So many great things have been happening at the Center and I’m looking forward to many, many more! In July, the security system was installed. Cameras are now in every classroom as well as in the back and the front of the building. I am working on additional funding to add two more cameras to the play areas outside. Many thanks to the J.B. Chambers Foundation and the Hoffmann Foundation for their support in making this happen.
In August, the Pre-K classroom was painted and given a mini-makeover. It looks amazing and the kids were excited to see their new room. Thanks to a donation from the Dorothy Greig Johnson Circle, Toddler II has a new kitchen set for the children and Toddler I received a couple animal chairs.
Thanks to WesBanco and a grant from the Parlin Trust, we received our Frog Street curriculum. Each classroom received a set of materials that is geared towards the age range of that room. This material will be used in addition to what we are currently doing. Frog Street will be offering a training session in November to help our teachers get familiar with all of the information they now have.
Wheeling’s 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Race was amazing! The day began with temperatures in the high 50’s and ended with sun and temps in the 70’s. Couldn’t have ask for a better day! We had 26 teams compete this year. Oglebay Institute dancers welcomed our teams and spectators with a wonderful Spirit of the Dragon dance. They worked very hard (in a short time frame) to pick music and create a dance for us. Thank you to all the girls and Oglebay Institute for being part of opening ceremonies. The event raised about $27,000 for the Center. This money is used towards the overall operations of the Center.
The Center’s Tier II application was renewed again this year. Thank you to Jasmine, Erin and Lisa who worked together to fill a 3″ binder with all the information necessary to keep our Tier II level in good standing. Part of maintaining our Tier II license is to provide additional continuing education classes. Some upcoming seminars and conferences are:
- Great Beginnings Conference: Infant & Toddler (Donrita and Jasmine)
- WV Infant & Toddler training: Julia
- WVAYC Director’s Retreat: Jamie and Jasmine
- WV Infant & Toddler II training: Megan
On August 6, 2017, the Center lost a wonderful woman who deeply cared about the mission and the children at King’s Daughters. Stephanie Bloch was known to many people as caring, loving, giving and selfless. Although I only knew Stephanie in my short three years here, she left a lasting imprint on me and the work I am to do here. Stephanie will always be remembered at the Center. The Toddler I classroom will be remodeled and dedicated to her in 2018.
~ Jamie
