The Learning Tree News   The new school year is off to a tremendous start here at the Learning Tree!  Our first day of school was August 23rd and we had 3 new classes of children join us as well as many, many returning students.  Our classrooms are full of smiling children, enthusiastic teachers, and messy little hands that are busy with play dough, finger paint, and all kinds of goodies.  Just the way we like it!  Research continues to show that the very best way for young children to learn their academic subjects is while they are elbow deep in hands-on experiences! Do you have enthusiasm to share too?  Do you enjoy the cuddles of a child in your lap to read a story?  Does rolling play dough and hissing like a snake make you laugh?   Would the challenge of seeing how high the block tower can reach before someone has the urge to topple it over bring a twinkle to your eye?  We would love to welcome volunteer "bubbies and zaides" to our classrooms.  For the past 2 years, Florence Nalven has selflessly given her time one morning per week in one of our toddler classrooms.  Her extra set of hands and big helping of love has been so well appreciated by our teachers and adored by the children.  If you feel you could make a similar commitment, please feel welcome to contact me anytime! Our Fall sessions of Music Together (a weekly music class for children 0-5 years to attend with a parent or guardian) and Playtime Pals (a weekly class for children 12-36 months old to attend with a parent or guardian that introduces the preschool classroom environment with stories, songs, and art experiences) will begin this month as well.  Please contact the preschool office to request a flyer! And last but not least, a HUGE thank you to the employees, board, and congregation here at TBE.  I have received such warm wishes, thoughtful support, and kind gifts in welcoming my son, Ahmet, to my family this past summer.  He and I were back to greet the new school year when he was only 5 weeks old!  I am blessed to know he will grow up with such fond memories of his experiences here at The Learning Tree and Temple Beth El.  Thank you all! Jesyca Russell Virnig Preschool Director (239) 433-5499 Thank you! Jesyca Virnig, M.A.Ed. Director (239) 433-5499 Please check it all out at our new website www.learningtreefortmyers.com.