| The Watertown/Oakville community has a new Family Resource Center. The idea to establish a Family Resource Center grew out of a recommendation from “Watertown’s Community Conversations Concerning Early Childhood Education” in which members of the community met to identify the needs of families and young children in Watertown and Oakville. These meetings were funded through grants from the Connecticut Community Foundation, the William Caspar Graustien Memorial Fund and the League of Women voters.
The Watertown Family Resource Planning Committee is comprised of a group of community volunteers who have an interest in developing a community-based system of family support. The mission of the Watertown Family Resource Center (FRC) is to nurture the healthy development of the family, to strengthen the bond between the school and the family, and to help every child be ready for school. The FRC will provide opportunities (at no cost) for all Watertown/Oakville families to participate in special programs to support school readiness, foster literacy skills, and encourage parent and community participation.
The FRC began its activities in September, 2007. The monthly literacy program, “Bedtime Stories”, for preschool children continues to be enjoyed by many families. In addition, "Storytime Pals" a literacy program for kindergarten children began.The “Early Childhood Parents Make a Difference” newsletter is being distributed to all preschoolers. Preschool Collaboration between public and private preschool and childcare providers was established in January 2006 and is continuing with shared professional development and dialogue with the support of the FRC.
Literacy Bags are being enjoyed by families with children in kindergarten through 2nd grade. The bags go home on Wednesday and are returned on Monday, giving each family time to enjoy reading, playing a game and making a puzzle together. Families are enjoying the contents of the bags as language and a love of reading are fostered.
The FRC is supported by the Connecticut Community Foundation, The Leever Foundation, Naugatuck Savings Bank, Watertown Foundation, Thomaston Savings Bank, Watertown-Oakville Chamber of Commerce, John Trumbull Primary School PTO, and the Watertown Board of Education. The FRC Committee is dedicated to making the Watertown Family Resource Center an integral part of the community by meeting the changing needs of families.
Our literacy nights, "Storytime Pals" for kindergarten age children and "Bedtime Stories" for preschool age children are being enjoyed again. We look forward to meeting new friends and families.
Our fourth "Bedtime Stories" for preschool children is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at John Trumbull Primary School from 6:30PM to 7:15PM. Please meet us in the main hallway and then we will proceed to the music rooms for our stories.
Our fourth "Storytime Pals" for kindergarten age children is scheduled for Tuesday March 23, 2010 at John Trumbull Primary School from 6:PM to 7:30PM. Please meet us in the main hallway and then we will proceed to the music rooms for our stories.
We are also happy to present another opportunity for Watertown/Oakville children.
Watertown Family Resource Center
Presents:
“Tiger’s Den”
Calling All Watertown/Oakville Cubs….
(Children entering Kindergarten Fall 2010)
Join the Tiger’s Den Playgroup for:
¨ Storytime
¨ Make & Take
¨ Time to socialize with new friends
(Facilitated by two certified teachers)
Location: John Trumbull Primary School
Dates Time
Session I: Wed. march 3, 10, 17 4:00-5:15 PM
Session II: Wed. March 31, April 7, 14 4:00-5:15 PM
Session III: Wed. May 5, 12, 19 4:00-5:15 PM
Parents are required to stay and are invited to join an informal
discussion group with a certified JTPS teacher.
Watertown Family Resource Center funding provided by
Connecticut Community Foundation, The Leever Foundation & Naugatuck Savings Bank Foundation
RSVP with your name, child\children’s names,
session choices & telephone #
(Choices will be confirmed by phone or e-mail)
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frc@watertownps.org or phone 860-945-2710
Inclement weather-Please listen for the Watertown information. If school is closed or dismissed early, activities are canceled.
If you are interested in attending programs or learning more about the FRC, please e-mail us at frc@watertownps.org.
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