Playground Renovation Grant from the Christopher Family Foundation

In this season of Thanksgiving, we have much to celebrate.  Recently, we received word from the Christopher Family Foundation that we are recipients of a $40,000 grant to renovate our playground.  We are overwhelmed with gratitude for this generous gift and for the Foundation's support of the mission of Lutheran Day Nursery and Early Childhood Center.

Our existing playground no longer meets the Illinois state safety standards for preschool children or the standards of our accrediting body, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  Our equipment is antiquated, our playground surface is hazardous and our space does not currently accommodate infants and toddlers.  Research has confirmed that physical activity is vital to the brain and cognitive development of young children.  The grant will help us provide a state-of-the-art play area for all our children that will improve their gross motor skills, engage them in dramatic play and development and promote healthy brain development.

While $40,000 seems like a lot of money, the total cost of the playground renovation exceeds the grant.  We need to raise at least $20,000 to complete the project.  If you would like to make a donation to help us reach the $60,000 goal, please make an online donation at www.lutherandaynursery.org or send your gift to Lutheran Day Nursery, 1802 N. Fairfield Ave.  Chicago, IL   60647.

Watch for updates on the renovation and our efforts to reach our financial goal.

We've Been Busy

Since the beginning of summer, Lutheran Day Nursery and Early Childhood Center has experienced an Extreme Makeover.  We repainted the front hallway and several classrooms, replaced the tile floor in Room 2B, installed a new front door and limestone step, and begun renovation to accommodate infants and toddlers.  And there is more to come! Before the end of the year, we'll install a new ornamental fence at the front of the property and complete some interior painting.  And next Spring, the front playground will get a much needed upgrade. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures of our progress.

We Love to Read

This summer the children participated in Full Steam Ahead, a summer reading program of the Chicago Public Library for children of all ages.  Each classroom read books throughout the summer and at the end the children received a pencil pouch from the Library as a reward for their efforts.  Room 2A read 42 books, Room 2B read 53 books and our 3 to 5 year olds read 66 books--in just 6 weeks.  The children did a great job AND they learned to love reading for fun! 

Labels For Education Become Cozy Coupes

Thanks to all the Labels for Education you've sent or brought, we were able to turn them into 2 new cars for our children.  The new cars were unveiled at our "Move-a-thon" on June 21.  The children love "driving" the Cozy Coupes and pretending to fill up the gas tank as they travel around the playground area.  Each year, we collect as many Labels for Education from grocery products to purchase new toys and games for the classrooms and playground. A complete list of eligible products can be found at http://www.labelsforeducation.com/Earn-Points/Participating-Products  Consider helping us by cutting UPC symbols and sending them to 1802 N. Fairfield Ave. Chicago, IL   60647

We Moved...into Summer on June 21

A thunderstorm couldn't stop the party to celebrate the arrival of summer!  We just moved indoors.  The children participated in our "move-a-thon"fundriaser by dancing, exercising, riding trikes and driving cars for more than 20 minutes.  Even parents got into motion.  After the movement, everyone enjoyed an indoor picnic.  Let the summer begin!  Pictures of the "move-a-thon"can be found at www.flicker.com/lutherandaynursery

Summer Solstice Party & Fundraiser

On June 21, 2013, we're "Moving Into Summer" with a summer solstice party and fundraiser.  Our children will be "moving" (running, jumping, hopping, dancing, etc) for up to 20 minutes and are seeking sponsors for their move-a-thon.  If you would like to support the event and help us raise funds for classroom materials, please make a donation at our web site: www.lutherandaynursery.org.  And everyone is welcome to join us for the party, starting at 5:30 pm.