FOR FSP Siblings

Squiggles and Mush Art Play classes for children ages 2-5 with a parent/ caregiver will begin its Spring Session March 31st. Tuition: 6 weekly classes, $87 includes all materials. Siblings are $57. Aprons are provided but dress for mess and fun. All materials are non-toxic and washable. Each class is 45 minutes and includes a short story to introduce the art theme for that day, an art project, and a movement activity. This Spring Squiggles & Mush will host an art opening at a local cafe or gallery to show off the children's art work to family and friends. Location: First Universalist Church, 97 Main Street, Yarmouth Weekly classes held Tuesdays at 9 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. For more information please visit our web site or call 799-0599.

Hope Hoffman

If you liked Contra Dancing, or need a creative recharge, check out these family fiddle events, courtesy of Audra...

Another Snow Day

It looks likely that we'll have another snow day tomorrow... Jessica and Ellie both live in Portland and are both open to being contacted about babysitting -- contact info is on the right... I envy all of you who can walk into town... what a nutty winter!

Magic Penny

The newest in adorable songs our kids are singing: Magic Penny Notes: words and music by Malvina Reynolds; copyright 1955 and 1958 Northern Music Corporation, renewed 1986. a.k.a. "Love Is Something." Despite the later copyright dates, this song was actually written while Malvina's daughter was at a junior high school dance, so around 1949. Love is something if you give it away, Give it away, give it away. Love is something if you give it away, You end up having more. It's just like a magic penny, Hold it tight and you won't have any. Lend it, spend it, and you'll have so many They'll roll all over the floor. For love is something if you give it away, Give it away, give it away. Love is something if you give it away, You end up having more. Money's dandy and we like to use it,1 But love is better if you don't refuse it. It's a treasure and you'll never lose it Unless you lock up your door. For love is something if you give it away, Give it away, give it away. Love is something if you give it away, You end up having more. So let's go dancing till the break of day, And if there's a piper, we can pay. For love is something if you give it away, You end up having more. For love is something if you give it away, Give it away, give it away. Love is something if you give it away, You end up having more.

Join the E-Mail Group!

Kristin set up a google group for the Friends Parents Association so that we can have some regular communication that doesn't have to go through James. It is possible to set the e-mail options to "digest" if you want to only get one message a day. Please, please, please take the time to "join" so that we can find more ways to build our FSP community and share information! Sign up info is here (I think) or you'll find an invitation deep in your email box!

Call for Caterers

Hello all, I am coordinating the brunch for the silent auction this year. I am in the process of hiring a caterer to do a portion and wondered if anyone in our community was a caterer before committing to someone else. Not all the parents have become members of the group yet, so this email won't reach everyone, but if you know of anyone let me know. ~Kristin (e-mail Kristin @ ksimskastelein@gmail.com)

No Child Left Inside

I have a summary of the hi/tech no/tech talk and some links to the no child left inside movement on my parenting for peace blog...

The importance of recess

I love that FSP is committed to providing recess to all kids, even through middle school - the NYT reports that there is data to support that recess is good for kids learning! They suggest that kids never be kept in from recess as discipline, because it undermines their academic performance. NYT, February 24, 2009 WELL Blog The 3 R’s? A Fourth Is Crucial, Too: Recess By TARA PARKER-POPE http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/health/24well.html

No School Today?

It looks like we are going to have another day without school -- the GBSD is closed. We should sort out a way to help each other with childcare in these circumstances... in the meantime, does anyone have ideas for helping kids reconnect?

Summer Camp Planning Already?

It is crazy to think that summer planning happens in February, but it does. The Friends Camp is clearly the best option :-), but once that's run out, what are other ideas? I'll post some links, but I thought this might be a good one for some creative planning -- although it is called "girl power" in the post, it could easily work as preschool power, play power or any other cool configuration we can think of. . .

From the Enough is Enough blog (via the Mojo Mom blog): GIRL POWER CAMP 2009! Invite 5 girls to participate (helps if they know each other at least a little so they’re excited to spend a week together). Ask each mom to take all 5 girls for just one day during a week of the summer. Plan fun activities (bookclub, journal writing, a compliments box where the girls can write nice things about each other, pool time, outside play time, craft activities, cooking…whatever you’re in the mood for), and you’re off and running. I am in love with this idea. It’s creative, keeps the girls moving, builds on their self esteem and a sense of community, and it’s FREE! We’re doing one week of Girl Power camp this summer as an experiment. My daughter is already so excited–it’s like a week of playdates–what’s not to love? Plus, it provides me with 4 work days where I don’t have to arrange or pay for childcare. In this economy, what could be better? And as a super summer bonus, I can channel my inner camp counselor…but just for one day. Almost makes me excited about summer again.

More area camps... -- Audobon Camp -- Pineland Farm Camp -- Art Museum Camp (10 - 3) -- RippleEffect Kayak Camp -- -- Portland Pottery Camp Children's Musuem Camps It would be great if folks want to post reviews, tips, other suggestions, etc!