DSUMC Pathways School May 2018 Primer

In Each Issue: •Director’s Note •Calendar and Events •Birthdays •Snack Menu •Chapel Stories and Bible Verses •Science & Music Note •Featured Students

MINISTRY Senior Pastor Adam Thornton Director of Community Life/Youth

Brandon Shook Adult Faith Formation Director

Vicki Rector Childrens Faith Formation Director

Cheri Heldstab

Pathways School Director Mary Fernandez 512-858-7541, Ext 233 mfernandez@dsumc.org Pathways School Assistant Director Dominique Peel 512-858-7541, Ext 229 dpeel@dsumc.org Pathways Admin. Assistant Erica Robinson 512-858-7541 pathways@dsumc.org

Dear Pathways Families, As another school year comes to an end, I speak for everyone at Pathways and DSUMC when I say "Thank You" for entrusting your children in our care. As a ministry of the church, Pathways is committed to growing each child in a Christ centered environment. Whether it be in the classroom, chapel, Science, Music and Movement, or our before and after school programs...we take every opportunity to teach and minister to the families that come through our doors. I would like to give a huge “thank you” to all the parent volunteers who assisted us all year long, in so many ways. Whether you helped at the Pumpkin Patch Party, Easter Egg Hunt, Teacher appreciation events, in the classroom or from home, we appreciate your willingness to support your child at school. The child always benefits from a strong school-parent- teacher partnership. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your support! As we look forward to the 2018-2019 school year, we have been blessed with all the families that have re-enrolled or enrolled for the first time. However, we do still have a few openings in our 2s, 3s, and 4s classes for next year. If you have a friend or new neighbor who thinks they might be too late, please encourage them to contact us. As we move into the summer break, I’d like to close with this prayer of thanksgiving. Almighty God, We thank you for our school. We thank you for all the teachers and staff who work here. We thank you for all the children and families who attend here. Thank you for your living word that shows us the way and leads us to you. Teach us how to shine with your light and love for all the world to see. We pray our school has been a place of great discovery, adventure and creativity. May it be a place where we loved to learn and where we learned to love, A place where everyone was respected and all were deeply valued. We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thank you for sharing your child with us, Mrs. Fernandez

•Mon 4/30 – Wed 5/2 – Sciencepalooza

• Tues 5/1 & Wed 5/2 – Buy a Brick Bake Sale • Mon 5/14 & Tues 5/15 – Muffins with Mom

•Wed 5/23 - PreK Recognition – (MWF, M-F Rice)

• Thurs 5/24 – PreK (TTh, M-F Hanel) & Kinder Recognition

•Fri 5/25 & Mon 5/28 – Holiday (No School)

•Wed 5/30 – Last day of School (MWF) •Thurs 5/31 – Last day of School (TTh)

Upcoming Events In May

Our Mission: Pathways School is an integral part of the Children’s Ministries at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church. We believe each child is a unique gift of God, and this ministry is designed to provide developmentally appropriate activities for preschool and kindergarten aged children. Support is expressed for the whole child with a special emphasis on God’s love for each of us.

Our Mission: Pathways School is an integral part of the Children’s Ministries at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church. We believe each child is a unique gift of God, and this ministry is designed to provide developmentally appropriate activities for preschool and kindergarten aged children. Support is expressed for the whole child with a special emphasis on God’s love for each of us.

Happy Birthday To:

2 Ms. Howard 3 Rhett Andrews 5 Ethan Coles 6 Teagan Bauerle 11 Mrs. Fernandez 12 Max Hugo 14 Mrs. Blazek 17 Tyler Witherspoon

20 Mrs. Thomas 20 Nathaniel Hoyt 22 Andrew Rodriguez 22 Connor Childress 22 Evan Farmer 24 Maggie Zarbaugh 29 Hayes White 30 Mrs. Creswell

Summer Birthdays! June 3 Carter Messer 4 Colton Roberts 4 William Mason 5 Ella Woods 7 Luke Bowen 10 Sophie Smith 15 Mrs. Heaston 17 Luke Rivers 18 Palmer Russ 22 Olivia Burns 25 Mrs. Robinson 26 Reagan Prom 27 Braylan Russ 30 Asher Connolly

July 1 Hart Wiler

3 Lucas Reese 3 Ms. Patino

4 Cruise Harris 5 Sylvia Moon

6 Luke Albus 9 Mila Florio

11 Colin Ward 11 Misha Alpatov

13 Ian Linton 14 William Hastings

22 Ryan Johnson 25 Mahlon Boob 26 Mrs. Hurlbut 26 Lovie Messer

27 Grace Clapp 27 Brady Hluza

29 Layne Durasinovic 30 Jack Kincannon

31 Penn Trotter

Thank you for the food before us, thank you for the friends beside us, thank you for the love between us,

thank you God for everything. Amen.

Morning Snack Menu 5/1 - Peaches, Animal Crackers 5/2 – Applesauce, goldfish

5/3 – Chex cereal, Bananas, Milk

5/4 – Carrots, Cucumbers, saltines, ranch

5/7 - Turkey, Cheese, Cracker 5/8- Animal Crackers, mandarin oranges 5/9 - Granola Bars, applesauce

5/10 – Trail Mix – (popcorn, cheese balls, raisins, teddy grahams) 5/11 - Yogurt, animal crackers

5/14 – Granola Bars, Raisins 5/15 – Peaches, animal crackers 5/16 - Bagels, Cream Cheese, Raisins 5/17 - Turkey, Cheese, Crackers 5/18 - Apples, cheese, crackers

5/21 -Goldfish crackers, applesauce

5/22 - Granola bars, applesauce

5/23 - Trail Mix – (popcorn, cheese balls, raisins, teddy grahams) 5/24 – Chex , Milk, bananas 5/25 – No SCHOOL

5/28 – NO SCHOOL 5/29 - Applesauce, graham crackers 5/30 - Turkey, Cheese, Crackers 5/31 - Trail Mix (pretzels, Chex cereal, Teddy Grahams, Raisins)

Afternoon Snack Menu 5/1 – Trail Mix (pretzels, Chex, Teddy Grahams, Raisins 5/2 – Applesauce, graham crackers 5/3 – Turkey, Cheese, Crackers 5/4 – Peaches, Animal Crackers

5/7 –goldfish crackers, applesauce

5/8- Granola bars, applesauce

5/9 - Trail Mix – (popcorn, cheese balls, raisins, teddy grahams) 5/10 - Chex, Milk, bananas 5/11 - Granola Bars, Raisins

5/14 - Turkey, Cheese, Crackers 5/15 - Granola Bars, applesauce

5/16 - Animal Crackers, mandarin oranges 5/17 - Bagels, Cream Cheese, Raisins 5/18 - Yogurt, animal crackers

5/21 - Applesauce, goldfish 5/22 - Chex cereal, Bananas, Milk

5/23 - Carrots, Cucumbers, Ranch Dressing, Crackers 5/24 - Apples, cheese, crackers 5/25 – No SCHOOL

5/28 – NO SCHOOL 5/29 - Trail Mix – (popcorn, cheese balls, raisins, teddy grahams) 5/30 - Turkey, Cheese, Crackers 5/31 - Carrots, Cucumbers, Ranch Dressing, Crackers

Science words

During the month of May, our final New Testament stories will introduce us to the

Apostle Paul and his teachings to the church. Then, we will end our chapel time for

the year by reviewing the Ten Commandments and also by inviting moms to join us in the Sanctuary for our last chapel time.

Our Bible verse this month is:

John 14:15 If you love me, you will obey

my command.

May 1/2 - Saul Changes to Paul May 7/8 - Fruits of the Spirit

May 14/15 - The 10 Commandments May 21/22 - No chapel (to allow

for rehearsals for and presentations of the End of Year programs for PreK

and Kindergarten)

Mrs. Raymond’s

Science Corner

My goodness! How did the year slip by so quickly…it has been a wonderful year in the Science Lab. We will end our year with a carbon dioxide bang. During our last week of school our kindergarten will demonstrate what happens when you combine diet coke with mentos! The month will also have many flying objects including indoor and outdoor rockets. My best wishes to all of you for a wonderfully relaxing summer filled with adventure and awe. Peace and love to those of you who will be leaving Pathways; you will be missed. I look forward to seeing all of you who will return in the fall and to seeing new faces.

Mrs. Linton’s

Music Musings

It’s hard to believe this school year is drawing to a close. It has been a special joy getting to know your children this year and seeing them learn and grow. This month’s theme is “Greatest Hits”--your children’s favorite songs and activities. Some, like “Jack Be Nimble” where they jump high with two feet over a “candlestick”, don’t surprise me at all. Others, like “Frog In the Meadow”, and “5 Red Apples” are surprise hits, and I’m more than happy to revisit the fun with your children--repetition and enjoyment are, after all, key to learning. We’ll revisit our listening skills with favorite games like “Instrument Simon Says” and Freeze Dance.

Caston says he lives at his house!

He says alone but I know his Mom, Dad and two sisters live there too! When Caston is at home his favorite thing to do is play legos. He likes playing with them, and builds a Lego man. When Caston is at school, he says his Mom goes to the office and plays choo choo! His Dad does stickers at work, they have a bunch of stickers there! Caston's favorite foods are french fries and he likes chicken nuggets. He also has ice cream at his home! When Caston grows up he is going to build a tall tower!

Mrs. Hurlbut’s Featured Students | Caston and Shep |

Two-Year-Old Monday-Friday Class

Shep lives at his house with his

Mama, Daddy and he says he has brothers too! When Shepherd is at home he plays with the toys in his toybox. His favorite thing is building with blocks and then knocking them over! Shep says his favorite food is chips and queso from the restaurant! When Shepherd is at school his Mama is working on a plane. Daddy is working too, but he's not sure where. When Shep grows up he says he is going to get taller!

“My name is Olivia and I am “3” years

old. I have 2 older brothers, Ryder and Skyler. My favorite character and show is “peppa pig.” I like playing with the babies at preschool and I love to paint. I also like to pretend the toy banana is a telephone.” Olivia is a happy girl and always has a smile on her face. She is kind to her friends, very social and loves playing with different children outside during recess. She’s a joy to have in class.

Mrs. Stavros’ Featured Student | Olivia |

Two-Year-Old Monday, Wednesday, Friday Class

Mrs. Cooper’s Featured Student | Blakely|

Two-Year-Old Tuesday, Thursday Class

Blakely is a super adorable

and fun 3 year old girl in our class. She lives with her Mom, Dad, older brother and twin sister. Her favorite color is pink and her favorite movie is The Greatest Showman. Her favorite drink is sparkling water. At school, Blakely loves to string beads and playdoh. When she grows up, Blakely wants to be a big girl! We are so happy we were able to have Blakely in our class this year.

Mrs. Kaiser’s Featured Students | Maggie and Weston |

Three-Year-Old Tuesday, Thursday Class

Maggie is a precious 3 year old. She will turn 4 on

May 24th. She has light colored hair and beautiful large brown eyes and a sweet smile. Maggie is very quick to help a friend who is in need. She loves to hear stories and play with the palace pets at school. At home, Maggie likes to play with her stuffed animal, Panda. She also loves to go to eat pizza and “Hunt” with her family. When I asked her what they hunt, she said, “Easter Eggs”. Her favorite movie is “Elsa and Anna” and her favorite colors are pink and rainbow. Her favorite song is “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. Maggie loves for her daddy to bring her to school and for her mommy to pick her up. She always talks about her “Bubby”, Samuel and “Bubble”, her sister, Scarlett. Also, at home, Maggie has 4 bunnies, 4 dogs, 3 cats, 7 chickens, and some fish. Maggie puts a smile on everyone’s face.

This is Weston. Weston is a fun-loving child. He has an engaging

smile and a fun-to-be-with personality. Everything to Weston is an exciting adventure and it is a joy to watch him enjoy life. He always comes to school with energy and a smile. He just LOVES coming to school and has already learned so much. Weston lives at home with his mom and dad, his twin sister Kate, and his older sister Rylee, who is 8 years old (he thinks)….. He likes to color with blue and likes to have pizza to eat. He enjoys watching “Star Wars” at home and playing “Light Sabers with his dad”. At school he has fun playing with the cars and blocks and exploring the science table. Weston’s favorite trip with his family was to Disney Land where he got to fly in an airplane and go on a ride in a Rocket Ship. He says, “It has controls in it!”.

Sadie is a sweet girl in our class. She makes us all

giggle with her funny stories at lunchtime. Sadie is four years old and she already had a birthday when it was Wednesday in January. She has one brother named Wyatt and a sister named Kylie. She likes to play Chutes and Ladders with her sister and she likes to play legos with her brother. Sadie’s mom goes to her work and her Dad sometimes works in his office. Sadie loves to eat broccoli and her favorite drink is milk. She likes to eat at Trudy’s. She likes the cheese enchiladas and queso there. Sadie has three cats. Her cats are named Jasper, Oscar and T-bone. Jasper is her favorite but Oscar is afraid of her and he only likes grownups. When Sadie grows up, she plans to be a police officer that puts people in jail when they drive too fast! We all love our sweet friend Sadie!

Mrs. Driska’s Featured Student | Sadie |

Three-Year-Old Monday – Friday Class

“Hello! My name is Cameron, I live at home with

mom, Dad, my two brothers and my sister. I have two favorite colors, red and purple. My favorite thing to eat is carrots. The best restaurant is mommy’s. I like her pepperoni pizza. When I am at school I like to play centers with my friends. When I am at home I like to run. While I am at school Mom is at home drinking coffee. My dad is at work, when he is at home he plays on the computer. If I could buy anything at the store, I would buy a big lunchable with candy!” We are so glad that Cameron is here to love, learn and pray with us!

Mrs. deDuFour’s Featured Students | Cameron |

Three Year Old Monday, Wednesday, Friday Class

“Hi, my name is Ella and I am in Mrs. Bartek’s

class. I enjoy drawing, writing my name, and playing with friends. My favorite color is blue and I went to my favorite restaurant for my birthday. I like to eat broccoli and drink Sprite. At home, I like to play with my new Paw Patrol toys. While I’m at school having fun, mommy goes to work and does everything and daddy goes home and works then he picks me up from school. On vacation I would like to go to the beach and snorkel. When I grow up, I want to be a doctor so I can take care of people when they are sick and stuff.” Ella is a sweet and caring little girl. She spreads kindness everywhere she goes and is a blessing to everyone who knows her.

Mrs. Bartek’s Featured Students | Ella and Ryder |

Three-Year-Old Monday, Wednesday, Friday Class

“Hi, my name is Ryder and I love coming to school to

dance and sing songs and draw green frogs. My favorite color is green. I like to eat hot dogs at Flores and drink lemonade. I live at home with mommy, daddy, big brother Skylar, little sister Olivia. When I’m at home, I like to play with my dinosaur toys and my baby goats, Froggy and Doodle. I like it when they suck on my finger. While I’m at school having fun with my friends, mommy goes back home with daddy and they play with dinosaur toys. My favorite vacation would be to go to a big pool and swim. When I grow up I want to be a Halloween guy!” Ryder is such a fun, loving little boy. He is a blessing to Mrs. Bartek and his friends.

Mrs. Watterson’s Featured Student | Grace|

Three Year Old Tuesday, Thursday Class

“Hi! My name is Ian and I am 3

years old! I will be 4 soon, July 13! I love going to school and I enjoy it when we get to play with water and robots. When I am at school my Dad goes to work, where he buys and sells Nerf guns, and my mom goes to work too. She works to buy my robots! I have two sisters, Rachel and Natalie. I don't have pets but if I could have one I would like a cat, or maybe a giraffe!”

Grace has a favorite color and it is pink! She

loves to eat blueberries, bananas, and ham. Grace likes going to the pizza store that looks look a real house. Her favorite pizza is cheese and pepperoni. Mommy loves pizza too!! Grace likes being at home to play and sleep. She has a big dog and she enjoys playing with him and his ball. He is really funny and makes her laugh like crazy. Her favorite center is the sensory tub because….”I just love the toys in there!” Grace really loves her new backpack that has My Little Ponies on it. Grace has a kind heart and everyone is her best friend. We love her very much.

Ms. Martindale’s Featured Student |Ian|

Three-Year Old Monday, Wednesday, Friday Class

“My name is Eva and I am 5. My birthday

was December 21. I live in Texas with my mom, dad, my sister, and Edason. My grandma is next door and we are kind of connected. When I am at school my dad works here. My mom is a worker and she teaches, like Mrs. Bradford. She is like a doctor, but she’s not. She is like a substitute and she teaches. I used to have a pet named Birdie and we also had 2 dogs. One was Daddy’s dog and his name was Duke. My favorite colors are purple and pink. I like to eat pepperoni and my mom makes it for me. My favorite restaurant is the place that has jello and it has an outside playground. At school, I like to play in the home center. At home, I like to make stuff, paint, and do some crafts. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher, like Mrs. Bradford. I want to teach a four-year-old class.”

Mrs. Bradford’s Featured Student | Eva |

PreK Tuesday, Thursday Class

Mrs. Raymond’s Featured Student | Brady |

PreK Monday, Wednesday, Friday Class

Brady is a sociable and friendly four and

a half year old. He has big blue eyes and an engaging smile. Brady lives in Austin with his mommy, daddy, brother Travis, sister Emma, and his dog Harley. When Brady is at school his daddy goes to work far away, but there are Starburst there. And when he’s at school, Brady’s mom is on the computer. He loves to drink tea and eat “pisghetti”. At school he likes recess best. When he’s home, Brady likes to jump in his pool. When he grows up Brady wants to be a police officer.

Mrs. Heaston ’s Featured Student | Santiago |

PreK Monday, Wednesday, Friday Class

Hello! This is Santiago or Santi to his friends. He

lives in Dripping Springs with his mom and dad. His dad works all day but likes to play with Santi, too. His mom works helping mamas have their babies. He has a dog named Mister. Some of his favorites are: the color red, sopa and hot sauce, soda (but dad doesn't like him to have too many), going to the sushi place and watching Curious George. At school is favorite thing is to play on the playground, and at home he likes to play outside with his new cars that he bought with his own money from working around the house. You'll find Santi at Founder's Park where he does his own business. But in the future you'll find him driving a train full of people, box cars and wagons for people.

Mrs. Creswell’s Featured Students | Aston, Tyler and Hart |

Kindergarten Class

Aston is 6 ½ years old. He is a very kind boy with a gentle

spirit who lives with his mom, dad, little sister and pet dog, Harrison. Aston’s favorite subject in kindergarten is Science. Specifically, the germ lesson. When Aston grows up, he wants to be a scientist to help make flying cars. We are so thankful to have sweet and thoughtful Aston in our class.

Tyler is 5 years old. He lives with

his mom, dad, Brady, Misty and Evan. Tyler’s favorite thing to do in kindergarten is the weekly Estimation Jar and the Creswell Crocodile Journal Project. When Tyler grows up, he wants to be an architect, who draws robots. We are very blessed to have creative and fun loving Tyler this year.

Hart is soft spoken with an all boy

personality. He lives with his mom, dad and little brother. This year, Hart’s favorite subject is Science, specifically when they grew polymer alligators. Hart likes to read and learn about dinosaurs and wants to be a paleontologist when he grows up. We feel very fortunate to have such a special boy in our class.

Dripping Springs United Methodist Church 28900 Ranch Road 12 P.O. Box 99 (mailing)

Dripping Springs, Texas 78620 512-894-7123 (Church)

512-858-7541 (Pathways School) 512-858-1954 (fax)

www.dsumc.org pathways@dsumc.org

Worship Opportunities: Sunday Morning 8:15 AM – Traditional

Sunday Morning 9:45 AM – Contemporary Sunday Morning 11:15 AM – Traditional

Sunday Evening 6:00 PM – Bilingual Wednesday 6:30 PM Student Worship

Sunday School for all ages

9:45 AM 11:15 AM

WOW Kids Praise and Bible Study

Wednesday 6:30 PM