FALL CLEAN-UP

A huge thank you to Emily Olson for organizing our fall clean-up campaign, and a huge thank you to the over 50 parents, children, and staff who showed up to help us. The morning was a great success. We filled almost 50 bags with leaves and walnuts, cleaned out the shed and attic, cleared our flowerbeds, cleaned and covered the sand box, and cleared and sorted our parking space for all the kids’ bikes and riding toys.

Your support that morning meant so much to all of us at CCC. One of the things I miss the most during these COVID times is the sense of community that is lost by not being able to let parents in the building. Your participation on Saturday reminded me of that feeling I love about CCC. Seeing all of you working together, the kids helping and running around, and the sounds of laughter and love, rekindled my spirit.

Thank you for being there, for making a difference, and for supporting this community. It meant so very much to me.

THANKSGIVING

We will be CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday: Wednesday, November 25th - Friday, November 27th and will reopen on Monday, November 30th.

OUR FEAST

On Tuesday, November 24th, we would normally host a Thanksgiving Feast for the children and staff at CCC. This year we are contemplating whether this is something we can do safely, or if it is yet another event we will have to postpone until next year. We will see how the next couple of weeks go in terms of the spread of the virus and discuss it with staff and parents, and make a decision the week before Thanksgiving.

HOLIDAY PARTY

Our annual holiday party for all of the families in our community is typically held on the Friday before Winter Break. Of course we cannot host an indoor event, but we are considering hosting an outdoor event. Weather permitting, we could host something possibly on the afternoon of December 12th, or maybe even on am evening event on December 11th. We will keep you posted as we move forward and try to creatively design a different way of celebrating together.

This is an event that has always been a CCC highlight, and one of the favorite evenings of the year. It brings together past and current families, and gives all of us a chance to celebrate the wonders of the season.

THE GIVING TREE

Every year the families and staff at CCC adopt several families that are currently part of our CCC community for Christmas, and provide them with gifts and support. We typically put up a tree in our lobby with mittens attached that have their Christmas gift wishes on them.

This year, we will have to set up a sign up online for the mittens. More information will be coming soon. This is always a special way that we as a community can help those less fortunate. Your support will make such a difference.

TUITION

CCC is currently operating on a very tight budget. Normally I did not need to request your tuition payment at the beginning of the month, but during these tough times, it would help if you could pay your tuition close to the beginning of the month. If this creates hardship for you, just let me know and I will work with you!

SNOW DAYS

In past years I have always relied on the Ann Arbor Public Schools’ decision regarding closing for inclement weather. This year I will have to base my decisions on the weather facts! I will try to make a decision the night before if possible. If I can’t decide the night before, then I will decide by 5:30am. You will be notified by email, and I will leave a message on the CCC phone.

SAY CHEESE!

Picture day is coming! We will have picture day on Wednesday, November 18th. It falls on a Wednesday so that the school age children can have their pictures taken, as well as the toddlers and preschoolers.

MOVING FORWARD

As we approach the holiday season, the election, and the long months of winter, I want you to know that you are all in my thoughts. Many of us have had to deal with isolation from friends and family, the loss of rites of passage, and celebrations that we hold dear. The days are quite often filled with stress and worry about what lies ahead.

Take time for yourself. Cherish your family, and create new ways to connect and celebrate. I wish all of you peace, joy, and love. Remember to treat each other with respect, kindness, and dignity. Together we move forward making a difference in the community we embrace.

Fondly,
Laurie Atwood