Greenbrier Manor Newsletter January ’25

January ’25
Director’s Desk

Happy New Year! We hope your winter break was delightful. The children and teachers have all returned from their time off refreshed and ready for intensive learning! January seems to be a month when children experience tremendous academic and emotional growth. Our teachers take advantage of this time by preparing exciting and educational activities based on our units.


Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Education now requires all day care centers/schools to test for lead in their drinking water. Greenbrier Manor completed this testing in December 2024 with no issues or concerns.

We have lots of plans and ideas for school programs in the coming year. Although next September seems a long time away, it’s time to consider registration. A preregistration form and the 2025-2026 tuition schedule for fall have been sent home in your child’s bookbag and you should have received an email through Brightwheel. If you didn’t receive a preregistration form, please pick one up in the lobby.


Our online enrollment procedure for the next school year will follow this process:

1. Return the registration form to request your student’s preferred spot for next year.
2. You will receive an invoice through Brightwheel for the registration fee; please pay promptly to reserve your spot.
3. In the coming weeks you will receive a notification through Brightwheel to complete the online admissions forms.

If you have any questions about which class is right for your child for next year,
please talk to Jackie or Elizabeth.

Reminders

  • On Monday, January 27th, the Manor Schools are closed to hold our semi-annual staff in-service day.
  • SNOW POLICY: Manor School special announcements, such as school closings, late openings and early dismissals will be posted on our website at www.manorschools.com . You will also receive an e-mail and/or text from your teacher if there is a change.
  • TAX INFORMATION: This year, you can collect your child care tax information from Brightwheel. If you claim the cost as an expense on your Federal Tax Return, you must include the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Greenbrier’s TIN is: 87-3864717

Priority registration for current families for next school year opens January 6th and continues through the month. The public may register starting February 1st.


Save your spot early!

If you have school-aged children, keep in mind that a Chesapeake Public School bus from Greenbrier Primary and Greenbrier Intermediate will transport students to GMS for afterschool care. If this option appeals to you for next school year,
talk to Jackie or Elizabeth

You can access your
tax information on
Brightwheel!
GMS Tax ID: 87-3864717

What we are learning

2’s- Ms. Erika and Karen’s Two’s have grown and matured at an impressive rate. These children will explore the many adventures of Pete the Cat. These best-selling picture books present the wiry Pete with his white shoes and eclectic friends showing that it’s cool to be you. With boundless poise, creativity and energy, Loretta and Karen do an exceptional job with their charges.

3’s- The three-year-olds are introduced to the main food groups through a delicious study of nutrition. Adrieen, Alicia and Mickey hope to teach the children about “good” foods and their sources. This unit involves quite a bit of cooking and sampling with each food group. They’ll make French fries, fruit salad and finger-paint with pudding. It’s a terrific and “fattening” month for the Threes!

4’s- The four-year-olds discover the fanciful world of dragons and unicorns this month. Medieval knights and castles come alive for them, and they will find that most dragons are rather sensitive and lovable creatures. The children finish the unit with a royal ball fit for any king or queen. The fours indulge in fantasy to their heart’s content!

PreK- The Pre-K class become environmentally aware as they focus their attention on our feathered friends. Ms. Michelle’s Pre-K class will study birds, birds of prey in particular. Children will learn why the hawk has a hooked beak and toes with strong, curved talons. Where does the Osprey live and what do they eat?

K- The kindergarten class will practice rhyming using the stories of Dr. Seuss. This is a fun time to rhyme in silly ways. The Cat in the Hat, the Lorax, and Thidwick become our vehicles for learning. Math, crafts and songs all focus on Seuss themes. It all ends with the renowned “Breakfast at Greenbrier Manor” featuring Green Eggs and Ham, of course! The children have a grand time with all of this while an incredible amount of learning takes place.

Save the Date

  • January 20……………………….… MLKing Day, School Closed
  • January 27……………………….…Teacher In-service, School Closed
  • February 17….………………….….Presidents Day, School Closed
  • April 14-18…………………………..Spring Break, School Closed
  • May 9………………………………….Conference Day – No classes (Open for all-day only)
  • May 26……………………………….Memorial Day, School Closed
  • June 5…………………………………Kindergarten Graduation
  • June 13……………………………….Last Day of School
  • June 23-Aug 15…………………..Summer programs

Greenbrier Manor Newsletter

December ’24
Director’s Desk

The days are shorter and there is a hint of anticipation in the air…it must be December! This is a very exciting and busy month for us all. ‘Tis the season to be jolly and to indulge! While we aren’t fanatic about “no sugar” at the Manor Schools, we have learned to be cautious. Please try to limit sugar intake at breakfast. Children are better able to settle into learning with protein and fruit.

This past fall has been productive and rewarding for our teachers. GMS students have enjoyed themselves while absorbing a wealth of information. We hope you have seen the great strides in your child’s growth! We will close for winter break at the end of the day on Friday, December 20th. We look forward to restarting on Monday, January 6th.
2025-2026 school year registration will come home soon. Those who will return next fall should plan to turn in the registration form as soon as we return from winter break. Current GMS families have priority registration for the month of January. Registration opens to the public February 1st. If you are wondering about placement for next year, please see Jackie or Elizabeth.

With warm holiday wishes, Jackie

Reminders

  • Fall registration opens for current families upon our return to school January 6th, 2025
  • Please visit our Lost & Found looking for anything you are missing! It always helps us if you label your child’s items.
  • Manor School special announcements (school closings, late openings and early dismissals) will be posted on our website www.manorschools.com . Your teacher will also notify you of any changes. We generally follow Chesapeake Public Schools for inclement weather.
  • December tuition is a full month
  • We are busy scheduling tours for prospective families who would like to start in the fall of 2025! Know anyone? Please share our contact information! 757-548-9292 or greenbriermanor@manorschools.com

Holiday Programs

Parents/special guests are invited to meet us in the parking lot behind the school to hear the classes sing songs. Afterwards, we will come inside and have a special snack in the classroom.

Monday, December 9th

9:15: Ms Adrieen, Ms Cindi

Tuesday, December 10th

9:15: Ms Alicia, Ms Kelly and Ms Tracy Garlow

Wednesday December 11th

9:15 Ms Mickey, Ms Meg and Ms Michelle

Holiday Classroom Parties

We will have a special snack in the classroom and we will take pictures to share with the parents! We have found that, for this age child, seeing parents during school time creates a difficult transition back to class.

Thursday, December 12th

10:00 Ms Erika and Ms Karen’s Holiday Party

You can access your
tax information on
Brightwheel!
GMS Tax ID: 87-3864717

What we are learning

2’s, 3’s, 4’s, PreK and Kindergarten classes devote the month of December to holiday preparations, both Christmas and Hanukkah. All the children will make crafts and sing songs appropriate for each celebration. In addition to letters and numbers, this month’s activities will include making and wrapping their gifts for you, baking and preparing for holiday parties. Kindergarten will add in the study of orchestra instruments. This is designed to help them appreciate the music they will hear throughout the holiday season. If any of you want to share your expertise in this area, please let us know!

Save the Date

  • December 9-12….………………Holiday Programs/Parties
  • December 23-January 3…………..Winter Break – School Closed
  • January 6…………..………..….School resumes
  • January 20……………….….… MLK Day, School Closed
  • January 27…………..……….…Teacher In-service, School Closed
  • February 17….………..…….….Presidents Day, School Closed
  • April 14-18……………………..Spring Break, School Closed
  • May….………………………….Conference Day, No classes (Open for all-day care only)
  • May 26………………………….Memorial Day, School Closed
  • June 5……………………………Kindergarten Graduation
  • June 13……….………………….Last Day of School
  • June 23-Aug 15…………………..Summer programs..