All Ages Read Together (AART) Participates Again in Annual Give Choose Day of Giving 

All Ages Read Together is excited to have participated again in The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Faulkier Counties’ annual online fundraising event, Give Choose. This year, AART has noticed a growing demand for our free preschool programs. We have heard from members of our community that underserved children in Loudoun County are not receiving the access to life-changing early childhood education they need to be successful in kindergarten and beyond. 

For this reason, AART has set our fundraising goal to $30,000 to help us expand our programs to meet demand and ensure we have the supplies necessary to ensure every day in an AART classroom is a great day for our students.

Access AART’s official Give Choose page.

 

 

AART Invites Community to Celebrate Reading with Annual Read Across AART Event

AART was elated to host its annual Read Across AART event celebrating the joy of reading with our students and our community. We welcomed so many amazing changemakers in our community to read with our students and inspire them to grow and learn. Our visitors enjoyed reading “Circles” and learning about how to expand our circle of friends within our community.

A huge thank you to all of the folks who took the time to inspire our students:

  • Krystal and Sanya, Sony
  • Miriam Timmons Turner, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
  • Marcia St. John-Cunning, Fairfax County School Board
  • IIryong Moon, Fairfax County School Board
  • Ryan McElveen, Fairfax County School Board
  • Karl Frisch, Fairfax County School Board
  • Gregory Roberts, AART Board Member
  • Peter Knapp, AART Board Member
  • Wallicia Gill, AART Board Member

We are already so excited for next year’s Read Across AART!

 

 

All Ages Read Together Celebrates Selection as a Giant Food Community Bag Program Beneficiary

Herndon, VA – All Ages Read Together has been selected as a beneficiary of the Giant Food Community Bag  Program for the month of January.

The Giant Food Community Bag Program, which launched in July 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal of making a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work.

All Ages Read Together (AART) was selected as the January beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Giant Food located at 2425 Centreville Road in Herndon, VA. AART will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during the month of January unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.

“We are so delighted to be partnering with Giant Food again for the benefit of our students and their families,” said Michelle Sullivan, Executive Director of AART. “Giant makes giving back easy for our Herndon-based supporters, and every donation we receive goes directly towards building and maintaining our programs.”

All Ages Read Together is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to educating children in need with free preschool programs in their communities.

For more information on the Giant Food Community Bag Program, visit https://www.giantfood.2givelocal.com .

 

 

AART Announces Once-in-a-Lifetime Vacation Packages with Partner AmFund

All Ages Read Together is excited to announce the 2023 once-in-a-lifetime vacations that will be auctioned off at the 11th Annual Halloween Hoedown, thanks to our partner AmFund – a nonprofit that curates vacation packages for other nonprofits to use in their fundraising auctions.

You MUST be present to bid and win! Purchase your tickets or sponsorships today! 


America’s Last Frontier – Alaska [One-Pager]

With its 10,000-year-old glaciers, whales, moose, eagles, and grizzly bears, the sights and sounds of Alaska will thrill you! The trip begins in Vancouver, Canada, on a luxury cruise to Anchorage, where the Alaska Explorer train will whisk you through lush green forests and rugged snow-capped mountains into the mighty wilderness of Denali National Park.


Canadian Rockies [One-Pager]

Enjoying the world’s grandest views in the heart of Canada’s wilderness. The two of you will see snow-capped mountains, meadows painted with wildflowers, glacial fields sparkling in the sun, and turquoise lakes reflecting the endless blue sky on your trip to Calgary, Banff, and Gorgeous Lake Louise in Canada’s Wild West.


Croatia- Beauty on the Adriatic [One-Pager]

Croatia is home to beautiful coastlines, stunning lakes and forests, a fascinating history, fantastic wine, and delicious sea-totable cuisine. Looking for the ultimate sailing getaway? A food and wine escape? An adventure in the great outdoors? Croatia has it all.


Curaçao [One-Pager]

Escape for two to the “C” in the ABC islands; Curaçao features historic settlements, rugged landscapes, and plenty of fun in the sun. Curaçao also boasts a UNESCO-listed historic downtown, a rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant nightlife.


Galapagos [Video]

Escape for two to take in the magnificent beauty of the Galapagos Islands, Equador’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As amazing as you think the GalĂĄpagos Islands will be, they routinely exceed expectations. It’s a place where lizards swim, birds walk, and humans — for once — don’t take center stage.


Greece and Greek Islands Odyssey [Video]

Get off the beaten path and escape to the magical islands of Greece! The soft sands & crystal blue oceans await you!

A collage of three photos showing various Greek scenes.


James Bond Secret Hideaways [Video] [One-Pager]

Like Bond himself, the two of you can enjoy your Martinis shaken, not stirred, on this romantic adventure in Switzerland, Italy, and France. It’s 009 days in Europe, living the life only Secret Agent James Bond could imagine!

Image showing houses near a body of water and a mountainous background.


Live and Let Thai [One-Pager]

Imagine being surrounded by a lush rainforest… in the tropical paradise of Thailand, complete with the world’s best beaches

Image of a city center in Thailand.


Scottish Highlands [One-Pager]

Escape for two to the Scottish Highlands, the Scotland of your imagination. With welcoming people, a unique culture, dramatic landscapes, romantic castles, and a fascinating history, this is the perfect backdrop for your next adventure!


Sedona Spa Getaway [One-Pager]

Get away from it all, unwind, and relax during your spa retreat in breathtaking Sedona, Arizona. Along with your day trip to the Grand Canyon, this oasis of personal pampering will refresh your mind, body, and spirit.

Image of a desert sky at night.


Wild Wonders – African Photo Safari [Video]

Your dreams will come true when you arrive at your luxurious lakefront safari camp nestled on the lush South African savannah beneath majestic mountains. Welcome to your real-life “Eden,” where Mother Nature’s exotic wildlife roam free, and every morning, you’ll awaken to amazing sights and sounds inviting you to get up and explore!

Image of zebras roaming on a dry grassland.


These vacations will ONLY be available at the Halloween Hoedown silent auction – you must be present to bid and win!  Purchase your tickets or sponsorships today! 

We look forward to seeing you there!

JOIN AART’S TEAM!

All Ages Read Together (AART), a nonprofit working to close the preschool opportunity gap in Northern Virginia, is hiring part-time Preschool Teachers and Assistants for our upcoming school year!
Picture shows a smiling woman with a smiling boy.
Ms. Beth, an AART assistant, working with a student.

AART is a nonprofit working to close the preschool opportunity gap in Northern Virginia by offering free preschool classes directly in communities that need our services the most. We have been operating since 2008 and utilize donated, in-kind spaces like churches, libraries, senior community rooms, and affordable living communities to deliver our quality preschool classes throughout Northern Virginia.

If you are looking for a purpose, believe early access to quality preschool can change a child’s life for the better, and enjoy working with 4-and-5-year-old children, we encourage you to apply!


Type: PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Location: WEXFORD MANOR
Days: WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Requirements: Education or experience in early childhood education, must complete a background check, and two professional references.

A photo of an AART class at circle time.
Ms. Jennie, an AART teacher, working with her students at circle time.

Type: PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT
Location: LINCOLNIA COMMUNITY CENTER
Days: TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
Time: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Requirements: Bilingual in English and Spanish, education or experience in early childhood education, must complete a background check, and two professional references.


Type: PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT
Location: BAILEY’S LOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Days: TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Requirements: Bilingual in English and Spanish, education or experience in early childhood education, must complete a background check, and two professional references.


Help AART in supporting the leaders of tomorrow with preschool today! You can apply at Indeed or fill out the form below.

You’re Invited to AART’s ~not too spooky~ Halloween Hoedown!

Photo collage of halloween hoedown participates used for a banner.

Day: Saturday, October 28th

Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Location: River farm in Leesburg

🎃 Purchase tickets or sponsorships –> http://bit.ly/aarthoedown2023
🎃 Sign up to volunteer –> https://bit.ly/aarthoedownvolunteer23
🎃 Preview Once-in-a-Lifetime Vacation Silent Auction —> https://bit.ly/aarthoedowntrips2023
Must be present to bid and win! 

New Date: 12th Annual Golf Tournament!

Join AART and help celebrate its 12th annual golf tournament this year! Your green fees are all-inclusive and include 18 holes of golf, a cart, a grab-and-go breakfast, a bbq awards luncheon, and an open bar (wine and beer). There are also PRIZES for 1st & 2nd Place NET (Team), 1st & 2nd Place GROSS (Team), Closest to the Pin (Individual), Longest Drive (Men), and Longest Drive (Women).

When: Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Gates Open: 8:00 a.m.
We encourage you to arrive as early as possible to have enough time to check in, have breakfast, and grab drinks for your golf cart. Opening remarks and putting contest should begin around 8:45 a.m.

Shotgun start: 9:00 a.m.

Where: Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club (41601 Raspberry Dr. Leesburg, VA)

Learn more and sign up!  https://bit.ly/aartteeoff2023

AART has a MATCH for Give Choose!

Early giving is ON for GiveChoose, and now you can DOUBLE your impact!
Thanks to our friends at Willowcroft Farm Vineyards and a longtime supporter, any dollar up to $4,000 will be MATCHED!
AART is looking to raise enough money to fund 3 summer classes in Loudoun County. These classes are truly the last opportunity for rising kindergarteners with little to no preschool experience to practice and build the skills they need to enter kindergarten.
No donation is too small, thanks to our match. Give now at:

AART invites YOU to Run the Greenway with US! 

We are excited to share information about our involvement in the upcoming family-friendly Run The Greenway race. We hope you will join us on Saturday, May 6, 2023, for the third annual race with the Dulles Greenway to help raise awareness and funds for All Ages Read Together.

Join AART’s Speed Reader’s Team! Learn more at: https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/101871

Runners and walkers can choose from various distances on the scenic roadway, with a 5K, 10K, and 800-meter Kids Fun Run. There’s also a virtual race for runners who can’t be there in person.

AART Raises Over $35k at Annual Halloween Hoedown Fundraiser!

After a two-year hiatus, All Ages Read Together (AART) hosted their 10th annual ~not too spooky~ Halloween Hoedown. Thanks to the event’s generous sponsors, in-kind donations, and guests, they raised over $35k – the most in the event’s history!

“We are incredibly thankful for our generous AART community of donors!” said Michelle Sullivan, AART’s Executive Director. “Given we are still emerging from the pandemic, we were not sure what to expect. However, I was reminded of one thing – never underestimate the desire from our community to support AART’s mission of providing free preschool in under-resourced communities in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties!”

Last year, The Community Foundation of Northern Virginia published a report that showed only 29 percent of children at that income level are in school, compared to 41 percent nationally. However, children in Northern Virginia who come from higher-income households are enrolled at a 67 percent rate, making this the largest preschool income disparity in the entire country.

“Simply put, Northern Virginia has one of the lowest preschool enrollments for children living at or near poverty,” shared Lara Major, Chair of AART’s Board of Directors. “Programs like AART are working hard to close the gap so more children in our region can enter kindergarten ready to learn on day one.”

100% of the proceeds raised will go to AART’s portable early education school-year programming in Alexandria, Centreville, Falls Church, Herndon, Hybla Valley, Leesburg, and Sterling!

Check out the 10th Annual Halloween Hoedown Event! Click the image below or visit https://vimeo.com/773496704

Screen shot of the video in Vimeo.

With special thanks to the following:

Autobahn Indoor Speedway
Bear Chase
Bia Kitchen
Bobbie Schaufeld
Books-A-Million – Leesburg
Broad Shadow Farms
Carol Jameson
Chantel’s Bakery
Cindy & Rich Schaufeld
Claude Moore Charitable Foundation
Debbie White
Diane Nowotny
Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park
Eddie Pockey Band
Erin Austin
Fabbioli Cellars
Fire Works Pizza – Leesburg
Grace Shihadeh
Howard Hughes Medical Institute – Janelia Research Campus
Jennifer Stecklow
Judi Garlick
Karen Schaufeld
Langhorne Custom Homes
Lara Major
Leslie Kendall
Legacy Farms
Loudoun Youth
Michelle Sullivan
Mom’s Apple Pie Company
Monique Duke
North Italia – Reston
Old Hickory Golf Club
Raspberry Falls – Golf & Hunt Club
Riverside Dental
Rogers & Company
Summer House Santa Monica – North Bethesda
Sandy Schihadeh
Susan McGuigan – Today’s Look
Schaufeld Family Foundation
Tamar Datan
Terraforma Church
Tuscarora Mill

 

AART Partners with AmFund to provide awesome vacation packages for silent auction!

All Ages Read Together is excited to announce a new partnership with AmFund – a nonprofit that curates vacation packages for other nonprofits to use in their fundraising auctions.

At the 10th Annual ~not too spooky~ Halloween Hoedown, we will feature the following vacation packages in our silent auction. Note: you must attend to bid and win, so buy your tickets or sponsorship today!

Collage banner with four photos of some of the vacation packages being auctioned.

Africa Photo Safari
From sipping fine wines to capturing photos of the heart-stopping “Big Five,” this 10-day trip to Cape Town and the wild animal preserves of South Africa will be one you’ll never forget!
[Video]

Alaskan Cruise
As America’s last frontier, exploring Alaska is an adventure you’ll treasure forever. 10,000-year-old glaciers, whales, and polar bears, the sights and sounds of Alaska will thrill you! Your adventure begins in Seattle where you’ll begin your cruise with an outside cabin, creating memories of an adventure as big as Alaska itself!
[Video] [One-Pager]

Castles of Ireland
Fields of clover, legends of leprechauns, quaint pubs where playing darts is “serious” business, and living like Kings and Queens… all this will be yours while you stay in grand Castles and elegant Manor Homes during your magical escape to emerald-green Ireland.
[Video] [One-Pager]

Fire and Ice – Iceland
Discover Wild Wonders in the Land of the Vikings! Glistening glaciers, therapeutic hot springs, thundering waterfalls, and amazing wildlife make Iceland “The Land of Fire and Ice.”
[Video] [One-Pager]

Greece and Greek Islands
Get off the beaten path and escape to the magical islands of Greece! The soft sands & crystal blue oceans await you!
[Video] [One-Pager]

collage of four images from some of the vacation locations that will be auctioned off.

Italy’s Romantic Amalfi Coast
The tiny coastal towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello will entrance you with their spectacular views! On the breathtaking Isle of Capri, you will spend a glorious time drinking in the beauty and glamour of the island surrounded by the sparkling crystal clear blue Mediterranean!
[Video] [One-Pager]

Royal Chateau & Champagne Adventure in France
The two of you will feel like you have stepped into a fairytale on your trip of a lifetime to historic Alsace-Lorraine, the unique Champagne region, and Paris, the city of lights!
[Video] [One-pager]

Sedona Spa Getaway
Get away from it all, unwind and relax during your spa retreat in breathtaking Sedona, Arizona. Along with your day trip to the Grand Canyon, this oasis of personal pampering will refresh your mind, body, and spirit.
[One-Pager]

Spain – Barcelona & Mallorca
The best of Spain – Barcelona is a cultural hub – rich in history, fashion, architecture, food, music, and dance. Then you are off to the island of Mallorca – known for its breathtaking landscapes, sun-drenched beaches, and exciting cultural experiences.
[One-Pager]

Collage banner with four photos of some of the vacation packages being auctioned.

The Ultimate Indulgence
This magical escape takes you to three of Europe’s most exciting destinations for glamour, romance, and gourmet treats. Revel in the beauty of France, savor cozy delights in Belgium, and thrill with the chic and historical sights of England… No wonder we call it “The Ultimate Indulgence!”
[One-Pager]

Tropical Costa Rica
Imagine taking a deep breath and savoring the sweet aroma of tropical flowers as balmy breezes soothe your soul. From the moment you arrive, Costa Rica will enchant you with its pristine beaches, exquisite vistas, lush rainforests, and amazing wonders of nature found nowhere else in the world!
[Video] [One-Pager]


These vacations will ONLY be available at the Halloween Hoedown silent auction – you must be present to bid and win! You can purchase your tickets at https://bit.ly/aarthoedown2022 

We look forward to seeing you there!

10th Annual – not too spooky – Halloween Hoedown Fundraiser!

All Ages Read Together is so excited to welcome back the Halloween Hoedown – our annual, family-friendly fundraiser – after a 2-year hiatus!

We are planning a good ol’ Halloween Hoedown complete with a live band, bbq buffet (vegetarian options available), a costume contest, and a silent auction! Kids of all ages can enjoy our Kiddie Korral, which includes arts & crafts, an inflatable, and games!

Not only are you supporting AART’s mission to provide free preschool classes to children in under-resourced communities, but you will also have a guaranteed night of fun!

To learn more about the event or purchase tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/aarthoedown2022

February Newsletter 2022

Dear Friend,

Happy Valentine’s Day to you, our valued AART family. We are so thankful for each of you who put the heart in AART!

The last few months have been a time for reflection as we look towards the next chapter of AART. We have been looking at ways we grow our program, continue reaching more families, and explore how to add more diversity and inclusion to our programming.

[continue reading the newsletter]

Giving thanks to you, our AART family of supporters!

We are so grateful to you – our AART family of supports – as our program would not exist without the support of donors like you!

There are so many of you to thank and we did our best to capture everyone. You are truly changing the lives of under-resourced families in our community!

100WomenStrong

Alice Cosner
Ashburn Youth Men’s Service League
Athleta store
Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events

Bags 4 My Cause – Giant Food Stores
Birch Tree Books (Leah Fallon)
Bobbi Schaufeld

Cascades Library
Casey Waesche
Chantel’s Cake’s and Pastries
Cheer Sports
Chris Forward
Chris Stulga
Christine Okpych

Cliff and Deborah White Family Foundation
Coates Elementary School
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties – Cabinet Fund
Cornerstones

Deb Hill
Dinah DeAtley
Dranesville United Methodist Church
Dulles Golf & Sports

Exzel Janitorial

Fairfax County Government – Consolidated Community Funding Pool
Fairfax County Public Schools

Fireworks American Pizza
Floris United Methodist Church

Foley Mechanical, Inc.
Four Seasons
Fred and Karen Schaufeld

Girl Scout Council of Nations Capital
Girl Scout Troop 1538
Girl Scout Troop 3866
Girl Scout Troop 51016
Global Gift Fund
Graphic Support Services

Haley Nguyen
Healthworks for Northern Virginia
Hearts of Empowerment
Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center

Herndon Senior Center
Herndon Women’s Club
Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Jacqueline Simpson
Jane Brady
Jane Taylor
Jodi Michele

Josie Hertz-Ackerman

Kaia Rodeheaver
Karen Schaufeld
Kathy Herbert
Konica Minolta
Kinworthy Family Foundation
KPMG Foundation – Impact Grant

Laura Major
Lauren Miles
Laurel Learning Center
Leesburg Apartments
Leesburg Elementary School
 Lewis Parker


Loudoun County Library System
Loudoun County Public Schools

Linda Sallee
Loudoun County – Cares Act
Loudoun County -American Rescue Plan Act
Loudoun County-FY 2022 Nonprofit Human Services Grant
Lowers Risk Group

Matrix Group
Major Family Foundation

Marquez Foundation
Marguerite Brunn
Michael Capretti

Michelle Sullivan
Million Masks Makers
Minute Man Press
MLB Communications Strategies
Mom’s Apple Pie Co

Nader Family Foundation
National Charity League – Port City
National Home Library Association
The Nelson J. and Katherine Friant Post Foundation

Odin, Feldman & Pittleman PC
HerndON Opportunity Neighborhood

Pactolus, LLC
Peter Knapp Realty Group, LLC
PGA Tour Superstore
Philip L. Graham Fund

Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club
REI Systems
Rotary Club of Leesburg

Safeway
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School
Shelley Gordon
SoloNY pizza

Sprouts


St. James Ice Hockey
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
Sterling Elementary School
Sterling Library
Sterling Park Baptist Church
Stroke Comeback Center
Sugarland Elementary School

Tamar Datan and Sandy Shihadeh
The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area, Inc.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, Inc.
The GoodCoin Foundation – Target
The Kim Schupack Farrow Family Charitable Fund

The Major Family Foundation
The Schaufeld Family Foundation

Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun
United Bank
United Christian Parish
United Community -Sacramento Center and Creekside Village Community Center

Wesley Housing Development
Wise Families Therapy Group
Women Giving Back
World Bank Community Connections Fund

YMSL – Young Men’s Service League

AART Celebrates Selection as a Giant Food Community Bag Program Beneficiary

All Ages Read Together (AART)has been selected as a beneficiary of the Giant Food Community Bag Program for the month of November 2021.

The Giant Food Community Bag Program, which launched in May 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work.

AART was selected as the November beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Giant Food located at 2425 Centreville Road, Herndon VA. AART will receive a $1 donation every time the

$2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during November 2021, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.

“We are beyond thrilled to be selected for this amazing program!” said Michelle Sullivan, Executive Director of AART.  “100% of the money raised will go to our free preschool program for under-resourced families right here in Herndon. We cannot thank the community enough for their generosity.”

You can support AART by purchasing a reusable Community Bag at Giant Food located at 2425 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA.

All Ages Read Together (AART) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 2009, AART is dedicated to educating children in need with free preschool programs in their communities. We envision a future where all children, especially our most vulnerable, enter school prepared to learn and succeed. We strive for a future in which public education includes universal access to preschool, making the need for AART obsolete. Learn more by visiting https://allagesreadtogether.org

For more information on the Giant Food Community Bag Program, visit https://giantfood.bags4mycause.com

Congratulations, Karen Schaufeld!

Since 1983, The Community Foundation of Northern Virginia has presented its Community Leadership Award annually for outstanding community service and dedication to improving the quality of life for all Northern Virginians.

This year’s recipient is none other than Karen Schaufeld, co-founder of All Ages Read Together.  

Karen has worked her entire life creating innovative solutions to address the inequality that exists for many in our community. She is an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and lawyer. 

We are so excited that she will be recognized at the 2021 Raise the Region Event on Friday, October 8th.

The event is virtual and free to attend! There will be a silent auction to support CFNOVA if you are interested in supporting the community work they do in our region.

 Learn more at https://www.cfnova.org/events/raise-the-region-gala

The picture above is Karen reading her new book, How to Eat a Peach, to an AART class in October 2019.  
The picture above is Karen reading her new book, How to Eat a Peach, to an AART class in October 2019.

Hiring a part-time preschool assistant teacher!

All Ages Read Together seeks a part-time Assistant Teacher for a kindergarten readiness class beginning mid-September in Reston, VA.

Classes will be held Monday & Wednesday morning.

     1 . Must have early childhood education/experience.
     2. Reference and background check are required.
     3. Bilingual English/Spanish is required.

If interested, please email cover letter and resume to [email protected] 

A Day in the Life: AART Summer Class

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside an AART classroom? I had the pleasure of following along with an AART summer class in Leesburg, where I joined students during a fun-filled day of learning and play. I talked with our dedicated teachers and volunteers about what they do during a typical day of teaching, how their lessons and activities benefit students, and why they teach with AART. It’s in the middle of a busy classroom where the magic of learning creates lasting bonds between teachers and students, and it was amazing to see those relationships being made through fun and easy classroom activities.

The day began with students lining up outside upon arriving at our Leesburg classroom location. They waved goodbye to mom and dad, ready for another day of learning with their friends. Our students then put away their backpacks once they entered the classroom and joined each other on the carpet for Circle time to go over the classroom rules and welcome a couple of new friends to their class. 

They sang a song together to introduce each other and the teachers to the rest of the class and reviewed what they were going to do during class today. Circle time continued with a story- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Our teachers gave each student their own copy of the book, and the class settled in to read the story together, following along with the teacher as they turned the page. The book was read in both English and Spanish so that all of our students could enjoy the story in the language they were most familiar with. Color recognition skills were practiced while reading, as well, since the book focuses heavily on identifying different brightly-colored animals as the story progresses.

To close “Circle” time, each student placed their new books in their backpacks, to take home and read on their own.

Next on the agenda were Centers, where students were divided up between multiple different activities and rotated through each one in turn. Today’s centers helped build shape recognition skills, encouraged creative play, and had students practice writing their names. 

The first Centers activity involved drawing a self-portrait and signing your name on it upon completion. Students were given drawing tools and were encouraged to let their artistic skills and imagination shine. 

The second Centers activity instructed students to mold Play-Doh into different shapes. Students were encouraged to use tools to help them craft their shapes and to identify their shapes upon completion of the activity. 

 

 

In the final Centers activity, students were provided worksheets that prompted them to practice drawing certain shapes. Given markers, crayons, and other drawing tools, the students diligently worked at perfecting their triangles, squares, semi-circles, and stars!

After the students finished their Centers activities, the class took a break to have a quick snack. Students lined up to wash their hands and grab their water bottles, then went to find a seat beside their friends. Our students sipped their water, munched on their pretzels, and chatted about the day’s activities during a much-needed moment of rest.

With the end of class insight, our students and teachers regrouped for Closing Circle. The teachers shared our students’ self-portraits that they had drawn earlier, stopping to discuss what each student included in their drawing. We were so impressed with their creativity, and everyone enjoyed getting to share their work with the class!

Lastly, it was time to wrap up another great day of preschool with stickers for a hard day’s work. After receiving their sticker, each student retrieved their backpacks and lined up to leave the classroom. With tired eyes and smiling faces, each student left the classroom to meet an eagerly waiting parent outside. 

Why AART

Our teachers for our AART summer class in Leesburg, Ms. Shelley and Ms. Giselle, are long-time teachers in the Northern Virginia area. Ms. Shelley has been a preschool teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools for many years, and Ms. Giselle has been a substitute teacher for both primary and secondary level classrooms in Loudoun County Public Schools for around 20 years. They love to teach and are dedicated to the well-being of their students. Teaching at AART has been a great experience for both Ms. Shelley and Ms. Giselle, who are teaching for the first time in our program this summer. They love seeing their students succeed in the classroom and enjoy the fulfillment that comes with a career in education!

Learning with the students in an AART summer class reaffirms the importance of easily accessible preschool programs. Experiencing the joy of learning in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate environment- with dedicated teachers and diligent volunteers- is a great reminder of the lasting impact of quality early childhood education. AART students will take the lessons, relationships, and memories earned in their preschool class with them throughout their careers as students and into life beyond the classroom. AART thanks its teachers, volunteers, donors, and sponsors for making our summer programs possible!

Interested in learning about our program? Read more here.

The Results are In

Thank you so much for voting for us in the Target Circle Program. We received $5,965.29 to help us further our mission of providing free preschool education to at-risk children in our community, with the help of your generous votes. This donation came from a larger pool of funds donated from Target to nonprofits tied to the local community. View all the results at target.com/circle.

Continue checking our website and social media to learn more about our work.

Again, to everyone who participated, spread the word, and shared the love, thank you!