This week, something magical happened—our butterflies finally emerged from their chrysalises! We were lucky to observe them fluttering inside the butterfly house for a couple of days before we gently carried them to the butterfly garden. There, together, we opened the glass doors and watched in awe as they took flight—free, joyful, and fulfilling the very purpose they were created for.

In many ways, this moment mirrors what we’re witnessing in our classroom. As this school year comes to a close, our toddlers—once unsure and wobbly in their first steps—are now confidently spreading their wings. Just like our butterflies, they are ready for the next stage of life.

It’s been a year filled with laughter, wonder, and steady growth. From pouring water and finishing puzzles to making friends and mastering the rhythm of our days, your children have made remarkable progress. These seemingly small moments are powerful milestones that reflect growing independence, resilience, and confidence.

Our classroom has been more than just a place to learn. It’s been a safe, loving space where your children have explored with joy and felt deeply valued. We’ve celebrated the ordinary and the extraordinary, and every giggle, hug, and triumph has been cherished.

To each family, thank you. Thank you for trusting us, for supporting us, and for walking alongside Patty and me in this meaningful work. Your partnership has meant the world.

On a personal note, this farewell is especially tender for me. After eight beautiful years of supporting toddlers at this incredible school, it’s time for my own new adventure. As you know, my family and I will be moving to Oregon this summer, and while I am excited for what’s ahead, I will deeply miss this community, all the children and families I’ve been lucky enough to know, and the joyful rhythm of our days together. Thank you for the memories. I carry them with me.

Lastly, thank you for the thoughtful gifts on Friday—they meant so much to me. Please know that Patty feels the same way. We were both deeply touched by your kindness. I’m incredibly happy that Patty will be here next school year—her warmth, experience, and love for the children will continue to be a gift to the classroom and to the little ones returning for their second year in our toddler community.

Please enjoy the photos from our final Spirit Week and the three sweet birthday celebrations that closed out our year. Look closely—you’ll see the transformation, the growth, and the light that each child carries as they fly forward.

With deepest gratitude and a full heart,
Mrs. Hood

 

This week was bursting with creativity, celebration, and hands-on exploration.

One of the highlights of the week was Art Exploration Day in Mrs. Reid’s classroom. She created a beautiful environment that sparked curiosity and encouraged creative exploration. The children were given the freedom to choose from a variety of unique art experiences, each offering a different way to express themselves:

•  The “Art Cave”: A cozy space beneath a table where large sheets of paper were taped underneath, inviting children to lie down and draw above them. The children were fascinated by this new way of creating!
•  Rolling Art with Marker Cars: In this station, toy cars had markers attached to them, allowing children to race across large sheets of paper, leaving colorful trails behind. This playful technique introduced the concept of movement in art, turning motion into markings. It was a big hit and invited a lot of collaboration and giggles.
• Textured Easel Painting: Children explored different textures while painting on a wall constructed from recycled materials. They used brushes and even their hands to experiment with how paint behaves on different surfaces. It was a wonderful way to blend art with sensory exploration and environmental awareness.
• Clay Exploration: With a variety of fun tools, the children dove into working with clay. They discovered how to transform a simple lump into something entirely new. Clay work offers so many developmental benefits, from strengthening fine motor skills to encouraging focus and imagination.

We truly appreciated Mrs. Reid’s creativity in bringing this inspiring day to life!

The children also worked together on a very special class project—a collaborative piece that will be part of our Field Day dedication next Monday. Though we were so engaged that we forgot to take pictures, the children worked with such joy and focus. This meaningful piece will be placed inside a time capsule to be opened years from now as a reminder of this special time in their early childhood.

In addition to our artistic adventures, we had the joy of celebrating the second birthday of the youngest member of our class! Our little friend was beaming with pride as he walked around the sun, and we all enjoyed singing and sharing a delicious treat together.

For food tasting this week, we tried dragon fruit—and it was a total hit! The children were intrigued by its bright yellow and spiky exterior and speckled inside, and many came back for second (and third!) tastes.

Lastly, our butterfly habitat continues to be a source of excitement and wonder. The children are carefully observing the chrysalises each day, waiting patiently for our butterflies to emerge. We can’t wait to witness their transformation and celebrate the beauty of nature right here in our classroom.

As we soak in these final days of the school year, it’s been heartwarming to see the children so engaged, joyful, and connected. Each moment reflects just how much they’ve grown and how special our time together has been. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

Warmly,

Mrs. Hood and Ms. Patty