Big Green Room Skylines
Upcoming Parent Talks
Please join us for a series of parent talks with Rachel Hass on Fridays at 9:15 am.
Holding Ourselves and Our Children Through It All: A series of parent talks that will provide insight and strategies around the challenges we face and the joys we embrace as parents and caregivers.
January 24th - Navigating Big Feelings and Challenging Moments in Parenting Within the Developmental Context
February 28th - Holding Ourselves Through the Parenting Journey While Building Connection with Our Children
April 11th - Holding Space for More Than One: Navigating Sibling Life and Relationship
Rachel Hass has a Master’s in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Jewish Studies and Visual Arts from Oberlin College. As a Social Worker, LCSW, and Mental Health Specialist for Bank Street Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice, she facilitates workshops, support groups, and on-site consultation for teachers and staff in public schools, shelters, and childcare programs around the city. She is currently an adjunct faculty member at the Bank Street Graduate School and is in private practice, working with parents and children. At the core of her practice, Rachel values and honors children's and families' voices, histories, resourcefulness and strengths. She takes deep pride and joy in working with children and families who are navigating challenging moments in their lives, as she honors her role as a partner in development and support for parents and children alike.
Re-enrollment
Re-enrollment letters and agreements for next year will be emailed to our current families in early February. We look forward to another wonderful year together.
New Office Hours with Kate
We have added additional office hours with our psychological consultant Kate Wechsler. Kate has worked with Plymouth for over 25 years and has helped many families tackle the conundrums of parenting. Plymouth hosts monthly open office hours with Kate, which allow you to meet with her individually to discuss issues and concerns you might have and get support.
The upcoming dates are February 28th and March 21st. Half-hour appointments will be available between 9:30 am and noon. Please email Silvia at pcsadmin@plymouthchurch.org to book an appointment.
Time for Twos
For children who are not old enough to attend our drop-off program, we offer a wonderful program called Time for Twos. The description is below.
Time for Twos is Plymouth’s gentle introduction to school for our youngest children. Classes are led by an experienced early childhood educator and meet twice a week for an hour and 15 minutes each class. Children explore and play together in a warm, safe environment while learning how to be part of a school community. We support a gentle separation process that is tailored to each child’s unique development. Each class follows a preschool schedule and includes open ended play, art activities, circle time, stories, music, snack and gym time. Children are accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Adults must remain in the building for the duration of the class. Children who will be two by June 30, 2026 are eligible to enroll.
Please let Silvia (pcsadmin@plymouthchurch.org) know by February 15th if you want to register your child for Time for Twos for next year, as we give priority to siblings and church members before we open registration to new families. Information about our Time for Twos program is on our website.
MLK Service Day Collection
Help us provide "Kid’s bags" for children who visit CHIPS Soup Kitchen in Park Slope. See attached flyer for donation guidelines. We will be collecting donations at Plymouth all next week and your generosity can make a child’s day. The last day to bring in donations is January 17th.
Another way to help, is by coming to Plymouth on Monday, January 20th to help assemble the “Kid’s bags”. There are other service opportunities that day for all ages. Sign up on Realm.
Important Dates to Remember
January
20 - School Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
24 - Parent Talk with Rachel Hass - Navigating Big Feelings and Challenging Moments in Parenting Within the Developmental Context
29 - School Closed for Lunar New Year
Watercolor by the Cranberry Room
Thank You Plymouth Community!
The Book Fair was amazing. A special thank you to the Book Fair chairs, Blaire Prince and Cydnee Cornwell, for organizing both the fair and the two fantastic readings!
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped. Thank you all for purchasing books for family and friends and for donating books to the Brooklyn Book Bodega.
We also want to thank everyone for the wonderful Teacher Appreciation breakfast this morning. Our teachers feel loved and cared for. A special shout out to our PA chairs, Hana Sporer and Cullen Daly, for all you do to support our Plymouth community.
Plymouth’s Annual Toy Drive
Plymouth families have always been so generous in their support of Plymouth’s Toy Drive to support Colony Houses. If you would still like to contribute, please do so by Monday, December 16th. Learn more about the Toy Drive here and shop from our Amazon Wish List!!
Family Holiday Sing
Our Holiday Sing will take place next Thursday, December 19th at 9:00am in the Church Sanctuary (entrance on Orange Street).
All Plymouth families (both AM and PM classes) are invited.
BGR children will be dropped off in their classroom at 8:55 as per usual, because they will be playing music during the Sing. BGR grownups will join everyone in the Sanctuary.
After the Holiday Sing, we will all gather in the gym for a holiday cookie party! Dismissal for the Winter Holidays follows the party.
Required Influenza Vaccine
The NYC Department of Health (DOH) mandates that all children receive one dose of the influenza vaccine (flu shot) by December 31, 2024. We must have a record of your child’s vaccine by that time, or we will be out of compliance with the DOH and subject to fines. Due to this, children will not be permitted to attend school when we return from the Winter Holidays on January 6, 2025, without proof of their influenza immunization.
Please email a copy of your child’s proof of vaccination to pcsadmin@plymouthchurch.org.
Important Dates to Remember
December
19 – Holiday Sing
20 – Jan. 3- School Closed for Winter Holidays
The children in the BGR built a model of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Plymouth Book Fair
The second annual Plymouth Book Fair is next week! Stop by the arcade on Tuesday, December 10th through Thursday, December 12th to purchase books from our curated selection of children and adult offerings.
As part of the Book Fair, we are hosting two special author readings in the Reception Room and hope to see you there.
On Friday, December 13th at 12:30pm, local children’s author Cara Devins will read from The Brilliant Ms. Bangle.
This year, we have partnered with Brooklyn Book Bodega, whose mission is to increase the number of 100+ book homes for kids 0-18 in NYC. Brooklyn Book Bodega provides access to and ownership of books, builds community, and creates a passion for learning through free events and literacy-based community programming. Please consider donating a book on behalf of this Brooklyn Navy Yard non-profit.
Plymouth’s Annual Toy Drive
Plymouth families have always been so generous in their support of Plymouth’s Annual Toy Drive to support Colony Houses. The details are below.
We are grateful to return to the Plymouth tradition of giving joy with the Annual Toy Drive for Colony Houses South Brooklyn.
Colony has offered humanitarian services to the disadvantaged people of Brooklyn since 1904, runs over 25 daycare centers and is in great need. In the wake of Covid their work has become more necessary than ever, as has the need for joy.
You may either ship your toys directly to Plymouth Church Toy Drive (75 Hicks Street, Brooklyn NY 11201) or drop them off Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm at 75 Hicks Street, or Sundays 10:00am-noon in the bin at the Sanctuary entrance.
Our goal is 200 toys by Monday, December 16th.
Learn more about the Toy Drive here and shop from our Amazon Wish List!!
Family Holiday Sing
Our Holiday Sing will take place on Thursday, December 19th at 9:00am in the Church Sanctuary (entrance on Orange Street).
All Plymouth families (both AM and PM classes) are invited.
BGR children will be dropped off in their classroom at 8:55 as per usual, because they will be playing music during the Sing. BGR grownups will join everyone in the Sanctuary.
After the Holiday Sing, we will all gather in the gym for a holiday cookie party! Dismissal for the Winter Holidays follows the party.
Required Influenza Vaccine
The NYC Department of Health (DOH) mandates that all children receive one dose of the influenza vaccine (flu shot) by December 31, 2024. We must have a record of your child’s vaccine by that time, or we will be out of compliance with the DOH and subject to fines. Due to this, children will not be permitted to attend school when we return from the Winter Holidays on January 6, 2025, without proof of their influenza immunization.
Please email a copy of your child’s proof of vaccination to pcsadmin@plymouthchurch.org.
Important Dates to Remember
December
9-13 – Book Fair and Readings
19 – Holiday Sing
20 – Jan. 3- School Closed for Winter Holidays
We were so happy to see our grown-ups at Family Chapel this morning. Thank you to the Big Green Room for writing and illustrating our November Blessing.
Thank you for your generosity!
Thank you all for your very generous donations for the Thanksgiving Food Drive. You should know that you made Thanksgiving possible for so many families.
Thank you!
Book Fair
The second annual Plymouth Book Fair is fast approaching! Stop by the arcade on Tuesday, December 10th through Thursday, December 12th to purchase books from our curated selection of children and adult offerings. Online sales will be available starting Monday, December 2nd.
This year, we have partnered with Brooklyn Book Bodega, whose mission is to increase the number of 100+ book homes for kids 0-18 in NYC. Brooklyn Book Bodega provides access to and ownership of books, builds community, and creates a passion for learning through free events and literacy-based community programming. Please consider donating a book on behalf of this Brooklyn Navy Yard non-profit.
Family Holiday Sing
Our Holiday Sing will take place on Thursday, December 19th at 9:00am in the Church Sanctuary (entrance on Orange Street).
All Plymouth families (both AM and PM classes) are invited.
BGR children will be dropped off in their classroom at 8:55 as per usual, because they will be playing music during the Sing. BGR grownups will join everyone in the Sanctuary.
After the Holiday Sing, we will all gather in the gym for a holiday cookie party! Dismissal for the Winter Holidays follows the party.
Required Influenza Vaccine
The NYC Department of Health (DOH) mandates that all children receive one dose of the influenza vaccine (flu shot) by December 31, 2024. We must have a record of your child’s vaccine by that time, or we will be out of compliance with the DOH and subject to fines. Due to this, children will not be permitted to attend school when we return from the Winter Holidays on January 6, 2024, without proof of their influenza immunization.
Please email a copy of your child’s proof of vaccination to pcsadmin@plymouthchurch.org.
Community News
PS8 is hosting their first annual second-hand and vintage marketplace on Saturday, 10am-4pm, in the PS8 Multi-Purpose Room. They look forward to bringing everyone together, merging sustainability mindfulness with the chance to raise critical funds for the school.
All proceeds will go to support PS8!
Parents, we will have a spot set aside for kids to do art while you shop.
Don't forget to bring your own reusable bag!
This event is open to the public, so spread the word!
Important Dates to Remember
November
27-29 – School Closed for Thanksgiving
December
9-13 – Book Fair and Readings
19 – Holiday Sing
20 – Jan 3- School Closed for Winter Holidays