. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to a wonderful start to the new year filled with learning and growth.

Warmly,

Ms. Jennifer Vera