Volumn 2, Issue 1

Kidz Ink September 2009

DATES TO
REMEMBER Things to Remember...
From Kids Inc:
• Welcome back to the school year 2009/10!!!
September 9th, Wednesday • Please see the attached closure dates for the school year at the end of this newsletter.
Included are Kids Inc. closure dates, Seattle School District early release dates, in-
First Day of Seattle Schools
service and vacation dates.
9:10 - 3:20
• September 18th, Friday, Parents Night Out, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Wednesday, September 30th is an early release day. We will have a sign-up sheet
September 17th, Thursday posted on the parent table for parents by September 16th.
West Woodland Curriculum
Night 6:30-8:30 Pandas:
• Please welcome back our preschool teachers, Gee Gross, Polly Young & Louie Smith
September 18th, Friday • September 11th, Field Trip-Walk around the neighborhood.
Kids Inc. Parents Night Out • September 21st, Monday, Preschool Curriculum/PS Info Night. Childcare provided.
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM 6:30-7:30.

September 21st, Monday Otters:

Preschool (Pandas & Otters) • Please welcome back Steve Bellefuil as our Otter Teacher.
Open House/Preschool Info • September 21st, Monday, Preschool Curriculum/PS Info Night. Childcare provided.
Night (childcare provided) 6:30-7:30.
6:30-7:30
Grizzlies:
• Our K-2 grade children meet in the big side of the main room after school.
September 30th, Wed. • Sept 9th –15th: Kindergarten will be released at 12:30.
Early dismissal @ 1:20 from • Jay Castro, Jesse Asia ,and Erik Baldwin will be the teachers working with this age
West Woodland group, this quarter. Please introduce yourself if you do not know these teachers.
• September 30th, Wednesday: Early dismissal from school at 1:20 PM. Sign up sheet
Sept. 25th, Thursday will be on the parent table by the 16th.
WW PTA Meeting
King Snakes:
October 9th, Friday • We are happy to welcome all the new King Snakes (3rd, 4th & 5th graders), who will be
Professional Development Day using the cafeteria as their home base this year, and will be having green laundry bas-
No Seattle Schools kets as their cubby spaces. Erin Gaiko and Lindsay Good will be working with the Kings-
Kids Inc. Open nakes this quarter.
• September 30th, Wednesday-Early dismissal from school at 1:20 PM. Sign up sheet
October 16th, Friday
WW Fall Festival

October 23rd, Friday Welcome to the new School Year!

Kids Inc. Parent’s Night Out
6:00PM - 10:00PM

October 28th, Wed. NOTICE

Early dismissal @ 1:20 from Tuition is due by the 1st of the month. Please let Melissa know, in writing, if this presents a hardship. A
West Woodland $25.00 late fee is assessed for payments received after the 1st of the month, unless other arrangements have
been approved.
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Director’s Corner
Welcome to the new school year at Kids Inc!!! I am extremely excited to get this year
started. We had another very successful summer and we’re looking forward to an equally suc-
cessful this school year. We have just finished a lot of cleaning and organizing to get ready for
the school year.
This year brings many familiar faces. Jay, Louie and Erik will be working in the morning with the school age
children, and Lindsay, Erik, Jay, Kris, Erin, Jesse and I will be working with the school age children in the after-
noons. Don’t forget to say “hi” to Kate, our wonderful sub who will be joining us every Monday. Gee, Polly
and Louie will be working with the Pandas and Steve will be working with the Otters.
We will continue the afternoons with the “Clubs” that we did last year. For those who are new to Kids
Inc. school age program, we have a variety of club activities for your child to choose to participate in. A
schedule of clubs will be coming out next week and we encourage each child to sign up for a least a couple of
clubs a week. Study Hall will be provided this year again in the cafeteria from 3:30 - 4:00 PM. A sign up sheet
will be on the parent table. To clarify expectations, we will again be asking the children to sign a contract of
agreement.
Both Preschool classes are going to continue the Reading Buddies Program with Ms. Dresbeck’s class, and
library time in West Woodland with Ms. Wittmann. Preschool Curriculum Night will be Monday September
21 from 6:30-7:30. Please look out for a sign up sheet as we will be offering childcare that evening.
We are nailing down the dates for our first Potluck (usually in October) and our PNO’s! For those of
you who are new, PNO (Parents Night Out) is one Friday a month from 6:00-10:00. The cost is $25.00per
child or $40.00 for two (must be siblings) and dinner, movie and activities are provided. The fee is paid to the
staff members working that night. Look for sign ups!

Thanks and I look forward to another great year.

Melissa Winchester

Panda Posse
Welcome to September in the Panda Room! All the Panda teachers are looking
forward to good times with good friends this year at Kids Inc! The Pandas will have Gee
Gross from 8:15 to 3:00, Polly Young from 9:00 to 5:00 and Louie Smith from 1:00 to
6:00. We’ll be starting our year getting to know more about each other, our families and
ourselves, continuing to practice our classroom routines and getting ready to start our
field trip program with a walk around the West Woodland neighborhood.
Please remember to bring a complete extra set of clothes to leave at school, a
healthy lunch (with an ice pack if food is perishable and no candy, please) and a jacket with
a hood or hat. We will go outside every morning for at least 45 minutes. Shorter if it’s raining, but we
still go, rain or shine. Since weather can change suddenly, it’s best to be prepared. Your child may
bring a blanket and/or stuffed animal “sleep friend” from home if desired, and we always love sharing
books from home, but please leave toys and special items like jewelry and games at home.
There will be a Parent Information and Open House Night with all the pre-school teachers
(including the Otters) on Monday evening, September 21st, from 6:30 to 7:30. Childcare will be pro-
vided. Please join us for this important information and question and answer session! It’s also a great
chance to meet and get to know other families. Until then, (and always!), we hope you will feel free
to ask any of us for help or support. Check those parent folders and the Panda bulletin board every
day, especially if you have other family members or babysitters picking up your child. These are im-
portant ways for us to communicate with you.
Happy Fall! Gee, Polly and Louie
 Page 3 Kidz Ink

OTTER’S DEN
Welcome Otters and parents to the new school year. My name is Steve Bellefuil and I’ll be
the Otter teacher this year. I’ve met a lot of the Otters and their parents, but for the few par-
ents I haven’t met, I look forward to talking with you and getting to know your children.
This month we’ll be learning about ourselves and our families. We’ll learn our whole names,
where we live, and our phone numbers. Then we will start creating a class photo album of our
families, including baby pictures of all the Otters. Parents, this is where I’ll need help from you. If you could
bring in spare photos of your kids as babies or young children, and family pictures of you and relatives which I
can put into one shared photo album, I’d appreciate it. We’ll keep it for the whole year so the Otters can
look at it whenever they like. Finally, I’m hoping I can persuade some of our parents to come into the class
and talk to all the kids about their jobs. It’s a nice way for us all to get to know each other.
Also this month, the Otters will focus on our new routine. Learning the “rules,” setting goals, and getting
used to the day-to-day schedule will take a couple of weeks to get used to. I’ll be sending out more informa-
tion about show and share, teacher helper jobs, field trips, and lots of other things soon.
I’m looking forward to a fun and successful year with the Otters. I have high hopes that by next year your
children will be more then ready for kindergarten. But I also know I can’t do it by myself. It’ll take you and
me working together to make the year a success. Feel free to talk with me about your concerns and ideas
about the class.

Steve

School Agers-Grizzlies (K-2nd Grades) & King Snakes (3rd-5th Grades)

Welcome all new and returning school age families to Kids Inc.! Our before and
after school programs are off to a great start. K-2nd grade students are a part of the
grizzly group in the main room, while 3rd-5th graders are in the King Snake group in
the cafeteria. For the first week and a half, we will be working on getting back into
our school year routines. Making sure our belongings are stowed away in our backpacks, and
keeping our cubbies organized will be an early goal. Thank you in advance for your help in this
task.
Our afterschool clubs will be up and running once again, starting the third week of school. We
have many art, science, sports and social clubs this year, and we encourage every child to partici-
pate in at least one club per week. A full list of the year’s scheduled clubs will be avail-
able next week, so check it out and find out what your child is most interested in!
The school ager’s first early dismissal date is September 30th, and the sign up sheet
for this day will be on the parent table soon. Keep a look out for this clipboard to get a
spot!
Finally, please remember to let us know if your child will not be at Kids Inc. on a day
when he or she is scheduled. It is our responsibility to make sure every child is ac-
counted for, and without a notice of absence, we will attempt to contact parents, then
emergency contacts, and if no one is reached, we are mandated to call the police. It is very impor-
tant to us to know where all of our children are! To make this process easy, we have a spiral note-
book on the parent table next to the sign in sheet for you to jot down any schedule changes that
may come up.
 Page 4
MELISSA
WINCHESTER
DIRECTOR
9:00-5:00
My name is Melissa Winchester
and I am the Director. I am on
staring my fourth year Kids Inc and my sec-
ond as Director. Before moving to the Pa-
cific Northwest four years ago, I lived and
taught second grade in St. Louis, Missouri . I
love cooking, camping, spicy food and spend-
ing time with my newest member of my
family…….my puppy!
Gee Gross
PANDA LEAD
TEACHER/
KIDS INC. OWNER
8:15-2:00
I have been part of Kids Inc. for
over 10 years and will be teach-
ing the Panda Class. I’m origi-
nally from Pennsylvania and cur-
rently reside in North Seattle. My
favorite color is purple and I like
to spend time in the woods camp-
ing. Earlier this year I added an-
other responsibility on top of be-
ing the Panda Teacher/Kids Inc.
Owner….Nana! My new grand-
son visits often and I love spend-
ing time with him.
STAFF
BIO’S
STEVE BELLEFUIL
OTTER TEACHER
8:00A - 2:30P
Hi, my name is Steve
This is my second year at Kids
Inc. but I’ve been a teacher for five
years now. I earned my BS in ele-
mentary Education a while back, but
got side tracked as a carpenter for a
few years. When I adopted a couple
of kids, I decided to get back into
education. Both my children go to
Kids Inc., so I have a real incentive to
make this the best place possible. I
am the Otter Teacher again this year
will have a great time getting to
know your kids.
Kidz Ink
Polly Young
PANDA TEACHER
9:00A-5:00P
My name is Polly Treistman
Young and I am a full-time
teacher in the "Panda" pre-
school room. I grew up near New York
City and moved to Seattle for a job work-
ing with developmentally disabled chil-
dren 32 years ago. I fell in love with Seat-
tle and now live in the Central Area with
my teacher husband, middle schooler
daughter and Siberian Husky, Kavik. I
am pursuing certification in Early Child-
hood Education and Outdoor Education
and love to lead music, art, movement
and nature awareness activities with chil-
dren. After work you might find me read-
ing, kayaking, hiking, mushrooming, bird-
ing, playing the piano, singing Renais-
sance ensemble music or volunteering
with the Secular Jewish Circle of Puget
Sound.
LOUIE SMITH
B/S SUPERVISOR/
PRESCHOOL TEACHER
7:00-10:00/1:00-6:00
Hello all!
Welcome back to school! My name is
Louie Smith and I have been with Kids Inc.
for the better part of four years. I graduated
from the University of Washington with a
degree in Social Science. As before, I am the
morning supervisor on the school age side,
but am continuing the afternoons with the
preschoolers.
 Page 5 Kidz Ink

LINDSAY GOOD
S/A TEACHER
3:00P - 6:00P
Hi, my name is Lindsay
Good, and this will be my
fourth school year at Kids Inc. Most of
you know me, but if you don’t, be sure to
say hi! A little bit about me... I love to
dance and I am finishing up my A.A. at
Seattle Central University. I am looking
forward to another fabulous school year!
JESSE ASIA
S/A TEACHER
2:00P - 6:00P
Hello, my name is Jesse
Asia. I am one of the afternoon school
age teachers. My hobbies are the
theatre, writing poetry, reading, cook-
ing and learning about different cul-
tures. This fall I am going to Antioch
University of Seattle to finish my BA
and get my Masters in Mental Health
Counseling. I hope everyone has a
good school year and will see you at
Kids Inc.
Erin Gaiko
S/A TEACHER
3:00-6:00 PM
Originating from a small
town in Vermont, I got my
BA at Quinnipiac University
in Mass Communications. I completed
Massage Therapy School about a year
ago (my card’s on the Parent Table). I
have been with Kids Inc for some time,
and am getting my massage practice up
and running. I love to hike, play, paint,
garden and listen to music. I am looking
forward to another school year with all
of you.
KRIS KIKUCHI
PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
8:00A - 6:00 P
T,W,Th,F
Once upon a time in a small
town of Quincy, WA, there was a farmer’s
daughter, who graduated from high school
and moved to Seattle. She got her AA in
Early Childhood Education, and has been
working with children ever since (which is a
loooong time)! She eventually found Kids
Inc. over fifteen years ago and worked part
time at Kids Inc. and part time for Fred Hut-
chinson Cancer Research Center as a data
coordinator. But a couple of years ago, she
decided to work full time for Kids Inc. Dur-
ing the time she is not working, she enjoys
crab, reading, rubber stamping, beading, and
collecting Snoopy paraphernalia.
Staff
Bio’s
(cont.)

ERIK BALDWIN
B/S & A/S AGE TEACHER
7:00-9:30 & 3:00-6:00P
My name is Erik Baldwin and I
live in Ballard. As well as spending time with
the amazing children of Kids Inc., I am a
working musician, and find as much time as I
can for writing and recording. I graduated
from Seattle Pacific University in 2007 with a
writing degree and look forward to sharing
my love of music and literature with your
children. See you around the neighborhood.
JAY CASTRO
S/A TEACHER
7:00-9:30 & 2:00-6:00P
I am a School age teacher
working in the morning and
afternoons at Kids Inc..
This is my third year, here and I am from
Spokane, WA. I have over ten years experi-
ence working with children. Some of my
previous jobs with children have included
Arts and Crafts Director, Summer Camp
Program Director and a special needs
teacher for children with behavioral disor-
ders.
I am a huge Star Trek geek, who also
loves computers and the internet. When I
am not parked in front of a book or screen, I
am usually outdoors, hiking or swimming.
 Volume 1, Issue 1 September 2009

20 September 09
5601 4th Ave. NW
Seattle, Sun
WA 98107 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
(206) 783-8185
admin@kidsincseattle.com 1 2 3 4 5

Ethan B.’s
Kai P’s Birthday Birthday

6 7 8 9 First Day 10 11 12
of School K’s dismissed at K’s dismissed at
12:30 12:30
K’s dismissed at
12:30

Ellie H.’s Birthday

Thomas F.’s
Bridget B.’s
Birthday
Birthday

13 14 15 16 17 18 19
K’s dismissed at K’s dismissed at PNO
12:30 12:30

West Woodland
Isabel N.’s Curriculum
Birthday Jack B.’s Birthday

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

William M.’s
Birthday

McKenzie L.’s Trevor S.’s

Birthday Mitra S.’s Birthday Birthday

27 28 29 30

Early dismiss
@ 1:20

Serafina S.’s
Birthday
Garrison C.’s
Laura R.’s Birthday Nate B.’s Birthday Birthday
 Closure Dates for ......Kids’ Inc.
Veteran’s Day Holiday November 11, 2009

Thanksgiving Holiday November 26 & 27, 2009

Christmas Holiday December 24 & 25, 2009

New Year’s Day Holiday December 31, 2009 & January 1, 2010

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday January 18, 2010

President’s Day Holiday February 15, 2010

In-service Days for Kids Inc. April 2, 2010

Memorial Day May 31, 2010

In-service Days for Kids Inc. * June 23, 24 & 25, 2009

Independence Day Holiday July 5, 2010

In-Service Days for Kids Inc. TBA, 2 days at the end of summer

Dates to Note.....................for Seattle Public Schools

First Day of School September 9, 2009

Early Dismissal Day @ 1:20 pm September 30, 2009

Professional Development Day (no classes) October 9, 2009

Early Dismissal Day @ 1:20 pm October 29, 2009

Veteran’s Day Holiday November 11, 2009

Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (early dismissal) November 17 - 26, 2009

Thanksgiving Break November 26 & 27, 2009

One hour early dismissal December 18, 2009

Winter Break December 21, 2009-January 1, 2010

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday January 18, 2010

Day between semesters, (no classes) January 29, 2010

Early Dismissal Day @ 1:20 pm February 3, 2010

President’s Day Holiday February 15, 2010

Mid-Winter Break February 16 - 19, 2010

Early Dismissal Day @ 1:20 pm March 3, 2010

Professional Development Day (no classes) March 19, 2010

Spring Break March 29 - April 2, 2010

Early Dismissal Day @ 1:20 pm May 19, 2010

Memorial Day Holiday May 31, 2010

*Last Student Day, 1 hour early dismissal June 22, 2010

* Days may vary due to make up days for inclement weather that will be added at the end of the year.
Page 7 Kidz Ink