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    <title>Homepage on Zion&#39;s Hill Preschool Program</title>
    <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/</link>
    <description>Recent content in Homepage on Zion&#39;s Hill Preschool Program</description>
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    <language>en-us</language>
    <lastBuildDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2020 06:53:21 -0400</lastBuildDate>
    
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    <item>
      <title>Calendar</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/parents/calendar/</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:37:12 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/parents/calendar/</guid>
      <description>2020-2021 School Calendar August  31 Meet the Teacher  September  1 Meet the Teacher 2-4 Orientation Week 7 No School – Labor Day 8-11 School Begins, 9:00–11:30, each day 14 Full Days Begin (Three’s, Four’s, and Five’s), 9:00 am–12:30 pm 14 Afternoon Adventures Begin (Three’s, Four’s, and Five’s), 12:30–3:00 21 Full Days Begin (Two’s), 9:00 am–12:30 pm 21 Extensions Begin (Two’s), 12:30–3:00 28 No School – Yom Kippur  October  9 No Afternoon Adventures/Extensions 12 No School – Columbus Day 15 Tuition Payment Due, 2nd Installment 15 Parent Open House 20-21 Photo Days  November  3 No School – Election Day 25-27 No School – Thanksgiving Break  December  23 No Afternoon Adventures/Extensions 24-31 No School – Holiday Break  January  1 No School – New Year’s Day 4 School Resumes 4 Open Enrollment/Registration Begins for 2021–2022 School Year 15 Tuition Payment Due, 3rd Installment 18 No School – Martin Luther King Jr.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Curriculum</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/curriculum/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2020 00:51:13 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/curriculum/</guid>
      <description>Two-Years-Old Three-Years-Old Four-Years-Old Five-Years-Old </description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Welcome</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/welcome/</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2020 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/welcome/</guid>
      <description>Welcome to Zion’s Hill Preschool Program. It is an honor to be the Director of this beloved school, the very school that my own children attended and was our “home” for so many years. I am thrilled to now be part of your family’s journey through Zion’s Hill. We are a true community of teachers, parents, grandparents, and caregivers uniting to provide a nurturing and unique preschool experience. Children (and families!</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZHPP Board</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/parents/zhpp-board/</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:37:59 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/parents/zhpp-board/</guid>
      <description>Welcome letter On behalf of the Board of Directors, welcome to Zion’s Hill Preschool Program! The board is a group of dedicated parent volunteers who use their skills, talents, and experience to make Zion’s Hill the best preschool that it can be. Parents join the Board for various reasons – to be more involved in the school’s community, to better understand their child’s pre-school education, to give back to the school for all it does for their kids, etc.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Two&#39;s</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/twos/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2020 16:36:23 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/twos/</guid>
      <description>Two years old by 12/31
Teacher:Child Ratio 1:4
2, 3, or 5 days/week
9:00 am to 12:30 pm daily
Optional extended day to 3:00 pm
 This program is designed to help children separate from their parents, learn to take directions from another adult, become part of a group, and socialize with their peers.
 Daily activities include free play, music, finger plays, singing and stories, puzzles, table games, circle time, and art projects.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Philosophy</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/philosophy/</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2020 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/philosophy/</guid>
      <description>Mission ZHPP fosters and facilitates children to become lifelong learners through exploration, discovery, imagination, and creativity.
In partnership with family and community, we provide a developmentally appropriate, nurturing, and secure setting promoting each child’s unique ability to reach their social, intellectual, and academic potential.
 The purpose of Zion’s Hill Preschool Program is to provide a center for the education of preschool children. The age-appropriate curriculum is designed to meet the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of early childhood.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Three&#39;s</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/threes/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2020 16:42:10 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/threes/</guid>
      <description>Three years old by 12/31
Teacher:Child Ratio 1:6
3 or 5 days a week
9:00 am to 12:30 pm daily
Optional extended day to 3:00 pm
 Zion’s Hill offers a stimulating preschool program for three-year-olds, which concentrates on the development of independence, self-discipline, and peer cooperation.
 The children enjoy creative art, music, and cooking projects. Classrooms contain age-appropriate materials for improving attention span, developing coordination, fostering creativity, and building language skills.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Testimonials</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/testimonials/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2020 23:48:50 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/testimonials/</guid>
      <description>We found ZHPP during a time of need. We&#39;d just moved to Wilton, and while our son&#39;s birthdate qualified him for kindergarten, he needed more time to build skills, confidence, and socialization. Enter ZHPP! We enrolled him in the 5&#39;s class and it was the best decision we could have made. Our son is now a thriving first grader. ZHPP is an amazing community, devoted to each and every child.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fundraising</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/parents/fundraising/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2020 00:55:43 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/parents/fundraising/</guid>
      <description>The cost of providing an educational and exciting environment for each student is not covered by tuition alone. Please make a donation today via the PayPal button to support our kids, our teachers and our future. Thank you in advance for your kind contribution and participation.
Zion’s Hill Preschool is a 501(c) 3; all donations made to the school are tax deductible.
  Annual Spring Fling Fundraiser Friday April 24, 2020</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Four&#39;s</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/fours/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2020 16:43:46 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/fours/</guid>
      <description>Four years old by 12/31
Teacher:Child Ratio 1:8
4 or 5 days/week
9:00 am to 12:30 pm daily
Optional extended day to 3:00 pm
 Zion’s Hill offers a program for four-year-olds that focuses on preschoolers’ expanding interest in the environment and their rapidly developing social skills.
 The program stresses kindergarten readiness. Subjects for exploration include family, community, occupations, transportation, and safety. In addition, music, art, creative movement, cooking, and woodworking offer many opportunities to express creativity.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Contributors</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/parents/contributors/</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:38:47 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/parents/contributors/</guid>
      <description>Part of what makes the community here at Zion’s Hill Preschool Program so special and unique are the families, local businesses, and groups volunteering their time and various services.
These contributions help create the foundation of what our program is all about. They illustrate the generosity present here at Zion’s Hill Preschool Program.
We would like to take a moment to extend a warm “thank you” to you.
We are grateful for each of your generous contributions throughout the school year here at ZHPP.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Policies</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/policies/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2020 23:15:16 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/policies/</guid>
      <description>General The following is information regarding the procedures and general operation of our school. Please call the school if you have any questions.
Program Hours  Morning program – 9:00 am to 12:30 pm Extensions (Afternoon Adventures) offered Monday–Friday until 3 pm Doors open at 8:55 am Children must be picked up promptly each day at the end of their program or extension time.  Sign In and Out Following is the daily procedure for signing in/out your child:</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Five&#39;s</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/fives/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2020 16:45:27 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/fives/</guid>
      <description>Five years old by 12/31
Teacher:Child Ratio 1:6
5 days/week
9:00 am to 12:30 pm M, W, F
9:00 am to 3:00 pm T, Th
Optional extended day to 3:00 pm on M, W, F
 Zion’s Hill has a program for five-year-olds specifically designed to foster independence and social development, while promoting higher learning within the classroom.
The program’s unique curriculum allows teachers to design a plan for each child based on individual strengths, challenges, and interests.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Visit ZHPP</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/open-house/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2020 23:49:51 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/open-house/</guid>
      <description>We invite you to visit!
Come see first-hand what purposeful play means at Zion’s Hill Preschool Program. Take a peak into our classrooms, meet our amazing teachers, and get a glimpse of what a day in the life looks like at our community-oriented school.
Open House
Saturday, January 4, 2020, 10–12
Five’s Class Information Session
Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 9:30am</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Early Bird</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/breakfast-club/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2020 16:47:43 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/breakfast-club/</guid>
      <description>Early Bird allows parents to drop off their child at 8:00 or 8:30 am, before the start of our core program. Parents are welcome to send breakfast for their child.
 24-hour notice is requested to register for this program. The perfect program if you need support managing challenging schedules! The cost is $14 per hour (8–9 am) or $8 per half hour (8:30–9 am). Please stop by the office for registration forms and details.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Afternoon Adventures and Extensions</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/afternoon-adventures/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2020 16:49:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/afternoon-adventures/</guid>
      <description>Afternoon Adventures Choose the day or days that appeal to your budding adventurer.
Afternoon Adventures, our wonderful extended day programs for the Three’s, Four’s, and Five’s, are designed so your child can learn, play, and explore.
The teachers plan theme-based activities for the children to delve into for the extended afternoon.
Afternoon Adventures include theme-focused activities, snack, and playground time.
The program runs from 12:30 to 3:00 pm each weekday for Three’s and Four’s, and from 12:30 to 3:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for Five’s.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Special Events</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/special-events/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2020 16:53:48 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/special-events/</guid>
      <description>Zion’s Hill Preschool Program strongly encourages family interaction and inclusion. Understanding that every family is busy, we provide many options for involvement in school activities. There are annual events that parents and families can participate in throughout the school year.
Our special events are a part of our annual planning year to year so each child in the family may participate in these memorable activities. Our school community has always been very supportive of our school activities.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Summer Camp</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/summer-program/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2020 16:56:51 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/summer-program/</guid>
      <description>Zion’s Hill Preschool Program will not offer Summer Camp program in year 2020.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Special Programs</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/special-programs/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2020 16:57:39 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/programs/special-programs/</guid>
      <description>Throughout the year, ZHPP schedules special programming to enhance our classroom curriculum. These may include movement and music programs, a school-wide hayride, both marine and furry animal visits, science programs, and visits from the town fire and police departments.
ZHPP makes an effort to ensure that these programs are age-appropriate and available to as many of the children as possible.
 Music 1x monthly Yoga 1x monthly Spanish 2x monthly Masterpiece Arts in the Four’s, and Five’s Animal Embassy Hayride Farm animals Community workers (dentist, police, and doctors) Fire truck visit Woodcock Nature Center for the Three’s, Four’s, and Five’s (twice a year for hibernation and awakenings) Maritime Center Bread and Movement for the Four’s and Five’s School bus ride for the Four’s and Five’s Special field trips for the Four’s and Five’s  </description>
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    <item>
      <title>Vicky Gibson</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/vicky-gibson/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:01:41 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/vicky-gibson/</guid>
      <description>Spanish Born in Argentina, Vicky taught English as a foreign language in Buenos Aires before moving to the United States to pursue graduate work. With an MA in Bilingual Education from Fairfield University, she combines her native language with her love of education, children and music, to teach Spanish through music and movement. In addition to teaching at Zion’s Hill Preschool, Vicky runs Spanish classes for children PK–5 through Wilton Parks and Recreation and tutors high-school Spanish.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Tracey Lajoie</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/tracey-lajoie/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:01:33 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/tracey-lajoie/</guid>
      <description>Four&amp;rsquo;s Tracey joined Zion’s Hill Preschool in 2016, bringing with her 29 years of early childhood education experience. She previously taught three- and four-year-olds at a private school in Stamford. She has a BA in Psychology/Child Development from Quinnipiac College. Tracey’s teaching motto is, “Together we may give our children the roots to grow and the wings to fly.” Teaching is an adventure for Tracey. She loves the students’ smiles, curiosity, amazement, learning, and wonder.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Sarah Harris</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/sarah-harris/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:01:21 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/sarah-harris/</guid>
      <description>Four&amp;rsquo;s With a degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College, Sarah joined the ZHPP family in 2007. She has years of experience raising her three children and volunteering in the community. Sarah loves to observe her students’ enthusiasm and joy for life. She enjoys exercising, gardening, and hand crafts such as sewing and rug-hooking. Sarah lived in Ridgefield with her husband, Paul, and children, Sam, Elizabeth, and Margaret.
Favorite children’s book: The Poky Little Puppy.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Sally Healy</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/sally-healy/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:01:14 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/sally-healy/</guid>
      <description>Five&amp;rsquo;s Sally is originally from Michigan and has a BS in Finance from Boston College and an MBA from Fordham University. In 2014, she joined Zion’s Hill Preschool, where she loves to help children grow and expand their knowledge in partnership with their families. Reading, gardening, and walking are some of her favorite activities. She lives in Wilton with her husband, Thom, and their children, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Nancy.
Favorite children’s book: Madeline.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Meg Donahue</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/meg-donahue/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:01:04 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/meg-donahue/</guid>
      <description>Four&amp;rsquo;s Meg came to Zion’s Hill Preschool as a parent before becoming a regular sub and then a staff member in 2017. Meg has a BA in Economics from the University of Connecticut. She also spent many years as an Emergency Medical Technician for the FDNY and brings expertise in first aid and conflict resolution to the school. Providing a safe and positive learning environment is critical to Meg’s teaching philosophy.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Marissa Generoso</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/marissa-generoso/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:00:53 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/marissa-generoso/</guid>
      <description>Five&amp;rsquo;s With more than 25 years of experience teaching children ages two through six, Marissa joined Zion’s Hill Preschool in 2016. She holds an AD in Early Childhood Education from Norwalk Community College. Marissa focuses on each child’s strengths to help them feel confident and comfortable in achieving their goals, and she relishes children’s lit-up faces when they do! Marissa’s home in Norwalk is full: husband Carl, children Dax, Mia, and Tanner, and five dogs.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Louise Kaczmarek</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/louise-kaczmarek/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:00:44 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/louise-kaczmarek/</guid>
      <description>Three&amp;rsquo;s Louise started at ZHPP as a floater in 2005, progressed to an assistant teacher position, and became lead teacher in the Three’s in 2013. Louise loves nothing more than opening young minds to the wonders of the world and showing children the fun in learning. She is a graduate of McGill University in Montreal and lives in Weston with her husband, Tom, her children, Evie, Adele, and John, and her dog, Sydney.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Liz Kaliski</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/liz-kaliski/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:00:34 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/liz-kaliski/</guid>
      <description>Floater After three years as a parent, Liz joined the Zion’s Hill Preschool faculty in 2019. She holds a degree in sociology and criminal justice from Mount Saint Mary’s University. Liz is drawn to teaching because of “the happiness and wonder in children and the joy in watching them learn something new.” She lives in Darien with her husband, Drew, and children, Grady, Sean, and Kelly.
Favorite children’s book: Where the Wild Things Are.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kathy Drabaski</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/kathy-drabaski/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:00:22 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/kathy-drabaski/</guid>
      <description>Four&amp;rsquo;s and Floater Kathy joined ZHPP in 2000, bringing 24 years of previous early childhood experience. She holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Central Connecticut State University and has participated in NAEYC conferences as well as the Yale Early Childhood Study. She enjoys sharing with students her love of animals, nature, and being outdoors. Kathy relishes the “ah-ha” moment, when a child figures something out, solves a problem, or learns a new skill.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Karen Luchetta</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/karen-luchetta/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:00:10 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/karen-luchetta/</guid>
      <description>Two&amp;rsquo;s Karen joined the ZHPP staff in 2016. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island where she earned a BS in Fashion Merchandising and Design. Teaching is a rewarding experience for Karen. She loves contributing to the learning and growing that her students do every day. Karen lives in Wilton with family: Kevin, Riley, Ryan, and dog, Rascal.
Favorite children’s book: The Little Engine That Could. “This book shows kids that they should never give up, even if they’re small.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Jo Anne Parady</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/jo-anne-parady/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:00:01 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/jo-anne-parady/</guid>
      <description>Music and Yoga Jo Anne teaches music and yoga at Zion’s Hill Preschool and loves every minute. With a dance and theater background, she started teaching “Music, Movement and Creative Dramatics for Toddlers and Preschoolers” many years ago at the Demonstration School of National College of Education in Wilmette, Illinois, where she was Director of the Movement Center. After moving with her family to Connecticut, she established her program in Greenwich, Stamford, and Wilton.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Jenny Blumenfeld</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/jenny-blumenfeld/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:59:51 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/jenny-blumenfeld/</guid>
      <description>Three&amp;rsquo;s Before joining ZHPP in 2014, Jenny taught kindergarten in Rye, New York, for 13 years. She holds a BA in business management and an MA in elementary education. She loves teaching the Three’s, where she instills in her students confidence and joy. Jenny is an avid baker and lives in Weston with her husband, Scott, and three children, Katie, Kyle, and Ethan.
Favorite childhood book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear. “This book elicits so many teaching opportunities, while being fun and entertaining for young children.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Diane McAdams</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/diane-mcadams/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:59:31 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/diane-mcadams/</guid>
      <description>Floater After her children attended Zion’s Hill Preschool, Diane joined the staff in 2008. She holds a BBA from Pace University. Diane loves to encourage children to do their best, especially when trying to skills and activities. Born and raised in New York, Diane now lives in Wilton with her family.
Favorite children’s book: The Snowy Day. “I grew up in Queens, and my first best friend was my friend Pauline.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Deb Runestad</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/deb-runestad/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:59:18 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/deb-runestad/</guid>
      <description>Two&amp;rsquo;s Deb holds a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of CT, as well as a Child Development certificate from Norwalk Community College. Deb also has extensive experience in theater with children.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Danielle Wearing</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/danielle-wearing/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:59:05 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/danielle-wearing/</guid>
      <description>Tow&amp;rsquo;s Danielle holds a BA in Psychology from Holy Cross, an MA in Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, and an MS in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College. She has been on the ZHPP faculty since 2017. Danielle loves that in the Two’s, she is one of the children’s very first teachers. She enjoys covering the important basics of being a kind member of the classroom community. Danielle lives in New Canaan, where she rides her Peloton bike, reads, watches baseball, and plays with her two dogs.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Christine Smith</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/christine-smith/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:58:57 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/christine-smith/</guid>
      <description>Five&amp;rsquo;s and Masterpiece Christine started at ZHPP in 2005. She holds a BA in Government from Hamilton College and has extensive experience as a summer camp instructor and activity director. Christine teaches the highly successful Masterpiece art and music program to the Four’s and Five’s. Christine loves cooking, gardening, and water sports such as boating, sailing, and swimming. She lives in Ridgefield with her husband, Peter, and three daughters, Emily, Caroline, and Elizabeth.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Bridget Mitchell</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/bridget-mitchell/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:58:42 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/bridget-mitchell/</guid>
      <description>Three&amp;rsquo;s Bridget holds an AS degree in Early Childhood Education from Empire State College. She also has a strong background in theater, with a degree from Lee Strasberg Theater Institute. She started teaching at Zion’s Hill Preschool in 2015. In the classroom, she loves watching the children grow throughout the year, form friendships, become independent, and take in the world around them. Swimming, letter boxing, and photography keep her busy outside of school.</description>
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      <title>Brenda Marchi</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/brenda-marchi/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:58:34 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/brenda-marchi/</guid>
      <description>Assistant Director Brenda holds a BA in Psychology from St. Michael’s College. She joined the ZHPP family in 2004, where she has worked with all age groups and now serves as Assistant Director. Brenda loves bowling and Scrabble and watching the ZHPP students discover new things about life and themselves. She lives in Wilton with her family: Justin, Elizabeth, John, and Benjamin.
Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree. “I love the book, though I didn’t read it until college.</description>
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      <title>Anne Gaston</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/anne-gaston/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:58:24 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/anne-gaston/</guid>
      <description>Four&amp;rsquo;s Anne joined ZHPP as a parent before becoming a staff member in 2001. She earned her BA in Dance from SUNY and MA in Early Childhood from Adelphi University. Her sheer love of being with kids compelled her to become a teacher. Anne loves walking, running, and spinning, and lives in Wilton with her husband, Fred, and their four daughters, Phoebe, Zoe, Keiley, and Sophie. A dog, two cats, and two frogs complete Anne’s big family!</description>
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      <title>Anna Soule</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/anna-soule/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:46:05 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/about/meet-our-staff/anna-soule/</guid>
      <description>Two&amp;rsquo;s Anna joined the Zion’s Hill Preschool faculty in 2007. Before that, she was an active parent with two children attending the program. Anna holds an AS in Early Childhood Education. She loves working with the two-year-olds because of their curiosity, eagerness to learn, and growth into capable human beings. Anna loves running, reading, cooking, and her dog. She grew up in Sweden and now lives in Wilton with her husband, Larry, and children, Victoria and Christopher.</description>
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      <title>Directions</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/contact/directions/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 09:30:14 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/contact/directions/</guid>
      <description>Get In Touch Tel: (203) 762-9620
Fax: (203) 761-8619
Email: zhpp@optonline.net
Address Zion&amp;rsquo;s Hill Preschool Program
470 Danbury Road
Wilton, CT 06897

View Larger Map Get directions »</description>
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      <title>2020-2021 Price Sheet</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/registration/2020-2021-price-sheet/</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2020 14:25:59 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/registration/2020-2021-price-sheet/</guid>
      <description>Registration Fee $200.00 for first child; $75.00 each additional child.
Core Program Fees Two&amp;rsquo;s
     Annual Per Payment     2-Days Program $4,490 $ 1,122.50   3-Days Program $6,730 $1,682.50   5-Day Program $11,220 $2,805.00    Three’s
     Annual Per Payment     3-Day Program $5,250 $1,312.50   5-Day Program $8,750 $2,187.50    Four&amp;rsquo;s</description>
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      <title>September 2020</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-09/</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2020 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-09/</guid>
      <description>August  31 Meet the Teacher  September  1 Meet the Teacher 2 Board Meeting, 8:00 pm, Zoom 2-4 Orientation Week 7 No School – Labor Day 8-11 School Begins, 9:00–11:30, each day 14 Full Days Begin (Three’s, Four’s, and Five’s), 9:00 am–12:30 pm *14 Afternoon Adventures Begin (Three’s, Four’s, and Five’s), 12:30–3:00 *14 Early Bird Begins, 8 or 8:30 am 21 Full Days Begin (Two’s), 9:00 am–12:30 pm *21 Extensions Begin (Two’s), 12:30–3:00 28 No School – Yom Kippur  * Due to Covid-19, all dates are subject to change.</description>
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      <title>Graduation 2020</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/graduation-2020/</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:12:00 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/graduation-2020/</guid>
      <description>They came with diplomas. They came with cookies and cameras. They came with a big banner and binders full of art. And they came with a bridge. A five-foot-long arched wooden bridge.
With schools closed, and current guidelines limiting indoor gatherings to 10 and outdoor events to 25, the usual graduation plans are abandoned everywhere. Planning committees are finding ways to honor 2020’s high school and college graduates with pre-recorded speeches and Zoom calls and yard signs.</description>
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      <title>May 2020</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-05/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2020 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-05/</guid>
      <description>Treat Yourself Right Dear Families,
Happy May! Let’s hope that April showers bring May flowers—and with it some warmer temperatures, a flattening of the COVID curve or better yet a vaccine, and some return to normalcy! These are trying times. I am finding the uncertainty particularly difficult to grasp: how long will social distancing—as necessary as it is—last? When can our school/town/state/country/world safely reopen? Will summer camp proceed?
These questions weigh heavily, as many have been suddenly thrust into roles we never envisioned (home school headmaster, short order cook, closet organizer, peacekeeper, internet troubleshooter).</description>
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      <title>ZHPP Board Slate and Annual Meeting – 2020-2021</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/board-slate-2020/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:31:45 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/board-slate-2020/</guid>
      <description>Every year around this time, the ZHPP Board of Directors accepts applications in order to build the slate for next year’s Board. This slate is then voted on at the Annual Meeting of Zion’s Hill Preschool Program, Inc., held in May.
This year’s Annual Meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 6th at 7:30 pm, and all families are invited to attend. A Zoom invitation will be sent prior to the meeting time.</description>
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      <title>April 2020</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-04/</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-04/</guid>
      <description>Dear Families,
Well, as you might have guessed, this is an unusual newsletter, brought to you at this most unusual time. It is hard to believe that we were all together just over two weeks ago, and that our daily lives have changed so dramatically in such a short period of time. Who would have thought that I would miss my family’s harried morning rush to get to the bus and school on time, or juggling our activities and (gasp!</description>
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      <title>March 2020</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-03/</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-03/</guid>
      <description>Happy March!
Dear Families,
The third month of the year is upon us—or is it? Fun fact: the ancient Roman calendar included just ten months, beginning with March and ending with December. In many ways, March brings new beginnings as we say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. The days grow longer, the sun shines brighter, icy patches melt to muddy puddles, and plants push their way through newly thawed ground.</description>
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      <title>February 2020</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-02/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-02/</guid>
      <description>Dear Families,
Happy February! Winter may have been slow to arrive, but we finally have some SNOW! The children are enamored—they enjoy watching snowflakes fall outside the classroom windows, decorating the snowmen and snowflakes that brighten our halls, and, best of all, playing outdoors in the snow! The winter playgrounds provide an entirely different environment for the children to cooperatively explore. They love it! We hope you, too, will enjoy the snow.</description>
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      <title>Why the Five&#39;s</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/why-the-fives/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jan 2020 00:12:00 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/why-the-fives/</guid>
      <description>Perhaps your child’s birthday falls in the second half of the year. Maybe you’re thinking your child needs more social and emotional growth. Or you sense that your child would benefit from additional play-based learning before enrolling in kindergarten. Whatever the reason, you might be wondering, why the Five’s?
On January 15, a panel of staff, parents, and an education specialist, convened at Zion’s Hill Preschool to answer that question. Director Jessica Joy opened the event by providing some context.</description>
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      <title>January 2020</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-01/</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2020-01/</guid>
      <description>Dear Families,
Happy New Year!
I hope this finds you enjoying the holiday break with opportunities for both relaxation and merriment with your loved ones. January is the perfect time to pause, take stock, and set goals for the year ahead. While we adults may see the New Year as a chance to test old patterns or try something new, the children will be settling into the comfort of school routines.</description>
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      <title>Endless Play—and Possibilities!—with Dough</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/endless-play/</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2019 00:12:00 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/endless-play/</guid>
      <description>Making play dough is one of our favorite activities at Zion’s Hill Preschool Program … for children and teachers alike! But did you know that the original Play-Doh® was first made as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s? Upon learning that young children found modeling clay too difficult to manipulate, the manufacturer sent some of the pliable cleaning material to local schools in Cincinnati. Word quickly spread: the product was showcased at an education convention in 1955, and a year later, Play-Doh® was born.</description>
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      <title>December 2019</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-12/</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-12/</guid>
      <description>Happy Holidays! Dear Families,
Say it isn’t so … is December nearly here? Time sure flies when you’re having fun, and we’ve certainly been having a lot of fun!
A highlight in November was the horse-drawn carriage. Over the wee hill and through the lot, to the church did we all go! I even got to ride with the children, a real treat. We celebrated our annual Thanksgiving Feast with our Four’s and Five’s families, a perennial favorite.</description>
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      <title>How do children gain writing skills through play?</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/writing-skill/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2019 00:12:00 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/writing-skill/</guid>
      <description>One of the most common questions I receive from prospective parents about our play-based program is, “How do children learn if they are playing all day?” It’s a fair question. As adults, we know how to read, write, add, and subtract, but we may have no recollection of how we learned these things. I certainly don’t! It’s very difficult to put ourselves back in the mindset of a child, to really understand what children experience as they learn.</description>
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      <title>November 2019</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-11/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-11/</guid>
      <description>Grateful in November Dear Families,
As October ends, we officially close the book on “back to school” mode, which culminated in our Fall Family Fun Day and Parent Open House. We loved seeing so many of you and showcasing our school. Picture Day has also come and gone—we can’t wait for you to see the happy, adorable faces! The children have adjusted to their classroom environments and are enjoying all of the “extras” ZHPP provides, from singing and downward-dogging with Miss JoAnne, to learning Spanish with Señora Vicky, to climbing on fire trucks during Fire Prevention Week.</description>
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      <title>October 2019</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-10/</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-10/</guid>
      <description>Happy Fall! Dear Families,
The school year is in full swing, and such fun fall will bring! The children have settled in beautifully to their classrooms and routines, and the staff and I have loved getting to know each of them—and you too! It is so heartwarming to see friendships forming, and the halls and classrooms once again filled with the children’s artwork and proud evidence of their learning (just a glimpse of what you will hear about at Open House!</description>
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      <title>September 2019</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-09/</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Sep 2019 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-09/</guid>
      <description>Welcome Back! Dear Families,
Welcome to the 2019–2020 school year (our 47th year) at Zion’s Hill Preschool Program! We hope everyone had an amazingly memorable summer and we are excited to hear about your adventures.
The teachers and staff can’t wait to greet you on the playgrounds Tuesday and Wednesday, August 27 and 28. We’ve missed you so! Meet the Teacher Days will be followed by Orientation on Thursday and Friday, when we will share information about the classroom, curriculum, and daily routines.</description>
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      <title>June 2019</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-06/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-06/</guid>
      <description>Happy Summer! Dear Parents,
It’s hard to believe we are in the home stretch, heading toward the finish line of another wonderful year at ZHPP! And speaking of finish line, how great was the Mini-Marathon?!?!? The children loved it and the special annual tradition allowed us to see how much growth – both physically and developmentally – has transpired this year. Year-end brings the perfect opportunity to celebrate our little learners, but it is bittersweet too.</description>
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      <title>May 2019</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-05/</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2019 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-05/</guid>
      <description>Dear Families,
It is certainly invigorating to see the green grass and daffodils (and even the dandelions) popping out of the moist soil — such a lush and welcomed sight. A special thank you to those who helped spruce up the playgrounds and yards at Spring Clean-up — everything looks great! The children love the outdoor spaces and are easily energized by fresh air and exercise… with special Zion’s Hill traditions in May they will have plenty of both!</description>
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      <title>April 2019</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-04/</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2019 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-04/</guid>
      <description>Knock, Knock
Who’s there?
Owls say
Owls say who?
Yes, they do.
Hee hee! No fooling, April is upon us – another month filled with laughter and fun! March was magical in its own right, with the first and only real snowfall of the year, and a special visit from Woodcock Nature Center. While Mr. Sam did not bring an owl, it was amazing to watch the wonder on the children’s faces as he presented his cast of characters… whether it was Chubbs (probably the biggest frog they had ever seen), Squirt the baby turtle, or the sticky-footed tree frog, they were totally delighted!</description>
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      <title>March 2019</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-03/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-03/</guid>
      <description>Looking Forward to Spring! Dear Families,
Happy March! This proverbial “In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb” month is filled with lots of changes and transformations as we say goodbye to winter and hello to spring…. the days grow longer, the sun shines brighter, icy patches melt to muddy puddles, and winter coats are replaced with lighter jackets. March is also metaphoric for the changes and transformations that the children have experienced since September… some back-to-school jitters have given way to smiles and laughter, they all have grown a little taller, expanded their vocabulary and friendships, and have their daily school routines down pat.</description>
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      <title>February 2019</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-02/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2019 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-02/</guid>
      <description>Celebrations of Love! Dear Parents,
Happy February! The slow start to winter, with many sunny days, has helped everyone adjust to the colder temps, and the SNOW!! Despite the work involved donning winter gear, it’s always worth it and great for the kids to get fresh air! They love it, and find the playgrounds provide an entirely different environment in which to explore and cooperatively discover.
Indoors, we are gallivanting along with our wonderfully planned schedules and routines, along with some extra fun.</description>
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      <title>January 2019</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-01/</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2019-01/</guid>
      <description>Dear Parents,
We hope this finds you well-satiated with food, drink, family and friends. January is a great time to hit the reset button – earlier bed times, house decluttering, and of course the infamous New Year’s resolutions to reverse holiday indulgences. It can be both motivating and invigorating to step outside our comfort zones and try something different; better yet, to encourage others along the way … Our talented teachers are proof positive of this as they gently guide the children along their learning journey.</description>
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      <title>December 2018</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-12/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Dec 2018 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-12/</guid>
      <description>Happy Holidays Dear Parents,
The view from our shared desk continues to be a roly, poly, smooth and exhilarating ride! So much diversity in a day, a week, the last month. Quiet times find us engaging with the kids in their classrooms, giving a tour and fine-tuning schedules. Busy times find us loading children onto a horse-drawn carriage for a hay ride, singing and dancing along with Miss Jo Anne and as always, working on communications with the staff, students and parents.</description>
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      <title>October 2018</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-10/</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-10/</guid>
      <description>Let the Fall Fun Begin! From the Director’s Desk: Dear Parents,
The school year is off to a great start! The children have had a smooth transition into their new classrooms and for many, into their new school as well. The teachers are having so much fun getting to know each and every one of them through home visits and classroom interactions. I was able to spend time in each of the classrooms and enjoyed all of the conversations with your little ones.</description>
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      <title>September 2018</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-09/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Sep 2018 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-09/</guid>
      <description>Wow, that seemed like the fastest summer ever. It was so nice to see so many of our new families as well as returning families at our Summer Concert and the New Family Playdate…
 September Calendar  4-7 Orientation Week, 9:00-11:30am each day 5 Board Meeting, 7:30pm, Conference Room 10 No School – Rosh Hashanah 11 Full Days Begin (Three’s, Four’s, and Five’s), 9:00am-12:30pm 11 Afternoon Adventures Begin, (Three’s, Four’s, and Five’s),12:30-3:00pm 17 2nd Tuition Payment Due 17 Full Days Begin (Two’s), 9:00am-12:30pm 17 Extensions Begin (Two’s), 12:30-3:00pm 19 No School – Yom Kippur 20-21 Pied Piper Petting Zoo 23 Fall Family Fun Day, 10:30am-12:30pm (Rain date: Oct 14) 27-28 Library 29 Parent Social, 7:30-10:30pm   From the Director’s Desk: Dear Families,</description>
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      <title>June 2018</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-06/</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jun 2018 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-06/</guid>
      <description>June Calendar  3 Family Fun Day, 10:30am-12:30pm 6 Board Meeting, 7:30pm 8 Last Day of Afternoon Adventures/Extensions 14 4′s and 5′s Graduation
Miss Marissa’s Class, 9:30-10:15am
Miss Kristen’s Class, 10:15-11:00am
Miss Molly’s Class, 11:00-11:45am 14-15 End-of-Year Picnics 18-22 Camp Week 1: Camping 25-29 Camp Week 2: Beach  Summer Awaits!
 From the Director’s Desk: Dear Families,
It’s nearly June, and as a Director, June is always a bittersweet month.</description>
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      <title>May 2018</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-05/</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2018 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-05/</guid>
      <description>May Calendar  1-2 Yoga 2 Annual Meeting, 7:30pm (Conference Room) 7-8 Spanish 7-11 Teacher Appreciation Week 15 2018-2019 Returning/New Families’ Contracts and 1st Tuition Payment Due 15-16 Music 16 Bike Day, 4′s and 5′s Only 17 Kindergarten Coffee, 9:15am (Conference Room) 20 Spring Family Fun Day, 10:30am -12:30pm 24-25 Library 25 Mini Marathon, 9:15am 28 No School – Memorial Day, But Join the Fun at Wilton Memorial Day Parade!  Marching Ahead to a Memorable May!</description>
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      <title>April 2018</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-04/</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2018 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-04/</guid>
      <description>April Calendar  3-4 Yoga 4 Board Meeting, 7:30pm (Conference Room) 9-13 No School – Spring Break 16-20 Week of the Young Child 17-18 Music 20 Children’s Parade, 9:15am 20 Spring Fling, 7:00pm (Rolling Hills Country Club) 23-24 Spanish 25 Administrative Professionals Day 25 Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast 26-27 Library   From the Director’s Desk: April Showers Bring May Flowers
Dear Families,
March didn’t offer the best beginning to spring, but we made the most of it with special indoor activities like making Kool-Aid scented playdough, and a field trip to Ambler Farm for the 4′s and 5′s where they got to learn about maple sugaring and see brand new baby chicks.</description>
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      <title>February 2018</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-02/</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jan 2018 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-02/</guid>
      <description>Dates to Remember February  6 &amp;amp; 7 Yoga 10 Parents and Pastries, 9:30-11am 12 Valentine’s Day Teacher’s Luncheon 12 &amp;amp; 13 Spanish 13 &amp;amp; 14 Class Valentine’s Parties 16-19 No School – Winter Recess 20 &amp;amp; 21 Music 22 &amp;amp; 23 Wilton Library  March  1 &amp;amp; 2 Dr. Seuss Parent Read-Along 6 &amp;amp; 7 Yoga 12 &amp;amp; 13 Spanish 22 &amp;amp; 23 Wilton Library 27 &amp;amp; 28 Music 30 No School – Good Friday  A complete 2017-2018 school calendar has been posted on our website.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>January 2018</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-01/</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jan 2018 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2018-01/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: Dear Parents,
Welcome back and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season. It is hard to believe that this newsletter marks the 2nd anniversary of my tenure at Zion’s Hill Preschool Program. The last year has been another year of joy, happiness, and true passion for my career in Early Childhood Education. I could not ask to be part of a more fantastic program than what you find at ZHPP.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>December 2017</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-12/</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-12/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: Dear Parents,
November was another busy month, and Mother Nature gave us such beautiful weather to enjoy.
Our horse-drawn hay rides were a huge success on a fantastic fall day. The children admired the draft horses as we rode through the parking lots of the school and church. All of the children enjoyed another round of yoga, music, library, and Spanish, where Senora Vicky taught some words related to Thanksgiving!</description>
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    <item>
      <title>November 2017</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-11/</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Nov 2017 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-11/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: Dear Parents,
The month of October has been filled with so much fun and excitement. The children have been able to make many wonderful memories while exploring the ZHPP environment. Mother Nature has been throwing in her own surprises and we are taking full advantage of it with picnics, bike riding, nature walks, and extra outdoor time. It was so great to see so many of our parents attend the Open House on October 3rd.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>October 2017</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-10/</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2017 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-10/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: Dear Parents,
The school year is off to a great start! The children have had a smooth transition into their new classrooms and for many, into their new school as well. The teachers are having so much fun getting to know each and every one of them through home visits and classroom interactions. I’ve been able to spend time in each of the classrooms and have enjoyed all the conversations with your little ones.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>September 2017</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-09/</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Aug 2017 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-09/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe, but summer has come to an end. I am so excited and honored to be starting my second full school year at Zion’s Hill Preschool Program. The summer at the school was very busy, as we redesigned some of the classroom spaces, incorporated new materials, and installed some cabinetry in our conference room.
The teachers are very excited to start using the new curriculum materials, including STEM materials.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>June 2017</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-06/</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-06/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: Dear Families,
It’s nearly June, and as a Director, June is always a bittersweet month. We welcome summer and celebrate the end of the school year and all of the accomplishments that your children have made. But we also have to say good-bye, (I prefer to say until we see you again) to some of the families who have their final child heading off to Kindergarten and the children who have reached this special milestone in their lives.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>May 2017</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-05/</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 May 2017 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-05/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: Dear Families,
May flowers are abundant around the school as many of the classrooms started planting in the gardening boxes this month. April was a short month but packed full of excitement as always.
The Week of the Young Child is one of the most rewarding parts of the year, when we come together as a community to celebrate the children.
It was so compelling to see all of the families come out and participate in Parents and Pastries, the Parade and the Pizza Party.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Mini class</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/mini-class/</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Apr 2017 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/mini-class/</guid>
      <description>Come see first hand what purposeful play means at Zion’s Hill Preschool. Take a sneak peak into our classrooms. Meet our amazing teachers. Inspired by the theme of April showers, the children will listen to the story, “It Looked Like Spilt Milk,” create puffy clouds and design rain sticks. Recommended for children aged 4-5. The class is complimentary. A caregiver is required to attend. April 19, 10-11 a.m.</description>
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      <title>April 2017</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-04/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Apr 2017 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-04/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: April showers bring May flowers. As Spring arrived, we were a little mystified by the snow, but it looks like we are finally turning the corner. March was filled with activities that helped the children have fun on those days where we just could not get outside. I spent some extra time in the classrooms doing special activities with each age group. It was so nice to go back to my teaching roots for a little while.</description>
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      <title>February 2017</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-02/</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2017 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-02/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: We are already a month into the year and there is so much to reflect upon. February is a month to think about kindness, friendships and the people, places and things we love.
First off, I know all the teachers and students are loving this mild winter and the opportunity to get out and enjoy our wonderful surroundings on most days, and when we are inside the use of the movement room and library are a welcomed change of scenery for the children.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>January 2017</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-01/</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2017-01/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: Welcome back and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season. It is hard to believe that this newsletter marks the one year anniversary of my tenure at Zion’s Hill Preschool Program. It has been such an amazing year for me. Coming into such a warm and welcoming environment from the start, has helped me develop both personally and professionally.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>December 2016</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2016-12/</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2016 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2016-12/</guid>
      <description>From the Director’s Desk: November has been another busy month and Mother Nature has given us such beautiful weather to enjoy. Our horse drawn hay rides were a huge success on a fantastic fall day. The children admired the draft horses and had fun singing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” as we rode through the school and church lots. All the children enjoyed another round of yoga, music, Spanish and library this month.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>November 2016</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2016-11/</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2016 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2016-11/</guid>
      <description>The month of October has been filled with so much fun and excitement. The children have been able to make many wonderful memories while exploring the ZHPP environment. Mother Nature has been throwing in her own surprises and we are taking full advantage of it with picnics, bike riding, nature walks, and extra outdoor time. It was so great to see so many of our parents attend the Open House on October 13th.</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>October 2016</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2016-10/</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Oct 2016 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2016-10/</guid>
      <description>The school year is off to a great start! The children have had a smooth transition into their new classroom and for many, into their new school, as well. The teachers are having so much fun getting to know each and every one of them through their home visits and classroom interactions. I’ve been stopping by to say “Hello” every day and I’m truly loving all the hugs, smiles and high fives that I get in each classroom.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Play Based Learning and the Creative Curriculum</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/play-based-learning/</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2016 00:12:00 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/play-based-learning/</guid>
      <description>Zion’s Hill Preschool Program is committed to the education of young children through our play-based curriculum. Each day, the teachers develop lessons and activities to engage the children and strengthen their knowledge of the world around them. Along with our play-based philosophy, the teachers incorporate The Creative Curriculum. This curriculum uses a balance of both teacher directed activities and child initiated learning to help focus on the needs of each and every individual child.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>September 2016</title>
      <link>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2016-09/</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2016 00:12:11 -0400</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://zhpporg.github.io/news-blog/newsletter-2016-09/</guid>
      <description>It is hard to believe, but summer has come to an end. I am so excited and honored to be starting my first full school year at Zion’s Hill Preschool Program. The summer at the school was very busy, as we created some very special spaces for the children to enjoy.
With the addition of an active movement room and library with smart board, your children are sure to come home with even more special memories to share with you.</description>
    </item>
    
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