Latest News from BCP

Pre School Closed Today ~ Thursday, February 24

2011-02-24T06:08:00.000-08:00

Due to weather/road conditions, BCP will be closed today, Thursday February 24th.

The flashalert website is currently DOWN and we have been unable to post our closure to local TV stations.

Stay warm and safe!

2011-2012 Registration

2011-01-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

BCP registration is underway for the 2011-2012 school year. Contact the preschool to find out how to secure a spot in one of our preschool classes.

Openings Available:

Tuesday / Thursday 2 1/2's, 3's, 4's classes
Monday / Wednesday / Friday PreK 4's, PreK Plus classes
Afternoon (12:30-3:30) Infant Toddler Sessions

We also have availability in the following:

Art and Science Class
This class is for 3 to 5 year olds and is held on Friday mornings or afternoons. The children focus on elements of art (such as color, texture, line and form) and on experiences in science. This class can stand alone or may be added to other preschool schedules.

Enrichment
This class is for children who are enrolled in our PreK 4’s or PreK Plus classes and specifically focuses on literacy and phonics. This structured class revolves around pre-reading, pre-writing, language, music and hands-on art and is one afternoon a week.

Contact BCP if you are interested in any of these classes. Let your friends and neighbors know, too!

Dad's Saturday for Tuesday Thursday Classes

2011-01-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

Children from Tuesday/Thursday classes invite their dads to a mini preschool day on Saturday, January 22nd. Come and explore, play, eat, sing, and have fun with your child from 9:15 - 10:45. RSVP in your child's classroom for this fun day!

School Closure, Tuesday November 23

2010-11-23T05:50:00.001-08:00

School has been cancelled today, Tuesday November 23, due to hazardous weather conditions.

Stay Warm and Safe!

BCP School Closure Information

2010-11-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

Happy November! With fall and winter, comes the hope (for some of us!) of snow. In the event that we should have some wintery weather in the near future, we do want you to know how to find out about any school operation changes that might result.

For information about weather-related school closure, please do the following . . .

* Go to the Emergency Messages Link on our website: http://www.bethlehempreschool.org/news.htm
* Log onto http://www.flashalert.net
Click on the Portland area
Insert our name (Bethlehem Christian Preschool-LO) in the search space or Click on “Private schools, Portland area” and scroll down to our name.

* Listen to or watch major TV & radio stations Watch or listen for the name “Bethlehem Christian Preschool—L.O.” The information is updated every 15 minutes.

Greenery Sale ~ Going on Now!

2010-11-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Our wreaths are the fullest around! Orders are due by Friday, November 12. All items are very full and fresh and they make wonderful gifts to send to other areas. Orders will arrive Monday, November 29 at 9:15-10:00.

Curbside pick-up available
Wagons are ready to take an order to your car

Order forms are available at the office or you can click here for a printable form.

Parents, Pumpkins and Pictures!

2010-10-04T14:24:00.001-07:00

October already???

Read on for some important October happenings ...

PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES

Thursday and Friday, October 7 and 8 are Parent Teacher Conference days for our regular morning preschool classes. Please be sure to have signed up for a time slot to visit with your child's teacher. There is NO SCHOOL on these days, but Infant/Toddler IS open. Childcare is available for your child(ren) during the time of your Conference in room L3 for no charge. Please see below for details:

Thursday, October 7 - Conferences for T/Th classes and L1 PreK Plus
Friday, October 8 - Conferences for MWF classes

PUMPKIN PATCH FIELD TRIPS

We are going to the Pumpkin Patch! By now you have probably received information from your child's teacher regarding their trip to the Pumpkin Patch! Be sure to dress for the weather. Check with your child's teacher for time, cost and map information. Please see below for dates our classes are going:

Stuart T/Th 3's - Lee's Farm - Tuesday, October 5th
Marincovich PreK Plus - Ryser's Farm - Monday, October 11th
Marincovich T/Th 4's - Ryser's Farm - Tuesday, October 12th
Hazen / Hoevet PreK 4's - Ryser's Farm - Wednesday, October 13th
Elrod T/Th 3's - Ryser's Farm - Thursday, October 14th
O'Donel 2 1/2's - Lil' Punkin Patch - Thursday, October 14th
Stitt MWF 3's - Ryser's Farm - Friday, October 15th
Cook PreK 4's - Ryser's Farm - Monday, October 18th
Quarterman PreK Plus - Ryer's Farm - Tuesday, October 19th

PICTURE DAYS

Class photos will be taken on Wednesday and Thursday, October 27 and 28. Picture envelopes will be sent home next week. Your child will have his/her picture taken even if you do not plan to order photos. We need everyone's photo for our class composites. (Please note: L1 PreK Plus will have their pictures taken on Wednesday, October 27.) Bring your smiles!

‘2010-’11 Openings

2010-09-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

We have openings in the following classes:

Wed pm & Thurs pm Infant/Toddler
Tu/Th 2 1/2 ‘s
Tu/Th 3’s
Tu/Th PreK 4’s
MWF PreK 4’s

Contact BCP for more information and please tell your friends!

Open Houses ~ Tuesday, September 7

2010-09-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE
Date: Tuesday, September 7

Each year we provide an opportunity for families to visit the preschool prior
to their child’s first day. This time is designed so that parents have an
opportunity to:

* Learn more about BCP and its philosophy
* Meet the teachers and administration
* Meet other parents in their child’s class

Time: 9:30-11:00 AM: Tu Th Classes & Inf./Tod.
11:15-11:45 AM: Art & Science Classes
12:30—2:00 PM: M W F & PreK Plus Classes

We hope that you will take advantage of this
opportunity to become more familiar with your
child’s world at school. We consider it a
privilege to teach your child and look
forward to showing you our program.

Happy Summer!

2010-06-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Bethlehem Christian Preschool office is closed for the Summer. Voice mail regarding Summer School business will be checked regularly.

If you are interested in enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year, please see what we have available below. You can contact us via email(admin@bethlehempreschool.org) or leave a voice mail (503-638-0725). These will be checked occasionally until our office resumes business on Monday, August 2.

We have current openings in the following classes:

Tuesday/Thursday Young 3's (for children 3 by October 31, 2010) - 9:15-12:00
Enrollment fee: $195
Monthly Tuition: $205

Tuesday/Thursday 3's (for children 3 by September 1, 2010) - 9:15-12:00
Enrollment fee: $195
Monthly Tuition: $205

Tuesday/Thursday PreK 4's (for children 4 by September 1, 2010) - 9:15-12:00
Enrollment fee: $195
Monthly Tuition: $205

Monday/Wednesday/Friday PreK 4's (for children 4 by October 31, 2010) - 9:15-12:00
Enrollment fee: $195
Monthly Tuition: $270

Monday or Wednesday Enrichment (for 4-5 year olds) - 12:00-3:00
No enrollment fee if enrolled in another BCP class
Monthly Tuition: $90

Friday AM or PM Art & Science (for 3-5 year olds) 9:15-12:00 OR 12:15-3:00
No enrollment fee if enrolled in another BCP class
Monthly Tuition: $90 ($65 if enrolled in a Tuesday/Thursday class)

We have POSSIBLE openings in:
Tuesday/Thursday 2 1/2's
Enrollment fee: $195
Monthly Tuition: $215

Have a blessed Summer!

Summer School Forms Due June 1

2010-05-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

What has bug fun, a lemonade stand, refreshing water play and is warm all over? Well, Summer School of course! If you haven't done so already, be sure to turn in your Summer School form BY Tuesday, JUNE 1st. (For children ages 3 - 5). Don't miss out on the summer fun!

Open House is Almost Here ~ April 25

2010-04-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder to let you know that you and your preschooler(s) are invited to our Open House this Sunday, April 25 at 1:30 - 3:00. Fun activities are planned in all the classrooms, and the playground will be open, weather permitting!

Come and ....

*Dig for Dinosaurs
*Shop at the Teddy Bear Store (pennies provided!)
*See/Try our "Handwriting without Tears" activities
*Play in Ooblik and Shaving Cream
*Paint with Magnetic Marbles, Toy Cars, and Balloons
*Turn Clear Gelatin into a Rainbow Surprise
*Play Parachute Games

* ...... and more!

Invite your friends who are looking for a preschool!
See you there!

Scholastic Book Fair ~ April 19 - 23

2010-04-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
April 19-23
M-W (9am-3pm) / Th-Fri (9am-12noon)

Come to our All You Can Read Diner. Our menu Includes:
*Preschool Books *Early Elementary Books *Christian Preschool Books

Grandparents Days are during the Book Fair as well on April 22 and 23. Grandparents (or other Special Persons) are invited to join their grandchild in the Sanctuary for a story time, snack, and a chance to browse the book fair together. Please see below for times Grandparents can come:

Thursday April 22
L1 Quarterman 10:00
L2 Stuart 11:00
L3 Marincovich 10:20
L4 Elrod 10:40
L5 O'Donel 9:40

Friday April 23
L2 Cook 10:00
L3 Marincovich 10:20
L4 Hazen 10:40
L5 Stitt 9:40

Open House ~ Sunday, April 25

2010-03-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a preschool program? You and your child are invited to join us for an Open House on Sunday, April 25th at 1:30-3:00.

Come see the highlights of our program:
Hands On Art and Science
Language Rich Literacy Activities
Handwriting without Tears Curriculum
Open Ended Learning Centers
Play Philosophy
Social * Emotional * Spiritual Development
Low Child to Teacher Ratios
Loving, Nurturing, Experienced Staff
Afternoon Enrichment - Phonemic Awareness Program
Lunch & Fun (extended care)
Elective Spanish Class

Please call us if you have any questions!

Spring Auction

2010-03-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

Are your calendars ready for the BCP Spring Auction?

Bidding begins on Tuesday, March 9 and includes LIVE items for auction that evening during Family Fun Night. The evening events are 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Bidding concludes at noon on Thursday, March 11. Check our auction link for a list of all the items that are available

Happy Bidding!!!

Summer School 2010

2010-02-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

Plans are being made for Summer School 2010! The days and hours will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays, 9:30 - 1:00, during the weeks between June 29th and July 29th. The daily cost will be $25 and children ages 3 - 5 may participate.

Please be sure to let us know if you are interested by returning the Summer School Survey by Friday, February 26th. We will be getting Summer School registration information out to interested families soon.

Spring Auction ~ March 9 - 11

2010-02-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

The BCP Spring Auction is almost here! Be sure to plan on attending this fun event. Childcare is available during our kick off night, March 9th for BCP children age 2 1/2 and older. Sign up for this in your child's classroom.

Some other important things to know:

Auction donations are due by this Friday, February 19th. Thank you for all the fabulous items that have come in already!

Volunteers needed: to do childcare while our basket wrappers are wrapping on February 24th, Greeters for March 10th and 11th, Closing help on March 11th, and Take down on March 12th. Please sign up outside the Infant/Toddler room on the sign up sheets.

We also need large easels to display art work and folding tables. Do you have any we can borrow?

Need a place to take your overflow of baskets, tissue paper, and wired fabric ribbon? We will take it!

Be sure to check out all the latest auction news, donation list and other details by following the "Auction" link from our homepage at http://www.bethlehempreschool.org.

Dad's Saturday for Tuesday Thursday Classes

2010-02-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

Children from Tuesday/Thursday classes invite their dads to a mini preschool day on Saturday, February 27th. Come and explore, play, eat, sing, and have fun with your child rom 9:15 - 10:45. RSVP in your child's classroom for this fun day!

February 9, 2010 Open Enrollment for Some Classes

2010-01-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

Announcing OPEN ENROLLMENT for the following classes at BCP on February 9, 2010 beginning at 9:30 am on a first come first served basis:

2 ½ Year Old Class
T-Th Three Year Old Class
T-Th PreK Four Year Old Class
Friday Art and Science Class
PreK Plus Classes

To register on February 9 an enrollment fee of $195 must be paid. At that time registration papers will be completed and one payment of tuition is due.

Please see our website www.bethlehempreschool.org for tuition amounts.

Openings for 2010-2011

2010-01-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

Our Registration Process is underway!

There are still openings available for this fall in the following classes:

Tuesday / Thursday 2 ½’s
Tuesday / Thursday 3’s
Tuesday / Thursday PreK 4’s
PreK Plus (Monday–Thursday am’s or Mam Wam and pm Fam)
Friday morning Art and Science
Afternoon Enrichment

Art and Science class is for 3 to 5 year olds and is held on Friday mornings. The children focus on elements of art (such as color, texture, line and form) and on experiences in science.. This class can be added on to the Tuesday Thursday 3’s and PreK4’s classes to make them a 3 day week class. It can also be added to the Monday through Thursday PreK Plus class for a 5 day week class.

Enrichment is for children who are enrolled in our PreK 4’s or PreK Plus classes and specifically focuses on literacy and phonics. This structured class revolves around pre-reading, pre-writing, language, music and hands-on art and is one afternoon a week.

Contact BCP if you are interested in any of these classes. Let your friends and neighbors know, too!

Registration!!!

2010-01-12T15:20:00.000-08:00

2010 2011 Registration is underway! If you know someone who is looking for a preschool, please have them give us a call.

Registration dates for in-house families are Tuesday, February 2 and Wednesday, February 3.

Dad’s Saturday

2010-01-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

Is your calendar marked for this fun day? Children from MWF classes and PreK Plus invite their dads to a mini preschool day on Saturday, January 24th. Come and explore, play, eat, sing, and have fun with your child f rom 9:15 - 10:45. RSVP in your child's classroom.

Please note: T/Th classes will have their Dad's Saturday on February 27th.

Mom's Bible Study ~ Beginning January 6

2009-12-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Calling all moms! We would like to invite you to Bible Study on Wednesday mornings starting January 6th from 9:30 to 11:00 in the church sanctuary. Childcare is provided free of charge while attending the Bible study and run by two BCP staff members. Please sign up at the office and let us know you are planning to come. The book we will be using is "The Jesus Storybook Bible" and can be purchased for $10 at the office.

Christmas Break

2009-12-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

Can you believe the calendar says it's December? Christmas break is just days away! This Friday is the last day of school before we break for Christmas. Please mark you calendar for coming back to school on Monday, January 4th. Christmas Blessings to each of you!

Christmas Family Open Houses

2009-12-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

Our classes are getting ready for our Christmas Family Open Houses this week! Please come and help us celebrate the best gift of all ~ Jesus for each of us!

T/Th classes will celebrate on Thursday, December 17.
M/W/F and PreK Plus will celebrate on Friday, December 18.

Check with your classroom teacher for the time of your child's celebration.

SANTA BRUNCH Sunday, December 13 10:30-2:00

2009-12-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

Join us for family fun and crafts at the West Linn Mom's Club Santa Brunch at West Linn High School this Sunday, 10:30-2:00! All proceeds for this terrific event benefit Clackamas Women's Services.

MOVING DAY!!!

2009-11-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

Parents –

We are getting ready for the BIG MOVE BACK, but we can only do it with help, help,

and more help. We want to be back and running in our BCP building on Monday,

December 7th and much needs to happen before then. We know this is a busy time for

everyone, and we would be so THANKFUL for ANY help you can muster.

Needs:

*Cleaning crew at BCP on Wednesday and Thursday, December 2 and 3. We need

vacuumers, surface cleaners, dusters, and scrubbers, etc

*Moving crew (from CoH to BCP) on Friday, December 4 at 12:00 noon. We need

several people to load and unload our U-Haul, people to help set up classrooms and office

space. Please note: Lunch and Fun will be canceled this day.

Please contact us and let us know times and dates you can help. We will confirm

a crew once we know who can come.

Christmas Wreaths and Trees

2009-11-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

Have you ordered your Christmas greenery yet?

Our Wreath and Evergreen sale is up and running until this Friday (November 13). A variety of sizes are available and orders will be available to pick up on November 30th.

We are also taking orders for Grand Fir Christmas trees through November 23rd. These orders will be available to pick up December 5th and 12th.

Have you seen the tree and wreath samples? They are beautiful (and smell wonderful!)

Order forms for both are available outside the preschool office.

Getting Ready for 2010-2011

2009-11-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

PLEASE Return your Sibling Surveys ASAP (due date was October 23rd).

PreK Plus interest forms are due by November 13th if your child will turn 5 before 12/31/10. This form lets us know you would like your child's teacher to assess them for placement in the PreK Plus class next school year.

Tell your friends & neighbors to call us now to put their children on our 2010-11 waitlist. We are taking names!

Thank you!

Building Update ~ November 2

2009-11-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Just a quick update on the beam repair project at the church.

Work has been underway for a couple of weeks now and

progress has been good. As with most repairs to existing

buildings we anticipated a couple of surprises – and we were

not disappointed. We held our breath while we opened up

the floor and several walls and we were pleasantly surprised

that only a few locations hid plumbing pipes and electrical

wiring. The biggest surprise was the heating ducts encased

in concrete beneath the sanctuary floor – ducts which pass

through the exact location of the footings for two of the new

posts. Fortunately all of these issues were easily addressed,

unfortunately it cost more money. The good news however

is that we are still on schedule and reasonably on budget. All

of the footings have been poured, and all of the locations are

open and ready to install the steel posts, which should be

arriving from Idaho next week. Separate crews have been

working on the “post-tensioning system” for the existing

beams and the replacement glulam beam is ready to be

picked up from the lumberyard as soon as the steel brackets

arrive. We will put the beam in at the same time as the steel

posts to minimize the cost of equipment rental. I want to

thank you for all your prayers and encouragement, the job is

going well and we are really happy with the workers and

their work so far. I would like to ask you to continue to

pray; we need about four good weather days to do the outside

work in a couple of weeks – which will be a miracle in

Oregon.

Now, to answer the “big question”. The building should be

ready to move back into around Thanksgiving. All the structural

work should be done but we may need to finish some

minor cosmetic work after we have moved back in.

Thanks again for your patience and prayers – Pastor Shane

EXTENDED ORDERING DEADLINE

2009-10-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

Our Poinsettias can be ordered through Tuesday, October 27. Hurry and get your order in...these poinsettias are gorgeous and you won't be disappointed!

Poinsettias

2009-10-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

It's Poinsettia time at BCP and there are still a few days left to place your order. Order forms were emailed home recently and we have some in our office for your convenience.

Poinsettias will be delivered on December 1st at school and will be ready for pick-up between 11:00 and 12:00. Get ready to check off one item from your Christmas To Do list!

Parent Teacher Conference Day Details

2009-10-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

Parent Teacher Conferences are coming up on Monday, October 19th and Tuesday, October 20th. Please see below for details about these two days:

October 19th: Conferences for MWF and PreK Plus; these classes are NOT in session, but childcare will be available for the time of your conference. Siblings are also welcome.
Infant Toddler WILL BE in session.
No lunch and fun.

October 20th: Conferences for TTh classes; these classes are NOT in session, but childcare will be available for the time of your conference. Siblings are also welcome.
Infant Toddler and PreK Plus WILL BE in session.
No regular lunch and fun, but PreK Plus lunch and fun in session

Lunch & Fun and Enrichment Start Date ~ October 12

2009-10-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

You have been asking and now we can finally say with much celebration that our Lunch and Fun and Enrichment programs will begin Monday, October 12!

If you have turned in a permanent Lunch and Fun agreement, those reservations will go into affect on Monday, October 12th. If you are interested in having a permanent Lunch and Fun spot, please read the attached memos for details on how our permanent reservations work. You will also find the form needed to set these up attached as well.

Lunch and Fun reservation notebooks will be available for drop-in sign ups on Monday, October 5. Families who have signed up for Extended Care for the month of October, will find that their names have been written in the Lunch and Fun pages already.

There are still a few openings in Wednesday Enrichment. Please contact the office if you are interested.

Watch your email box next week for a message confirming the Enrichment and Lunch and Fun reservations that we have for your child(ren).

Please stay tuned for a start date for 2 1/2s Lunch and Fun and afternoon Infant Toddler.

Current Openings for 2009-2010

2009-09-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

Please read on regarding our BCP openings that we want to tell you about. If you know someone who might be interested, please pass this information along.

Infant Toddler ~

*We have openings for Friday morning sessions. This program is for Infants and Toddlers who are 9 months and older. These children meet 8:45 – 12:30. The session charge for this is $22.85 (with an enrollment fee of $70).

*We would love to add to our Infant Toddler Drop-In list as well. This is our list to call from when there are occasional cancellations during the week.

Art and Science

*This class is for 3-5 year olds and meets on Fridays 9:15 – 12:00 to explore science and art activities with Mrs. Stuart. The monthly tuition for this class is $85 a month (with an enrollment fee of $85. No enrollment fee is required for children currently enrolled at BCP) Tuition for children enrolled in T/Th 3’s classes and are age eligible pay a $64 monthly tuition.

All of our morning Pre-School classes currently have openings in them:

* 2 ½ s meet Tuesdays and Thursdays. These children need to be 2 ½ by the end of October. The monthly tuition for this class is $203 (with an enrollment fee of $170).

* Tuesday Thursday 3’s meet two times a week and the monthly tuition for this class is $193 (with an enrollment fee of $170).

*MWF 3’s and PreK 4’s meet 3 days a week. The monthly tuition for MWF 3’s is $267 and PreK 4’s is $257 (with an enrollment fee of $170).

*PreK Plus is our 4 day a week program for children turning 5 by December 31. This class meets Monday through Thursday and the monthly tuition is $322 (with an enrollment fee of $170).

Please contact us by email or call 503-638-0725 for more information.

Thank Yous Abound!

2009-09-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

We have made it through week one of Pre-School, and Extended Care is up and running. We couldn’t have done it without so many of the willing hands and hearts that have helped make it possible:

Humungous Thank You’s to …..

….Pastor Doug Adams and the Community of Hope staff and congregation; We are so grateful for their building during this time. How wonderful it was to finally meet the little BCP faces that matched our name lists in these hallways and classrooms!

… Pastor Tim Herzfeldt-Kamprath and West Linn Lutheran Church for the use of their spacious Fellowship Hall during September staff trainings to get our school year started.

…. Leah Findtner and Clubsport for being so willing and ready to plan and put on customized camps for our BCP kids had we needed them while we were waiting for a building to become available. Thank you for being so gracious and flexible as we had to change gears midway. What a great facility!

…. Christopher Sheffield who helped coordinate our initial move from Lake Oswego to Wilsonville. What great enthusiasm and willingness!

…. Our POD helpers! Moving all of our items out of COH every Friday and back in on every Sunday is a HUGE undertaking. Thank you to staff and parents who have joined us and for those who are planning to continue. There is room for plenty more and the more there are the lighter the load it is for all of us. We can’t say enough how big this need is and how great our appreciation is for your help …..

Thank you, Thank you!

Extended Care Available

2009-09-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

While we are waiting for our afternoon programs to begin, we are able to offer a limited number of spots for a “short extended care” time. For the following classes: Mrs. Cook's, Mrs. Elrod's, Mrs. Hazen's, Mrs. Marincovich’s, Mrs. Quarterman’s, Mrs. Stitt's and Mrs. Stuart's classes.
(Mrs. O’Donel’s L&F Class will begin later in the school year).

For children who arrive at 9:00, extended care is available 11:55 - 12:55.
For children who arrive at 9:15, extended care is available 12:05 – 1:00.

Beginning Monday, September 28, this extended care time is available
Monday – Friday and will cost $5.00 per day. You may sign-up at the office in the “Extended Care” notebook. Reservations are on a “first come, first served basis.”Because of our licensing requirements, children in Mrs. Marincovich and Mrs. Quarterman's classes must be picked up by 12:55 pm. Children in Mrs. Cook's, Mrs. Elrod's, Mrs. Hazen's, Mrs. Stitt's and Mrs. Stuart's classes must be picked up by 1:00 pm.

If you would like to take advantage of this option, here are a few things to remember.

• Reservations are required.
• Reservations are limited.
• Please send a lunch which contains a grain, a protein (no nuts or peanuts), and two servings of fruit and/or veggies.
• Because of storage issues lunches should be simple. Also we cannot warm them at this facility
• We provide water and milk – please do not send a beverage.
• Lunches should arrive in a paper bag, clearly labeled with child’s name and teacher’s name.
• You will be billed $5.00 per session.

Thank you for help! BCP

Entrance

2009-09-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

What a great start we have had! It’s wonderful to see smiling happy children back in classes.

After being in our new quarters for two days we’d like to make a change! Beginning tomorrow, Thursday, September 24, the main entrance to the preschool will be at the other end of the preschool hallway. You’ll find this entrance on the sidewalk by the POD. It is located on the south end of the parking lot. The entrance is away from the driveway.

Thank you for your attention as we adjust to our new surroundings!

H1N1 Information

2009-09-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

At BCP we have been gathering recommendations and information regarding the H1N1 virus, we share the following information with you.

Please refer to the following link for recommendations and information provided by the Oregon Department of Human Services regarding the H1N1 flu: http://www.ode.state.or.us/wma/emergencyinfo/swineflu/schoolupdate8-31-09.pdf.

BCP asks that parents read this informational document with emphasis on the prevention recommendations, “watch for symptoms” and “stay home if ill” sections.

BCP would like parents to contact the office if their child is ill. Please report symptoms as well.
If your child has influenza symptoms (fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit plus cough or sore throat), please contact your child’s physician for advice.

What will happen if a student is diagnosed with H1N1 flu?

As the H1N1 flu virus continues to run at a level equivalent with seasonal flu in Oregon
and across the United States, the state Public Health Division has updated the school
closure policy. In most instances, closure of schools or child care facilities will not be
recommended. However, students who are ill should continue to stay at home and
schools should continue to work with their local health departments. This policy is
consistent with the guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The decision to close a school will be made based upon the extent and severity of disease
in the local area by the local health department in the local area by the local health
department in consultation with school officials and the Oregon Public Health Division.

If a school is closed, all school – or childcare-related gatherings will be closed or
canceled, and parents and students will be encouraged to avoid congregating outside of
the school.

A school would be closed for a period of time to be determined depending upon extent
and severity of illness.

The purpose of closing schools will be to decrease contact among children in order to
decrease their risk of getting sick and to limit the spread of infection. If we have a school
closure, parents should be prepared to arrange for child care in a non-group setting,
preferably at home.

POD Helpers Needed

2009-09-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,

The teachers and classrooms are almost ready to meet the teacher's next week! Are you ready? We bet you are! Thank you for the many replies to help with playdoh making and Costco shopping, WOW!

During this temporary relocation there will be many opportunities to fulfill Time and Talent hours. We will be in need of weekly help moving our equipment in and out of our rooms, so Community of Hope's use of their rooms on the weekends can go uninterrupted. Some of our BCP staff and Christian City Church staff will be available to do this, but our hope is to spread the work among many, as to lighten the burden on them.

We will be moving items from classrooms to an outdoor POD on Fridays at 1:00 pm
Items will be moved from the POD back into classrooms on Sundays at 5:00 pm.

We would appreciate any and all help to push, pull, carry, load and roll our items to and from the POD. If you can help and are interested in fulfilling Time and Talent hours this way, please call or email us with dates you can help. You can also sign up in the POD book that will be kept in our working office once school begins.

And a huge THANK YOU goes to Christopher Sheffield for heading up our Monday move this week, and to all the parents and staff who joined in! We couldn't have done it without you .....

Thank you for helping! "Many hands make light the load."

Blessings,
BCP

Time and Talent Needed ~ Week of September 14

2009-09-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

We are gearing up for the big move! Here are some opportunities ~

We need BCP parents ….

…. at 7:30 am on Monday, September 14th to help load and transport items to Community of Hope Lutheran Church. Please bring a truck if you have one that we can pack!

…. At 1:00 on Friday, September 18th at Community of Hope to load the POD with items that will be stored over the weekend.

Please email or call us with dates that you can help and if you are able to bring a truck with you!

Also … we are in need of 1 more free standing changing tables to borrow while we are at Community of Hope. Let us know if you have one!

Latest BCP News ~ September 9

2009-09-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Pre-School Parents and Staff,

We are thrilled to tell you that we have found a temporary home for BCP and can announce a start date. Our NEW temporary location during construction will be just down the road from us at Community of Hope Lutheran Church at 27817 SW Stafford Road in Wilsonville. We will start with an Open House on Monday morning, September 21 ~ times to be announced in an upcoming email and blog posting.

The first days of preschool for your children will be Tuesday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 23. We will need to stagger the start times (9:00 and 9:15). Once we fine tune this, we will give you the complete details.

We will start with morning only pre-school. As soon as we are able, we will begin our afternoon programs.

Community of Hope Church has been delightful to work with and is pleased to welcome us. We will be using their new education wing.

Please continue to hold on to your September tuition until our bookkeeper is able to calculate the prorated amount. If you have already sent payment, the amount will be credited to your account.

Some parents have asked how long we will be giving a full refund if they choose to make other arrangements for pre-school. Now that we have secured a temporary meeting place, the grace period for a "full refund" will end at the close of the business day on Friday, September 11th at 4:00 pm.

We will then return to our initial registration and tuition agreement that requires a thirty day written notice to withdraw from enrollment.

Please stay tuned for more details to come!
Blessings,

BCP

Latest BCP Update ~ September 4

2009-09-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,

Here is the most recent update we have for you concerning one possible temporary location.

We are waiting for the results of some final inspections to come in.
Because of the Labor Day holiday, we hope to hear a decision by mid week.

We will let you know as soon as we learn the outcome.

We want to thank you for all the kind emails and calls of encouragement and support that we have been getting non-stop. What a blessing you all are to us.

BCP

P.S. Please let us know if you are not getting our all school emails which contain this content.

Teacher Letter Omission

2009-09-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

It has come to our attention that some of you may have received your teacher letter today with out an important memo attached.

Here is the memo that was omitted:

"IMPORTANT MEMO
Please disregard any dates announced in this letter due to our building repairs. Please be watching for update emails and postings on our blog at: http://www.bethlehempreschool.org/blog.html

Also, please keep Comfort Kits at home until we ask for them."

Latest BCP News ~ September 2

2009-09-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

As you can imagine we are being inundated with phone calls and emails, so we feel a need to respond to many of the rumors that are being shared that are not accurate. First and foremost, we are still diligently working with three locations in order to make a quick relocation possible. As you have heard already, there is a permit process that is necessary in the relocation process in many instances.

Thank you for all of your ideas. The following locations are not possibilities for a variety of reasons: Rolling Hills, Southlake Foursquare, Willamette Christian (old and new buildings), West End Building – L.O., Pacific Lumber building, the old Natures warehouse, Church of the Resurrection, Christ Church Episcopal, Riverwest, The Stafford Retirement Center, Marylhurst Campus, Frog Pond Chapel, United Church of Christ Wilsonville, Wilsonville United Methodist Church, elementary schools of West Linn and Lake Oswego.

The locations we are looking at are all within a 5 – 6 mile radius of our preschool. All are pending CCD certification, fire and sanitation inspections. These inspections cannot take place until we receive approval from the deciding members at each location as to whether or not they approve our use of their building. Please know we are not keeping secrets from you. As per each location’s request, we are unable to share names of locations until we have final approval. Here is a more specific look at where we are with each location:

Location 1 – Church approval and financial agreement are pending (this is the location that we referred to last Thursday night as the one we might have a decision as early as last Tuesday, but have not)

Location 2 – Church approval and pending certifications as referenced above

Location 3 – Final Board approval and Conditional Use clarification

As stated previously by Pastor Shane at last Thursday night’s meeting, the church is in the process of collecting bids from contractors. Since that meeting, preliminary drawings were received Friday and distributed to a number of contractors who are currently assembling bids. Once final plans are available and a contractor is chosen, then the building permit process begins. None of us know how long this will take. We have been encouraged that it may only take two weeks. It still remains our HOPE to only be relocated for a couple of months (pending construction). We are still unable to project a school start date at a new location or a delayed start at BCP.

Please know, we understand the inconvenience and the great difficulty you may be having to make decisions/choices regarding this situation. We also understand that some of you must make other arrangements for your child(ren).

We are in talks with Club Sport about the possibility of some “Custom Camps” that would be available for BCP children who are 3 and above and potty trained, for two weeks during the interim (tentatively September 21 through October 2). Please let us know via email if you would be interested in these camps.

BCP

Latest BCP News ~ September 1

2009-09-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

We want to be sure to keep you up to date on the latest news at BCP. By the end of last Friday we WERE looking closely at 5 possible relocation sites. One location has been removed from consideration because it is not zoned for a school, but we are still working with 4 others! As stated at our parent meeting, based on our square footage needs, it is possible that we might need to relocate to 2 buildings. We have been very busy jumping through county and city hoops, but thank God we are jumping!

We just finished our staff inservice yesterday and found an eager group of teachers and assistants ready to begin the year. Your teacher’s letter will be coming to you this week. Please note that we need you to keep Comfort Kits at home until we ask for them.

Teachers will be contacting you regarding upcoming Home Visits. These will take the place of Parent/Teacher conferences that are typically scheduled in October.

Teachers are planning upcoming Park Days to provide an opportunity to meet classmates and teachers. The following dates and locations have been chosen:

Friday September 11th, 9:30 – 11:00
Mrs. Marincovich’s T/Th class @ George Rogers Park, Lake Oswego
Art and Science Class @ Tanner Creek Park, West Linn

Monday September 14th, 9:30-11:00
Teacher Margaret’s Infants and Toddlers @ Ibach Park, Tualatin
Mrs. Stitt’s 3’s @ Ibach Park, Tualatin
Mrs. Cook’s 4’s @ Tanner Creek Park, West Linn
Mrs. Hazen’s 4’s @ Atfalati Park, Tualatin
Mrs. Marincovich’s MWF class @ George Rogers Park, Lake Oswego

Monday September 14th 10:30 – 12:00
Mrs. Quarterman’s PreK Plus @ George Rogers Park, Lake Oswego

Thursday September 17th, 9:30 – 11:00
Mrs. O’Donel’s 2 ½’s @ Tanner Creek Park, West Linn
Mrs. Stuart’s 3’s @ Tanner Creek Park, West Linn
Mrs. Elrod’s 3’s @ Ibach Park, Tualatin

See you at the Park!

2009-08-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Continuing updates will be emailed and posted to this blog

August 27th Informational Meeting Notes – PARENTS

Kathy Hawkins welcomed parents in attendance and introduced Pastor Shane from Christian City Church.

Pastor Shane gave an overview of some history of the building and the necessary repair needed on the structural beams. The church building was built in 1968 and the beams are now in need of repair due to dry rot and carpenter ants. The building has not been red tagged but we are “not to occupy the building until it is fixed.” He explained that we hope to fix it quickly and have begun the process by arranging financing and contacting contractors. There are 2 possible contractors at this point, and drawings from the structural engineer should arrive on Friday (today).

Based on the timing of these findings and the permit and the construction process we will not be opening school on September 8th. We are looking at a 2 week to 2 month delay depending on what happens next – temporarily relocating to a new site(s) or late start at BCP.

We have researched many area churches, schools, and warehouses as temporary relocation sites. If we relocate to a site that does not have a Conditional Use Permit, it takes 45-90 days to get one. We are currently negotiating with a site that already has this permit as a possible relocation site.

We have researched the idea of modulars and have learned we can rent one at $1000 monthly per unit, but securing and placing each one is an additional $10,000. We would need about 5. We have also learned that any modular put on property longer than 15 days in considered a permanent structure and needs a permit which takes up to 90 days.

Pastor Shane expressed his gratefulness for finding out about this need at this time. The repair will be expensive, but very thorough and complete. He expressed the commitment to making this investment because we believe in what we do as a preschool and a church.

He continued by expressing the value we place on community with our school families and this information is being shared so that informed choices and decisions can be made. The Scripture reference was made to Nahum 1:13

Questions and Input were asked for and were as follows:

A parent suggested that we have school at The Stafford Retirement Center. This has actually been researched and is not possible.

The question was raised regarding the possibility of adding dates to the school calendar if we delay. Kathy explained how we can “buy back” some days by reconfiguring the school calendar (moving teacher training days to September, holding classes with substitutes while teachers run Parent Teacher conferences, etc.) Days that we cannot add back will be prorated and refunded.

Pastor Shane explained the option to have the repairs done in phases. Phase 1 would be to have the work done on the preschool side of the building first. Once complete, we could occupy the building during phase 2. Phase 2 would be to have the work done on the opposite side of the building after phase 1 was complete. That work would be ongoing while BCP is in operation.

If this phasing option is not available, we would not be able to occupy the building until both sides were complete.

The comment was made by a parent that estimated timelines by contractors are often not accurate, although they do the best they can.

The question was raised if full refunds will be given if parents choose to find other arrangements. BCP will fully refund any fees that have been collected in this situation. The choice to find other arrangements is understandable, but the hope is to retain as many families as possible and keep BCP the wonderful, committed school that it is.

Kathy shared more information regarding the current negotiation of a possible relocation site. A proposal to use this site was sent today (Thursday). The decision-making committee will discuss the proposal this weekend and give us a decision by Tuesday. The site may not be large enough to operate the Infant/Toddler program. This program would reopen upon returning to BCP. We may look into the option of finding a space for some Infant/Toddlers who are returning students to relocate with Teacher Margaret.

The question was raised concerning the definition of a toddler. It was clarified that this includes children enrolled in the Infant/Toddler program. We would plan to house the classes for 2 ½’s and older at this relocation site if approved.

The idea was offered by a parent to get the permit for modulars and stay in the building as long as possible, and then move to modulars when necessary. Christian City Church and BCP have already made the decision to not use the building with children. The commitment to doing the repair and keeping our students safe has been made. We believe it is an issue of credibility and integrity.

The question was raised about projecting a more specific start time. Pastor Shane, “leaning on optimism” is planning for early November start date. He also reminded parents that during this delay time, there is a good possibility that 42 very qualified nannies (preschool teachers) might be available to assist families who need it.

The question was raised regarding how many children attend BCP on any given day. Kathy answered that 102 children attend on our biggest day. A parent mentioned about looking into space at Clubsport, where she is employed.

The question was raised regarding when we will know if phasing the project is an option. Pastor Shane says we should know a week from now.

The suggestion was made to check with Church of the Ressurection. Kathy explained the need for a Conditional Use Permit and zoning requirements. Another parent offered that they have a nursery there.

The suggestion was made to check with the West End building. BCP will research this on Friday. (This we did today and were told that there is not enough room in the building for our preschool.)

The suggestion was made to check with Lake Grove Presbyterian. This church already has a preschool on site.

The suggestion was made to check with Southlake Foursquare Church. We have done this already and they were not interested.

The suggestion was made to check with Christ Church Episcopal. BCP will research this on Friday.

The suggestion was made to check with West Linn Lutheran Church. Kathy commented that we have talked with them.

The question was asked if any letters had been drafted/sent to Commissioners or planners yet describing our plight and if emails could be sent to key people? A parent offer was made to help draft a form letter that could be used to help get the word out.

The offer was made to make phone calls, send letters, contact local newspapers.

The question was asked regarding what specifications would need to be asked for if parents were to find places to inquire about relocating. Kathy explained to run a program more than 4 hours we fall under CCD licensing requirements. These requirements include a need for 35 square feet per child in each classroom for 102 children which equals approximately 3500 square feet total. If we run just morning preschool and keep it under 4 hours we can step out of our licensing until October 29th at which time we are due for renewal. We would also need 5-6 classroom spaces.

The question was raised regarding how long it would take to get BCP up and running if a site was found in 2 weeks. Kathy explained we would need 2 days to move and a day for Open House – possibly 2 to 4 days total.

The question was asked regarding the mood of the staff in light of the information that was shared. Pastor Shane explained that there is a vested interest in keeping staff. Retaining staff is an incentive. He feels staff seems to be committed to working through this and emphasized the longevity there is with many staff members. Kathy shared that there was a mix of reactions at the staff meeting to include some shock, disappointment, but as information was shared there seemed to be less of that.

The question was raised regarding the time line if we are approved to use the site we are negotiating with. Kathy explained a work party of staff and parents (time and talent) would be necessary to paint and clean mid September and that the building would be available September 21. We should know on Tuesday regarding the decision.

The question was raised regarding the safety of choosing the phasing option described. Pastor Shane explained it would not be done unless it is certified safe. It is possible to do this because of the unique design of the building, involving symmetry and corner points allowing for this.

The question was raised regarding where BCP staff is currently working. Current BCP staff members have been working in the building. We are not gathered as a group. When staff is working all together, they will be located off site.

The idea was raised to secure modulars for 15 days and renew them every 15 days to negate the “permanent” nature of the structures. Pastor Shane explained the great expense of doing this – approximately $11,000 per unit.

The suggestion was made to get this human interest story out in the community, that there is money to be used from the community to possibly get donations for what our needs are.

One parent offered the commitment to stay with BCP regardless of the plan.

One parent offered thanks for being so upfront and informative with the situation at hand.

The question was raised on what to tell the children about starting school. Kathy explained the importance of NOT telling them “we can’t go to school yet because the roof might fall on your heads” so that when we are able to re-enter the children won’t be afraid to be in the building.

The question was raised if there might be play dates or field trips arranged so kids can begin to make connections with their classmates during the delay time. Kathy answered that this was something in the plans and will be up for discussion with the staff on the 31st. A parent suggested that the West End building might be able to help with that.

One parent expressed to help with staff costs, they would not need a refund. They just want their kids at BCP with their teachers.

Pastor Shane closed asking parents to send anymore ideas our way. Email and blog updates will be made as new information becomes available.

The meeting ended with prayer.

Informational Meeting ~ August 27 ~ The Stafford

2009-08-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

We have changed the location of our Informational Meeting being held the evening of August 27 at 7pm. Please plan to park at BCP and then come to The Stafford Boutique Living facility next door. You can enter the property through the lawn gate (directly off our driveway) where BCP staff will be available to direct you to the Sullivan Theatre located upstairs. There will be no need to bring your own chairs.

If you are not able to attend, please watch for an email to follow next week (or sooner) with details from the meeting or check back on this blog.

Letter From Pastor Shane

2009-08-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

August 18, 2009

Dear Parents,

We are looking forward to the beginnings of a new school year. Welcome Back. We are excited to see your kids again.

This summer, Christian City Church has been involved in a large remodeling project. Very recently, during the course of this project, it was discovered that some of the structural beams on the building have significant damage due to dry rot and carpenter-ant infestation. This will result in the repair and/or replacement of the beams during the coming weeks. The specific time line has not been set for this as the Church is still in the stages of receiving the official report from the structural engineer.

Because we care about you and your children, we want to minimize the impact on your families. So we are putting in place a couple of contingencies. If all goes well, the repairs will be completed on time and school will start as scheduled on Tuesday, September 8th. If however there are unforeseen delays, we are considering two possible scenarios. The first would be to start school one to two weeks later in which case we would make up the lost days. The second option would be to temporarily relocate the pre-school to another suitable location.

We apologize for any concern this letter may cause, but rest assured we are doing our best to minimize the impact on your family and your children. We understand that many of you will have questions and so we are scheduling a meeting on Thursday, August 27th at 7pm on the playground lawn area (please bring blankets and chairs to sit on) where Pastor Shane will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have. This will be a Parent Only meeting and we thank you for making other arrangements for children. We will send another email if the location changes due to poor weather. At that meeting, we are confident we will be able to give you the details. As you can appreciate, your child’s safety and security is our utmost concern . We appreciate your patience as we are currently waiting for reports from structural engineers so that we can make a fully informed decision. If in the meantime you have questions or concerns please feel free to call Pastor Shane on his cell (503-997-6051) or Pre-School Director, Kathy Hawkins (503-638-0725).

We are confident that this minor inconvenience will not impact your child’s overall experience at our pre-school this year. As always we are looking forward to a great year for you and your child.

Blessings,

Shane Crawford, Pastor

Summer School Openings

2009-05-18T14:57:00.001-07:00

We still have some open dates for Summer School! Please stop by the office and see if we have dates that will work with your summer schedule! Registration fee is $10 a week (non-refundable) and tuition is $25 a day. Children 2 1/2 - 5 are welcome!

Openings 2009-2010 School Year

2009-04-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

We have openings for the 2009-2010 school year in the following programs:

*Tuesday Thursday 3s - (for children who are 3 by October 2009)

This class meets two days a week, 9:15 - 12:00

*Afternoon Infant/Toddler sessions - 12:30-3:30

(for children 9 months old - 2 ½ years old)

We are happy to add names to our wait lists for our PreK 4s and 2 ½ year old programs.

Our wait lists for the 2010-2011 school year are now open as well.

Please contact us at 503-638-0725 or email us at admin@bethlehempreschool.org with any questions, registration information, or to be added to our wait lists.

Summer School

2009-02-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

Have you filled out the BCP Summer School Survey yet? They are due Friday, February 27th. Summer School plans are underway for dates beginning June 30th and through July! We would love to know if you are planning to enroll your child. Sessions will be available for children 2 1/2 - 5 years old (potty training NOT required). Contact the office if you have any questions: 503-638-0725.

Dad Saturday ~ February 28th

2009-02-25T08:49:00.000-08:00

Calling all dads! Dad Saturday is almost here. Tues/Thurs 3's classes and 2 1/2's will have their Dad Saturday this weekend on February 28th, 9:15 - 10:45. Dad's can come and spend this time in their child's classroom, make projects, have circle time, explore centers, and eat snack together. We look forward to having you!

Current Openings

2009-01-29T13:47:00.000-08:00

We have a few open spots right now in some of our currently running preschool classes:

MWF PreK 4's - 2 openings
Monday Enrichment - 1 opening

Do you know someone who might be interested?
Have them contact the office!

Registration for 09-10 School Year

2009-01-29T13:32:00.000-08:00

We are ready to Register for the 09-10 school year! Returning families have made appointments to fill out registration packets February 3rd and 4th. If you have forgotten your appointment time, please call the office!

New families to BCP will be coming to register February 10th. We still have room in our Tues/Thurs 3's and may be adding an additional T/Th 2 1/2's class. Spread the word to your friends and neighbors!

Dad Saturday ~ Saturday, January 24

2009-01-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

Calling all dads! Dad Saturday is almost here. PreK Plus, PreK 4's, and MWF 3's classes will have their Dad Saturday on January 24th, 9:15 - 10:45. Dad's can come and spend this time in their child's classroom, make projects, have circle time, explore centers, and eat snack together. We look forward to having you!

Gift Circles ~ January 6th & 7th

2009-01-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Preschool classes will resume on Tuesday, January 6th and Wednesday, January 7th. Because Christmas Open Houses did not happen as planned, each classroom will have a Gift Circle to celebrate Christmas with the children. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend this special time. It will include recalling Jesus as OUR gift at Christmas. The children will also get to present the gift that they have made. Please refer to your emailed invitation for the time of your child's Gift Circle. Please call BCP if you have any questions.

Happy New Year!

School Closure ~ Wednesday, December 17 and Thursday, December 18

2008-12-16T20:04:00.000-08:00

Due to weather and road conditions, BCP will remain closed on Wednesday, December 17th and Thursday, December 18th. School will resume on Tuesday, January 6th.

We wish you a Blessed Christmas and New Year's!

School Closure ~ Tuesday, December 16

2008-12-15T17:08:00.000-08:00

Due to current weather/road conditions, BCP will be closed on Tuesday, December 16th. Please drive safely and stay warm!

School Closure ~ Monday, December 15, 2008

2008-12-14T17:47:00.001-08:00

Due to current weather/road conditions, BCP will be closed on Monday, December 15th. Please drive safely and stay warm!

Pre-Registration - January 6 - 16th

2008-12-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Pre Registration information was emailed to In House families on December 2nd. Please look for it in your inbox and let us know if you didn't get it. We will be collecting the Pre Registration forms and Enrollment fees January 6th - January 16th. Please call the preschool if you have any questions.

Busy December at BCP!

2008-12-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

If you've been in our hallway recently, you can definitely tell that December is upon us! Look at all that is underway or coming soon:

*Tree Farm Field Trips - The PreK classes are visiting Wheelers Christmas Tree Farm to pick out a classroom tree this week. The children will enjoy decorating them and we all get to enjoy the wonderful smell!

*The Giving Tree - Many of you have generously given requested gifts to bless local needy families with items to go under their own trees. There are still some gift requests available. Wouldn't it be great to know these families Christmases will be complete? We hope to have collected all of these by December 8th.

*Family Christmas Open Houses - Classes will be celebrating together on December 17th and 18th in their own rooms. There will be singing, the Christmas Story, snacks, and a special project to do together during the festivities. RSVP in your child's classroom.

Giving Tree

2008-10-30T13:56:00.001-07:00

A wonderful opportunity to help local families in our community will be coming to BCP soon. Look for the Giving Tree in our hallway during Thanksgiving week. More information to come!

Wreaths and Garlands

2008-10-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

The BCP Wreath and Evergreen Sale is underway! Order forms are available on our website fundraising page. Please turn these in with your payment by November 7th. Items will be available to pick up on December 1st at 9:30 am. Curbside pick-up available!

Preschool Openings

2008-10-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

We currently have one opening in our Tuesday/Thursday 3's class.

We are also looking for infant/toddlers who would be interested in Drop-In Spots. Please call the office if you are interested and spread the word!

Pre Registration Coming Soon!

2008-10-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

BCP families can be watching for upcoming Registration information for the 09-10 school year. Some info will be attached to our weekly newsletter mid November and Pre Registration forms will be mailed home at the month's end.

Back to School Night!

2008-10-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Back to School Night has come and gone already. We had a great gathering of parents show up in classrooms to visit Teachers, in the Fellowship Hall to learn about upcoming Preschool and Church activities, and for our Slide Show featuring most of the BCP children in action.

If you missed BTSN, click on the "slideshow" link to see our newest version.

Upcoming Dates!

2008-09-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Please make sure you have your calendars marked with these important dates:

*Please return your child's ASQ to your child's teacher by next Thursday, September 25.
This is a great tool for teachers to learn more about your child.

*Back to School Night is Thursday, September 25 at 7 p.m. (parents only please) Come see
your child's classroom, enjoy some refreshments, watch a slide show, and meet staff and other
parents!

*Fall Conferences are coming soon:
October 3 for MWF classes and October 7 for TTh classes and PreK Plus.
There is no school on these days, but childcare is available for the time of your conference.

*Picture Days (this is a change from the school calendar):
October 21 for TTh classes, PreK Plus, and Infant Toddlers
October 22 for MWF classes and Infant Toddlers

Welcome Back!

2008-08-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that school is just around the corner?
Don't forget to put Back to School Night on your calendar. This is a great way to learn more about BCP, our philosophy, see classrooms, meet other parents and staff. We look forward to seeing you at 7pm (parents only) on Thursday, September 25th.
See you then!

Openings for 3 year olds

2008-05-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

We have a few openings left for our Tuesday/Thursday 3 year old classes beginning in the fall. Please call the preschool office for more information. (503) 638-0725

Aloha Days are Coming!

2008-05-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Can you believe we are racing towards the last days of school already? Classes are planning Aloha Days in their rooms. Watch for details from your child's teacher about this fun day. Surf's up!

PreK Plus Circus ~ May 22

2008-05-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed any monkeys, leopards, or bats on the loose here at BCP? The PreK Plus class has been diligently practicing and preparing for the PreK Plus Circus. The fun begins at 11:30 on Thursday May 22 for PreK Plus families to enjoy!!!

Celebrating Mothers!

2008-05-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Preschool classes enjoyed a special time with mommies, grandmas, and other special guests as we celebrated Moms this past week! Children shared a special together time, yummy snacks, and presented gifts that were lovingly made. We are so thankful for all the special "Moms" in our lives.

A Change is in the Air ....

2008-04-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

We are excited to announce some staffing changes taking place for the 08-09 school year:

1. Mrs. Hilton will be moving from the classroom as PreK 4's teacher to take on the role of part time Assistant Director along with Nancy Smith, who will also be part time next year.

2. Mrs. O'Donel and Mrs. Quarterman will be switching classrooms! Mrs. O'Donel will teach the 2 1/2's and Mrs. Quarterman the PreK Plus.

Openings for 3 year olds '08 - '09

2008-04-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

We still have openings for children who will be 3 years old by September 1, and openings for children who will be 3 years old by October 31. Please call the preschool for more information or stop by our office to register!

Wait List for 2009 - 2010

2008-04-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Our wait list for the 09-10 school year will open on Thursday, April 17th at 8:00 am. The number to call is 503-638-0725. We look forward to hearing from you!

Fundraiser for Scholarships! February 11-29

2008-02-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

Want an easy way to bake cookies and to serve other wonderful treats?? Order our Masterpiece cookie dough and specialty foods, and you'll not only make your life easier, you'll be raising much needed $$$ for BCP scholarships! There are several families at BCP for whom life has changed and who want their children to continue at BCP. You can help us raise funds to help make that a reality. 45% of the purchase price of Masterpiece products will stay at BCP and go directly into our Scholarship Fund. Watch your mailbox for the orderform and brochure!

Update: Closed Monday, January 28

2008-01-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

Since conditions are not improving at this time, we have decided to reamin closed today.

Opening Late on January 28, 2008

2008-01-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

Preschool classes will begin at 11:00 am today due to the snowy conditions on the roads. Our afternoon classes, Infants and Toddlers, Enrichment and Lunch 'N Fun, will be held as usual.

Opening at 10:15 January 15, 2008

2008-01-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

Due to the road conditions, all classes will begin at 10:15 this morning.

Scholarship Fund

2007-12-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know that BCP has a scholarship program? Families continue to benefit from this fund every year often because of the generosity of BCP families.

As you may know, two of our current preschoolers recently lost their father in an accident this fall. Would you consider donating an amount to our scholarship fund on their behalf? Our goal is to reach $3000 which will cover tuition costs for these two children for this preschool year. What a blessing it would be if we could raise over this amount and allow the youngest to finish his preschool years at BCP. Thank you for helping these little ones continue to be with their familiar friends in a place where they know they are loved during this difficult time. Checks can be made out to BCP and left at the office. (Please note "scholarship fund" in the memo line")

Blessing Others with the Giving Tree

2007-12-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

Our Giving Tree is up and running, but time is going by fast! There are still many ornaments left on the tree. Each one represents a real need for 3 local families, including 9 children. The hope is to have gifts for all the needs represented by this coming Monday, December 10th. Please stop by and take a look, take an ornament, and bless others.

Now Hiring!

2007-11-29T13:20:00.000-08:00

BCP is currently hiring Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Substitutes. Come and share our enthusiasm in this loving Christian environment. Jobs begin immediately. If you want to make a difference in the lives of children and believe that children learn best in a hands-on developmentally appropriate setting, then this could be the place for you. Please contact us at 503-638-0725. Applications are available at the preschool office.

Highlights:
Part time w/ extended care Christian Preschool
School year calendar
Family Friendly
Professional development opportunities
Fun, friendly, and supportive work environment
Employee IRS 125 tax plan benefit
Weekends off!

Requirements:
18 years of age
Experience and/or education
Teachable
Nurturing

Spring Auction

2007-11-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

It may be fall, but plans for the Spring Auction are underway! We are currently seeking procurement members to help secure items/services and a Master of Ceremonies to host the evening event. Donations for basket wrapping items (cellophane rolls, crinkle tissue fill, wired fabric ribbon, tissue paper, baskets and bins) can be left at the office. Thank you!

Giving Tree

2007-11-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

BCP will be sponsoring 2 local families in need this holiday season. Ornaments with gift ideas will be available the week of Thanksgiving. Watch for the tree to be set up outside the Infant Toddler Room.

Remember the Gilbertsons

2007-11-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

"Kevin's Kids" has been set up at Washington Mutual Bank. For your convenience, you may bring your checks to BCP and we will be sure they get deposited.

Staff Inservice with Tom Hunter

2007-11-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

BCP staff recently had the honor of visiting with children's songwriter and minstrel, Tom Hunter from Bellingham, Washington during our 2 day Beach Retreat. Tom shared ideas with us on using songs in the classroom as math and literacy experiences. We thoroughly enjoyed and embrace his message of creating hospitable environments for children with songs and play experiences. Tom travels the country sharing his music and advocacy for children with teacher workshops and family concerts.

Your Recipes Needed!

2007-11-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

There is still time to submit your favorite recipes to the BCP Cookbook Fundraiser. Please submit your recipes to the box above the parent mailboxes or email them to tnaswine@comcast.net by the end of November. Your participation is very much appreciated. Let's spread some yumminess!

Wreath and Evergreen Sale ~ order by Nov. 14

2007-10-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

Christmas is coming!!! And so are wonderful wreaths, swags, and garlands . Orders are being taken for the BCP Evergreen Sale running now through November 14th and will arrive Monday afternoon, November 26th. Order forms and payment may be left at the preschool office.

Poinsettias are Coming!

2007-10-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

It's not too soon to think about Christmas! Our poinsettia sale is beginning October 8th. These red, white and marble poinsettias are from Tanasacres and are gorgeous! The 6 inch pots are $12 and the 8 inch pots are $20. Poinsettias will be delivered Wednesday, November 28th.

Entertainment Books

2007-10-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

This year Entertainment Books are only $20! But time is running out so hurry! You can purchase yours or turn it in to the office by October 12th.

Back to School Night Open House ~ Sept. 27

2007-09-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Back to School Night is coming quick. This year we have something new planned for you - an Open House format! This "Parent's Only" night is a chance to see classrooms, meet teachers, administration, and other parents, and to learn more about BCP and it's philosophy. A slide show starring children in their classrooms will be playing through out the evening in the Sanctuary. Refreshments will be provided in the fellowship hall as well. Stop by and see us on Thursday, September 27th at 7 pm. RSVP in your child's classroom.

Parent Teacher Conferences ~ Oct. 5 & 9

2007-09-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Fall conferences are coming up! This is a great opportunity to discuss the years start, and for teachers to get to know their students better. Sign up for a time slot in your child's classroom. Conferences for MWF classes are Friday, October 5th. Conferences for T/Th and PreK Plus are Tuesday, October 9th. Childcare is available for the time of your conference at no charge.

Substitutes Needed!

2007-09-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

Do you love working with children and love the Lord? We are adding to our substitute list for work available during mornings and afternoons, Monday through Friday. Applications are available at the preschool office. Please call 503-638-0725 for more information.

Preschool Openings Available

2007-08-27T13:22:00.001-07:00

We still have a few openings remaining in our 3's classes. These classes meet from 9:15 until noon on Tuesday and Thursday mornings beginning Thursday, September 6th. Please contact the preschool office at (503) 638-0725 for information on how to register. Tell your friends!

Now Hiring for the 2007-2008 School Year!

2007-06-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Bethlehem Christian Pre-School is now hiring Assistant Teachers, Substitutes and Snack Prep Coordinators. Assistant Teacher openings are for both mornings and afternoons. Our Snack Prep Coordinator will work up to 5 hours per day 8:15-1:15. Substitutes are often needed for our staff of 36! Please send email inquiries to admin@bethlehempreschool.org or phone 503-638-0725 for more information.

Summer School Begins June 25

2007-06-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

This year we are having 4 weeks of summer camps: June 25-28; July 9-12; July 16-19; and July 23-26. Each week has it's own theme. Children may register to come to camp M-Th, M&W, or T&Th. There are a few openings available. Please call 503-638-0725 for more information.

PreK Plus Circus ~ May 24

2007-05-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

Laaaaaaaaaaaadies and Gentlemen! Families of our PreK Plus class are invited to attend the Thursday, May 24th Circus performance at 11:30 am. Be prepared to be delighted by monkeys, cheetahs, and bats (and many other exciting performers!) Oh my!

Mother's Day Open Houses ~ May 10 & 11

2007-05-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

Classrooms have been busily preparing to celebrate and honor Moms this week. Have you RSVP'ed in your child's classroom? There will be singing, stories, and a yummy snack to share with your preschooler. Limited childcare for siblings is still available during the time of your party for $5 per child. Stop by the front office to sign up for a spot. Happy Mother's Day!

Auction Update

2007-05-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

The numbers are finally in! BCP raised $18,640.00 at our Spring Auction. Special thanks goes to auction coordinator, Kathy Campbell and her committee of auction chair people: Debbie Bjornson, Kim Larsen, Susan Larrance, Kelly Andresen, Angela Sheffield, Tracy Chapman and Shelly Reid. Thank you for your hard work!!!