The Weekly Update #1

Natick Preschool Families,

As we head into winter break - when routines soften, days feel just a bit longer (or shorter, depending on the nap), and festive excitement is in the air - I want to pause and extend my sincere thanks. I am so grateful for the warmth, feedback, and connection you’ve shared during these first months together. Your partnership and trust mean so much, and they shape the welcoming, responsive community we continue to build.

This month also marks nearly 100 days since I’ve had the honor of guiding and partnering with the remarkable staff and families of the Natick Integrated Preschool. In that time, we’ve begun important work together - strengthening systems, deepening collaboration, and keeping children’s joy, growth, and belonging at the center of all we do. As we return in the new year, I’m excited to continue that work alongside our dedicated staff and families.

Looking ahead, this month’s newsletter includes a lighthearted and practical focus on traveling with toddlers and preschoolers, whether that means heading out of town or simply navigating a full day off together. I hope these tips bring a smile (and maybe a moment of calm) during a busy season.

Thank you for your continued partnership, care, and sense of humor. Wishing your family a restful winter break filled with warmth, connection, and moments of joy. We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon.

Warmly,
Cori

A Message from Human Resources:

Dear Preschool Caregivers,

We are in the process of assembling an interview committee for the permanent Director of Preschool position, and we are seeking one current preschool caregiver to join this important effort. Your perspective is important, and having a caregiver voice on the committee will help ensure that the needs and experiences of families are well represented.

The selected caregiver must be available for the following meeting times:

January 15, 2026, 3:30–4:30 PM (virtual via Google Meet)
January 20, 2026, 3:30–6:30 PM (in person at Town Hall)
January 21, 2026, 3:30–5:30 PM (in person at Town Hall

If you are available for all of the dates above and would like to participate, please email jmendonsa@natickps.org to express your interest by December 19, 2025.

It is important to note that there will be a Caregiver forum on January 28th from 6:30-8:00 PM where all caregivers can come to meet finalists and give feedback. More information to follow in January.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our preschool community.

Sincerely,

Jackie Mendonsa

Director of Human Resources

2026-2027 Lottery is OPEN

The preschool lottery for the 2026–2027 school year is now open! Families interested in learning more about the Natick Integrated Preschool—including program options, hours, and details about the lottery process—can find full information on our website: https://www.natickps.org/preschoo

PTO Interest

At our first School Council meeting this past Friday (11/7/25), we discussed results of the received responses from the Family Engagement Survey (still linked above). Results thus far clearly reflect a need to expand upon the means by which our families can connect outside of school-driven activities. The group discussed the possibility of founding a PTO at Natick Integrated Preschool. There was a good deal of enthusiasm about the idea. There are some steps to forming a PTO that must be taken if this is something of interest to parents. If you are interested in becoming involved or have any knowledge or skills (e.g. prior experience launching or working within a PTO board) and are able to help out, please reach out to founding president, Mary Miller at marycrocetti83@gmail.com

In classrooms across our preschool sites, children are exploring the season of winter as they learn about winter weather, seasonal activities and family traditions, and the animals we see during the colder months. Building on earlier explorations of self, friends, and community, this learning invites children to notice changes in the world around them—shorter days, colder temperatures, and the unique ways people and animals adapt during winter. Here’s a wonderful glimpse into one display of a classroom’s celebration of family traditions:

Through stories, songs, and play, children are discovering how winter weather shapes our daily lives and how different animals survive the season, including those we continue to see and those who “sleep the winter away.” Classes are talking about different family traditions and how those shape the time we spend with family. Teachers continue to weave early literacy, math, and science learning into these experiences: observing and describing weather patterns, comparing temperatures, sorting animals by habitats and behaviors, exploring winter clothing and activities, and building rich vocabulary through shared discussions and imaginative play. These hands-on experiences foster curiosity, scientific thinking, and a growing appreciation for the natural world in winter.

Despite having so few days in November, the past weeks have been anything but quiet in our preschool community! It has been a busy and joyful month, filled with meaningful connections and special events across our sites. We were excited to welcome back the Morse Institute Library’s BookMobile to all of our classrooms, continuing a wonderful partnership that brings books, stories, and library experiences right to our youngest learners.

November and early December also brought some extra excitement with a Toy Fair hosted by Natick High School students in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, who thoughtfully planned and led a playful, engaging experience for our preschoolers.

We were especially thrilled to round out the month with our first program-wide family engagement event of the year—our Gingerbread Building celebration. Classrooms buzzed with laughter, creativity, and togetherness as families joined their children in building, decorating, and sharing in the joy of being part of our preschool community. Welcoming families into our classrooms in this way set a warm, joyful tone for a year grounded in connection, collaboration, and the shared happiness of learning together.

Even in a short month, there was so much to celebrate!

🚗 Traveling with Preschoolers: A Survival Guide ✈️ (with Humor and Hope)

Traveling with toddlers and preschoolers can feel like running a marathon while juggling snacks, toys, and an iPad that just lost its charge. The good news? With a little preparation (and a sense of humor), you can survive—and maybe even enjoy—the ride. Some tips and ideas to survive travel with toddlers and preschoolers:

1. Snacks = Currency

Forget cash—Goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, and granola bars are the real currency of toddler travel. Pack twice as many snacks as you think you’ll need. Then add three more. Hungry toddlers = turbulence (even on land).

2. The Magic of Newness

Unveil a mystery bag of toys, books, or stickers along the way. Dollar store treasures become priceless when revealed at 30,000 feet or mile 142 of I-90. Pro tip: wrap them like gifts—toddlers love unwrapping as much as playing!...

I can remember when I boarded a 3-hour flight to visit my parents - alone with my then 18 month old twins - and the woman across the aisle laughed as I began pulling “presents” out of the diaper bag (read: toys from their own toy collection, wrapped up pretty- in multiple layers of paper/tape/ribbon)...But, happy toddlers = a happy plane 🙂

3. Screen Time: Break Glass in Case of Emergency

You don’t need to feel guilty. Nobody is judging you at Gate C22 when “Baby Shark” loops for the fifth time. Think of screens as your travel parachute: you don’t use it unless you need it—but when you do, you’re grateful.

4. Movement = Sanity

Toddlers and preschoolers were not built for stillness. Schedule breaks during car rides (think playground pit stops instead of gas station bathrooms). On planes, let them stretch their legs by walking the aisle. Fellow passengers will thank you when your child is less of a seat-kicker.

5. Pack the Unexpected

Cookie sheet and magnets? Genius. (this works better for the car!) Painters tape for peeling and sticking? Brilliant. A roll of Post-its? Hours of entertainment. Your carry-on may look like a hardware store aisle, but you’ll be the envy of every unprepared parent.

6. Lower Your Standards (Lovingly)

Your child might eat nothing but pretzels for two days. They might wear pajamas in public. They might sing “Wheels on the Bus” at full volume. It’s okay. Your goal isn’t perfection—it’s survival with a side of fun.

7. Remember: This Too Shall Pass

One day, you’ll miss the sticky fingers and wide-eyed wonder of traveling with a little one. For now, pack patience, a sense of humor, and maybe an extra shirt (for both of you).

Bottom Line: Travel with young children is unpredictable, hilarious, and sometimes exhausting—but with snacks, surprises, and silliness, you’ll create stories you’ll retell for years (probably starting with “Remember when you spilled applesauce on everyone in row 17?”).

Want to Learn More? Resources for Families

I’ve also included links below for anyone who would like to explore more tips and strategies. And as always, please reach out if you have questions or would like additional ideas!

Reads & Videos for Grown-Ups

Fun Indoor Activities for Cold/Rainy Days

What Can I Do with My Child During Winter Break? - winter break can be a meaningful time to balance gentle routines with fun activities, keep kids engaged through everyday learning and community resources, support their emotional well-being, and reconnect as a family without pressure to make every moment perfect.

Road Trip Play Activities for Backseat Fun - offers a screen-free list of simple, engaging backseat activities—like games, drawing challenges, and scavenger hunts—to help families pass the time and enjoy quality interaction on long car trips with kids.

Traveling with Children: Making the Journey Enjoyable and Stress-free - Research-informed suggestions for keeping little ones engaged, comforted, and regulated on long travel days, including simple games that require no materials.

For Kids: Songs & Clips to Watch Together

Daniel Tiger: “When You Have to Wait”
A great clip for preparing kids for lines, layovers, or slow-moving traffic—paired with a simple mantra children can use anywhere.

Sesame Street: Calming Strategies for Kids
Short, child-friendly breathing and mindfulness videos—useful for mid-trip meltdowns, overstimulation, or restlessness.

“Let’s Go for a Drive!” – Mo Willems Animated Read Aloud
A humorous look at planning, surprises, and flexibility—perfect for helping children understand that travel plans sometimes change.

Storytime Together

The Airport Book – Lisa Brown A child-friendly walkthrough of what really happens at an airport; helps reduce anxiety and makes travel feel predictable.

The Snowy Day – Ezra Jack Keats
A timeless winter story to enjoy during snowy mornings or quiet moments over break.

A Chair for My Mother – Vera B. Williams
A wonderful story about family and community, perfect for grounding kids when routines are different and days feel less structured.

Tía Isa Wants a Car – Meg Medina
A warm story about family, work, and road trips—perfect for kids gearing up for long drives.

At-Home Winter Break Ideas

“Yes Day - Mini Edition”: Give 3 safe choices you can say “yes” to (snack, song, story, activity).

Kitchen Helpers: Scooping, stirring, sorting, and pouring are perfect for long mornings at home.

Cozy Movie Bins: Fill a basket with a blanket, stuffed animal, and one book about winter.

Indoor Scavenger Hunt: Find something warm, something red, something round, something that makes noise.

The Natick Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is an all-volunteer organization made up of parents and caregivers of children receiving supports and services in Natick Public Schools and private school settings. With more than 800 students in the district supported through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans, SEPAC offers resources, parent perspectives, and connections for families. Currently, Natick Preschool does not have a formal SEPAC representative. If you’re interested in serving or learning more, please contact SEPAC at the email below.

Learn more: sepacnatick.org
Follow on Facebook: Natick SEPAC
Questions? Email: naticksepac@gmail.com

Upcoming SEPAC Presentation

On January 7, 7-8:30 pm, clinical psychologist, Dr. Alyssa King, will present on "What is a Neuropsych Eval and How Could It Benefit My Child?" This will be a virtual presentation. Parents can access our virtual events by clicking on the link on the calendar of our events page: https://www.sepacnatick.org/connect-with-us/meetings-events.

Preschool Lottery for the 26/27 School Year opened Monday November 17 and remains open through January 31. For more information about our programs, or to enter the lottery please visit our website at https://preschool.natickps.org/

How-to Video: 5 Steps for Brain-Building Serve & Return (Center on the Developing Child, Harvard). 2-minute strategy that strengthens connection. Harvard Center on Developing Child
How Every Child can Thrive by Five: A TED Talk by 7-year old Molly Wright (2021)

Flu season is here! To help everyone stay healthy, please remind your child to wash their hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and rest at home when feeling unwell. Together, we can keep our classrooms happy, healthy, and ready for learning and play!

📅 December 24 - Jan 2 – Winter Break - All Schools Closed

📅 January 14 - Early Release - All Schools

📅 January 19 - Martin Luther King Jr Day - All Schools Closed

📅 February 4 - Early Release - All Schools

📅 February 16-20 February Vacation - All Schools Closed

Weekly story time (including 12/29, 12/30), music sign-a-longs (Sat) and Monthly "read to a dog" (12/20) at the Bacon St Free Library, 58 Eliot St, Natick CALENDAR
All Together Storytime, Morse Institute Library 10:00-10:30am Tuesdays. 14 E Central St Natick CALENDAR
BookMobile at the Farmers' Market Morse Institute Library Saturday, December 20, 9a-1p
Kids' Story Time Saturdays 11-11:30 Ten Tree Books. Ten Trees Books. 29 Main St, Natick, MA CALENDAR; RSVP requested.
Project ABC Playgroups, Morse Institute Library, Fridays 10:00am. 14 E Central St, Natick. Drop-in Playgroup through Project ABC. Registration
Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham: Fall Playgroups (free, drop in) at the Framingham Public Library, 49 Lexington St. Framingham, MA
Puppet Theatre Week. Sherborn Library 12/22-12/31 CALENDAR
Wee Farmers ($25/person per session) at Natick Community Organic Farm. 12/20. Each session includes seasonal hands-on nature exploration, active movement and play, and a story with a knowledgeable, engaging farm director. Registration required.

The Weekly Update #1