Tot Spot and Tween Scene - Off to a Great Start!

by Marci Rubin

What an exciting New Year for Or Ami!  There are so many good things happening. Tween Scene & Tot Spot After School Program has officially started, and there are going to be lots of new, smiling, happy faces in this building.  

There is also going to be a new addition to the playground. Yes! Thanks to (#1 ‘mensch,’ architect, designer and organizer) Bill Koelewyn and very generous donations from Don Thompson of the Thompson Mahogany Company, Joe Schnepp of Master Halso Fencing and John Arnold of Quality Flooring, Or Ami now has it’s own GAGA Court!  GAGA is a form of dodge ball—Israeli style.  The kids love it and we now have it.  For more details on how to play this game, check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ga-ga. 

It is so exciting that the pieces of this puzzle are coming together and that we are laying the foundations of so much more to come. This is truly a labor of love and could never happen without the dedication and commitment of so many “Oramigos.”  I am extremely overwhelmed and appreciative of the support “Tween Scene & Tot Spot has received.  I have met some of the nicest, most admirable people since working here and am so proud to be part of the Or Ami community. L’shana Tova.

Introducing TOT SPOT and TWEEN SCENE @ Or Ami!  Finally, an exciting, new alternative to after school programming where your children--preschoolers through 5^th graders--can be in the same place at the same time!

Our vision is to run an after school program designed to exercise the minds and body’s of each child.  Through creative, diverse, educational, age appropriate and fun activities, each child will have an opportunity to grow, learn, be loved and stay safe in a nurturing and loving environment.  Our goal is to establish an atmosphere of trust and support while working together to create a feeling of family and community.

TOT SPOT is for preschoolers who attend Or Ami Nursery School.  From 3:00 to 6:00pm, an exciting hands-on program is in the works.  Children will have opportunities to try as many different kinds of activities as possible to enrich understanding, learning and growth.  Most importantly, each child will be loved and be safe under the direction and care of warm, loving and experienced staff.  
 

TWEEN SCENE is for children in the local elementary schools and is a great opportunity to break up a long school day.  Buses will bring children to Or Ami each day where a snack and physical play will be provided.  Our children willl have time for homework with a certified teacher from the Colonial School District as well as the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun, creative activities and projects.  

I would love the opportunity to meet and talk!  There is a strong need for a program of this kind @ Or Ami and, once we get this off the ground, there is so much potential for growth.  Help me make this happen!