Brunwick Preschool Newsletter

In our classroom this week, we are diving into what it means to be kind and helpful by focusing on compassion, which is all about noticing when someone else is hurting or in need and taking action to help them.

To support this learning at home, you can brainstorm a list of positive and encouraging words with your child like please, thank you, and amazing, and praise them whenever you catch them using those kind words throughout the day. You can also practice kindness together by completing a small good deed for a neighbor or friend, such as helping carry in groceries or clearing a walkway, and discussing how helping others makes everyone feel good.

Additionally, turn everyday errands into a quick math game by having your child count the items in your basket before heading to the express line to see if you have ten or fewer.

For more ideas and details on our weekly activities, you can view the full Family Connections Newsletter. You can also view the week’s storybook, “Silly Stew” can be found HERE.

If you have any questions or concerns about the program, please don't hesitate to reach out! I am always here to support you and your family,

Elizabeth Dagostino

Coordinator of Student Services / Preschool Administrator

edagostino@bcsoh.org

330-225-7731 Ext 1225

🎃 OCTOBER

• 🚜 Friday, Oct 30: Preschool Family Field Trip ~ Red Wagon Farm (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

  
  

🍂 NOVEMBER

• 🚫 Monday, Nov 2: Staff In-service Day (No School)

• 🚫 Tuesday, Nov 3: Parent / Teacher Conferences (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM) (No School)

• 🏫 Wednesday, Nov 18: Brunswick Library Visit – PM Students

• 🦃 Wednesday, Nov 25 – Thursday, Nov 26: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

The "Drain" active calming strategy from Conscious Discipline helps children (and adults) release physical stress and transition from a dysregulated "fight-or-flight" state to a calm state. It works by having the body build up muscle tension briefly and then let it go completely, using the metaphor of opening a water faucet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Extend Arms: Have your child hold both arms straight out in front of them, turning their hands into tight fists to act as "faucets."
2. Tighten Up: Tell them to squeeze their fists tight, tighten their arm and shoulder muscles, and scrunch up their face, holding the "water" in.
3. Take a Deep Breath: Inhale deeply through the nose.
4. Open the Faucet & Release: Exhale slowly through the mouth, making a long "sshhhhh" sound. As they exhale, open the fists and let the arms, shoulders, face, and body drop completely loose, "draining" all the stress and tension out into the floor.

How Parents Can Implement "The Drain" at Home

• Practice During Calm Moments First: Children cannot learn new coping skills in the middle of a meltdown. Introduce the Drain during play, bedtime routines, or car rides. Turn it into a playful game: "Let's pretend our arms are big water pipes! Squeeze tight... now open the drain!"

• Co-Regulate & Model It: When your child is upset or frustrated, step in as their anchor. Do the action with them rather than just ordering them to calm down. Say, "I see you're feeling frustrated. My body is feeling tense, too. Let's do the Drain together."

• Use Visual Cues: Hang a picture or drawing of a faucet or the Drain icon near a quiet corner (or "Safe Place") in your house so your child can point to it when they need help settling their body.

• Use It for Household Transitions: The Drain works well during moments of everyday friction—like moving from screen time to dinner, settling down after high-energy outdoor play, or calming nerves before bedtime.

A calm down spot gives young children a dedicated space to pause, recharge, and soothe strong emotions when feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated. Rather than requiring an elaborate setup, it can be a simple, cozy corner with items your child finds comforting, such as stuffed animals, books, or squishy toys. Introducing the area when your child is already calm helps them get comfortable exploring the space before they actually need it.

When guiding children to the calm down area, use supportive, caring language rather than treating it as a punishment or time-out. Catching signs of frustration early and helping your child transition to the spot before a full meltdown occurs makes it much easier for them to self regulate. Once they are calm, check in to offer praise and briefly talk about how they are feeling.

For complete details and practical tips, read the full guide:Taking a Break: Using a Calm Down Area at Home

As part of our program, families have been asked to complete or opt out of a Family Needs Assessment. For those who requested support, I have put together a guide with various resources to help assist you and your family.

• Parent and Youth Ambassadors will connect you with a guide who can help you navigate local systems and find the right resources for your family.

• Findhelp.org: A free, easy-to-use search tool that connects families with local support. By simply entering your ZIP code, you can discover free or low-cost services nearby for daily needs and unexpected challenges, including:

  • Food Assistance: Food pantries, emergency meal programs, and school meal resources.

  • Housing & Utility Support: Rental aid, temporary shelter, utility bill assistance, and home repairs.

  • Family Care & Goods: Diapers, clothing, baby supplies, childcare, and eldercare assistance.

  • Healthcare & Wellness: Low-cost health clinics, mental health support, and dental care.

  • Financial & Legal Support: Job training programs, tax assistance, and family legal aid.

Please click HERE to access the Resource Guide with Local Agencies.

The Brunswick Early Childhood PTA (BECPTA), in partnership with Brunswick Preschool, invites local parents with children who are kindergarten-aged or younger to connect and engage with other families in the community. The organization offers a variety of monthly activities and family play dates, including craft nights, library meet ups, outdoor adventures, seasonal parties, and community events. Interested families can easily become members by scanning the QR code. Membership is $25.00 a year per family.

Alexa Anter

BECPTA President

Contact: brunswickecpta@gmail.com

Facebook Page

Members Facebook Group

Preschool Yoga

10/2, 11/6 and 12/4

Registration is required and can be accessed HERE.

Family Storytime

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

Registration is required and can be accessed through the Events Calendar found HERE.

Looking to boost your parenting confidence and handle everyday family challenges with less stress? Every parent or caregiver of a child under 12 in Ohio is eligible for 12 months of free access to the Triple P Online Course, funded by the Ohio Department of Children & Youth.

Triple P gives you practical, proven strategies you can customize to fit your family's needs—helping you build trust, handle difficult behavior, and create a calm home environment. It’s completely self-paced, available in English and Spanish, and takes just five minutes to get started.

Sign up for your free 12-month access today at Triple P Online.

Oasis of Hope in Medina is offering free Fall Elective Group Classes for families with children of all ages. Held on Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. at 710 N. Court Street, these sessions cover a variety of practical parenting topics designed to support parents and caregivers. Partners are welcome to attend together, and separate sessions for men and women are available on select dates.

Limited childcare is provided during class times with an advance reservation, and families can also earn vouchers by attending and participating. Parents are invited to arrive by 5:30 p.m. to shop for gently used clothing in their boutique before it closes at 5:50 p.m. Please note that families must complete an initial intake with the organization prior to registering. To complete your intake, RSVP, or ask questions, call 330.723.3600 or email marsha@oasisofmedina.com.