Winter Class Parties December 19th and December 20th:  Each classroom needs one volunteer to help with their Winter Party.  Volunteers must pass a background check.  If you volunteered for Fall Party, please wait to sign up for Winter in case someone else would like a chance to volunteer or sign up to be the alternate. 

Sign up online:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4FADA629ABFE3-53370586-winter#/  There are other opportunities to help in the classroom besides party days!  Please speak to your child’s teacher if you would like to help sometime. 

To submit your background check ($20.35 in most cases), please visit AGSPI.volunteerportal.net and enter password: AGSPVolunteer! (notice capitalization and punctuation required). Please be prepared to upload a picture of the back of your driver’s license or state ID, as well as other identifying information. This information will be collected solely by Intellicorp, and I will only receive the final results.  It usually takes only 2-3 business days for results, but could take up to 10 days or longer, so please plan accordingly. In most cases, the background checks will be valid for 5 years.

Winter Class Parties December 19th and December 20th:  Each classroom needs one volunteer to help with their Winter Party.  Volunteers must pass a background check.  If you volunteered for Fall Party, please wait to sign up for Winter in case someone else would like a chance to volunteer or sign up to be the alternate. 

Sign up online:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4FADA629ABFE3-53370586-winter#/  There are other opportunities to help in the classroom besides party days!  Please speak to your child’s teacher if you would like to help sometime. 

To submit your background check ($20.35 in most cases), please visit AGSPI.volunteerportal.net and enter password: AGSPVolunteer! (notice capitalization and punctuation required). Please be prepared to upload a picture of the back of your driver’s license or state ID, as well as other identifying information. This information will be collected solely by Intellicorp, and I will only receive the final results.  It usually takes only 2-3 business days for results, but could take up to 10 days or longer, so please plan accordingly. In most cases, the background checks will be valid for 5 years.

Friday, December 13, 2024, 11am-8pm! Show our flyer when you eat at City Barbeque Centerville on Friday, December 13th and AGSP will earn $$ for our school!  Dine in, carry out, or order online using promo code GIVE.  Thank you!

Download Fundraiser Flyer Here

A Great Start Preschool’s
5th Annual
Art Show Event
Thursday, December 12th, 9am-7pm & Friday, December 13th, 9am-2pm

•Each child will have at least one individual project as well as a group or second individual project on display.

•The entire family is welcome to come during posted hours to browse student artwork, purchase $1 raffle tickets, and bid on Silent Auction baskets

•Now accepting tax-deductible donations to be used as prizes for our Raffle and Silent Auction Fundraiser to take place during the event. Please consider supporting this event by donating gift cards, new toys, gifts for men, women, children, and pets.  Do you have things stashed in your closet that you just won’t use?  Did you child get two of the same item for their birthday?  Do you know someone who owns or manages a business and would like free advertisement in exchange for their donation?  Monetary donations to purchase prizes is also appreciated!  Nothing is too small….or too big!

•Are you interested in becoming an event sponsor?  Please contact Christina @ christina@agreatstartpreschool.com

•Volunteers needed for the planning and organization of the event as well as set up, working the event, and clean up. Volunteers needed for the planning and organization of the event as well as set up, working the event, and clean up. Volunteers needed December 2-December 13th for our upcoming Art Show Event!  Preschool hours and evening shifts available.  Sign up online:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4FADA629ABFE3-53370457-dec2024#/ (Background check not required to volunteer for this event)

Download Flyer Here

Download Donation Request Letter Here

A Great Start Preschool’s
5th Annual
Art Show Event
Thursday, December 12th, 9am-7pm & Friday, December 13th, 9am-2pm

•Each child will have at least one individual project as well as a group or second individual project on display.

•The entire family is welcome to come during posted hours to browse student artwork, purchase $1 raffle tickets, and bid on Silent Auction baskets

•Now accepting tax-deductible donations to be used as prizes for our Raffle and Silent Auction Fundraiser to take place during the event. Please consider supporting this event by donating gift cards, new toys, gifts for men, women, children, and pets.  Do you have things stashed in your closet that you just won’t use?  Did you child get two of the same item for their birthday?  Do you know someone who owns or manages a business and would like free advertisement in exchange for their donation?  Monetary donations to purchase prizes is also appreciated!  Nothing is too small….or too big!

•Are you interested in becoming an event sponsor?  Please contact Christina @ christina@agreatstartpreschool.com

•Volunteers needed for the planning and organization of the event as well as set up, working the event, and clean up. Volunteers needed December 2-December 13th for our upcoming Art Show Event!  Preschool hours and evening shifts available.  Sign up online:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4FADA629ABFE3-53370457-dec2024#/ (Background check not required to volunteer for this event)

Download Flyer Here

Download Donation Request Letter Here

Download Flyer Here (RSVP Not Required)

Southminster’s Breakfast with Santa Event Saturday, December 7, 2024 9am-11am

*Families who have not yet made 4 tuition payments will have a regular tuition payment due December 1st. If you began making payments August 1st and have already made 4 payments, you will not have a payment due in December.

A Great Start Preschool will be CLOSED on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. There are no classes are extra-curricular activities when AGSP is closed.

*Southminster Church is a voting poll location. Due to the amount of extra people and traffic expected, AGSP will be closed on Presidential Election Days.

Kindergarten Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024. The Kindergarten Class will not be in session on this day, but kindergartners may attend the conference with their family. Watch for sign ups to be posted closer to the event.

All other classes and extra-curricular classes will meet as scheduled.

Tuition Payment #4 of 9 due.

A Great Start Preschool accepts these methods of payment:

Cash, Check, Money Order

Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express

via our website Tuition Payments — A Great Start Preschool

Paypal using payee aGreatStart@aol.com

Or Venmo @agreatstartpreschool

Thank you for your prompt payment!

Download Flyer Here

On Wednesday, October 30 and Thursday, October 31, we will be having our Fall Harvest Parties! (The Friday only Little Learners will have a small party in their classroom on Friday, October 25)

Kids can come to school dressed in costume, and our staff will be dressed up as well. When helping your child choose the costume to wear to school, please consider costumes that are easy to dress/undress for potty/diaper changes. Please

remember that some may be afraid of “scary” costumes, so please- no weapons, blood, gore, youtube horror flick characters, or other scary costumes. Please keep loose costume accessories, including candy buckets at home. We cannot be responsible for lost, broken, or soiled costumes.

We have a lot of fun activities planned for the kiddos! Each teacher will plan a game and craft and decorate their room for the festivities. Each class will visit either the Music Room or the Gym for some special fun games and activities. They will enjoy a special party day snack time provided by the preschool, and finish their day with a Trick or Treat Parade!

We need your help! In addition to one classroom volunteer per class (to stay the entire class time), we are looking for UNLIMITED parade volunteers to provide and pass out parade treats to our students!  At 10:30 for morning classes and 2:00 for afternoon classes, we will begin our Trick or Treat Parade! Parade Volunteers will be stationed in the hallway near the gym, in the gym, and on the sidewalk between doors 5 and 6 (this is a great place for a TRUNK DISPLAY!).  Anyone is welcome to be a parade volunteer, including extended family and siblings.  We are asking for parade volunteers to provide enough nut-free treats to pass out to all the students in their session (pre- packaged candy or trinkets such as bracelets, rings, pencils, or other party favors, etc). Reminder- any food must be individually packaged and not contain nuts (made in a factory/machinery with nuts okay, but may not include any nuts as an ingredient- no peanut butter, peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc).  All parade goodies will be sent home, so that families can decide if/how/when to distribute to their children.

If you would like to sign up to Volunteer, please sign up via sign up genius by October 23rd so we can plan accordingly (and send further instructions). https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4FADA629ABFE3-51841958-fall

Friday, October 25th AM and PM (Friday Only Little Learners)- Plan for 6 students per session –

Wednesday, October 30th AM and PM- Plan for 60 students per session (Ms. Erika’s MW Little Learners, Ms. Tracey’s MWF Classes, Ms. Katie’s Class, Ms. Sharon’s Kindergarten Class, Ms. Ginny’s MWF AM & M-F PM Class,

Ms. Hannah’s MWF Classes, Ms. PJ’s MWF Classes)

Thursday, October 31st AM and PM- plan for 60 students per session (Ms. Erika’s Tues/Thurs Classes, Ms. Tracey’s TR Classes, Ms. Erica’s TR Classes, Ms. Ginny’s TR AM Class, Ms. Chris’s TR AM Class, Ms. Hannah’s TR PM Class, Ms. Mandy’s AM and ALL Ms. Mandy’s PM Classes)

Please note: Kindergarten Class Times are altered on Party Days. On Wednesday, Kindergarten PM Class will be 12:15-2:45.

Extra- Curricular Classes, Early Care, and After Care will still be held both days as scheduled.

To sign up to be the classroom volunteer, or to volunteer for our Trick or Treat Parade, please visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4FADA629ABFE3-51841958-fall

Note: Classroom Volunteers must pass a background check prior to volunteering!  (Parade Volunteers are not required to submit a background check) To submit your background check ($20.35 in most cases), please visit AGSPI.volunteerportal.net and enter password: AGSPVolunteer! (notice capitalization and punctuation required). Please be prepared to upload a picture of your driver’s license or state ID, as well as other identifying information such as full name, address, and social security number. This information will be collected solely by Intellicorp, and I will only receive the final results letting me know if the individual is approved to volunteer at AGSP or not. It will usually take 2-3 business days for results, but could take up to 10 days, so please plan accordingly if you wish to volunteer for a certain date/event. In most cases, the background checks will be valid for 5 years. 

If you would like to volunteer or pass out treats, but it would create a financial hardship for your family, please speak to me privately.

Download Flyer Here

On Wednesday, October 30 and Thursday, October 31, we will be having our Fall Harvest Parties! (The Friday only Little Learners will have a small party in their classroom on Friday, October 25)

Kids can come to school dressed in costume, and our staff will be dressed up as well. When helping your child choose the costume to wear to school, please consider costumes that are easy to dress/undress for potty/diaper changes. Please

remember that some may be afraid of “scary” costumes, so please- no weapons, blood, gore, youtube horror flick characters, or other scary costumes. Please keep loose costume accessories, including candy buckets at home. We cannot be responsible for lost, broken, or soiled costumes.

We have a lot of fun activities planned for the kiddos! Each teacher will plan a game and craft and decorate their room for the festivities. Each class will visit either the Music Room or the Gym for some special fun games and activities. They will enjoy a special party day snack time provided by the preschool, and finish their day with a Trick or Treat Parade!

We need your help! In addition to one classroom volunteer per class (to stay the entire class time), we are looking for UNLIMITED parade volunteers to provide and pass out parade treats to our students!  At 10:30 for morning classes and 2:00 for afternoon classes, we will begin our Trick or Treat Parade! Parade Volunteers will be stationed in the hallway near the gym, in the gym, and on the sidewalk between doors 5 and 6 (this is a great place for a TRUNK DISPLAY!).  Anyone is welcome to be a parade volunteer, including extended family and siblings.  We are asking for parade volunteers to provide enough nut-free treats to pass out to all the students in their session (pre- packaged candy or trinkets such as bracelets, rings, pencils, or other party favors, etc). Reminder- any food must be individually packaged and not contain nuts (made in a factory/machinery with nuts okay, but may not include any nuts as an ingredient- no peanut butter, peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc).  All parade goodies will be sent home, so that families can decide if/how/when to distribute to their children.

If you would like to sign up to Volunteer, please sign up via sign up genius by October 23rd so we can plan accordingly (and send further instructions). https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4FADA629ABFE3-51841958-fall

Friday, October 25th AM and PM (Friday Only Little Learners)- Plan for 6 students per session –

Wednesday, October 30th AM and PM- Plan for 60 students per session (Ms. Erika’s MW Little Learners, Ms. Tracey’s MWF Classes, Ms. Katie’s Class, Ms. Sharon’s Kindergarten Class, Ms. Ginny’s MWF AM & M-F PM Class,

Ms. Hannah’s MWF Classes, Ms. PJ’s MWF Classes)

Thursday, October 31st AM and PM- plan for 60 students per session (Ms. Erika’s Tues/Thurs Classes, Ms. Tracey’s TR Classes, Ms. Erica’s TR Classes, Ms. Ginny’s TR AM Class, Ms. Chris’s TR AM Class, Ms. Hannah’s TR PM Class, Ms. Mandy’s AM and ALL Ms. Mandy’s PM Classes)

Please note: Kindergarten Class Times are altered on Party Days. On Wednesday, Kindergarten PM Class will be 12:15-2:45.

Extra- Curricular Classes, Early Care, and After Care will still be held both days as scheduled.

To sign up to be the classroom volunteer, or to volunteer for our Trick or Treat Parade, please visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4FADA629ABFE3-51841958-fall

Note: Classroom Volunteers must pass a background check prior to volunteering!  (Parade Volunteers are not required to submit a background check) To submit your background check ($20.35 in most cases), please visit AGSPI.volunteerportal.net and enter password: AGSPVolunteer! (notice capitalization and punctuation required). Please be prepared to upload a picture of your driver’s license or state ID, as well as other identifying information such as full name, address, and social security number. This information will be collected solely by Intellicorp, and I will only receive the final results letting me know if the individual is approved to volunteer at AGSP or not. It will usually take 2-3 business days for results, but could take up to 10 days, so please plan accordingly if you wish to volunteer for a certain date/event. In most cases, the background checks will be valid for 5 years. 

If you would like to volunteer or pass out treats, but it would create a financial hardship for your family, please speak to me privately.

Parent Group Meetings are our version of a PTO. We meet monthly or bi-monthly to help the school “behind the scenes”. Planning and preparing for our big events such as Art Show and Preschool Prom, Discussing possible changes to programs, policies, and procedures, And creating a fellowship amongst families that often grow into long lasting friendships and support systems are just some of the things we do. Come to one or come to them all, as you are available. Sign up to attend in the preschool hallway near door 10.

Dear Families,

This year, our class is reading with Scholastic Book Clubs!

You’ll have access to expertly curated, affordable books that help boost your child’s reading skills, build your home library, and maybe even create moments of quality time you can share together.

Plus place an order of $25 or more and you can pick a FREE $5 book (use code READS at checkout).

Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/GVJLC https://orders.scholastic.com/GVJLC

*Make sure to enter class code GVJLC, not the teacher’s name, to place your order!

Shop Flyers: https://clubs.scholastic.com/all-flyers

Invite relatives and friends to help your child discover the joy of reading when you share our class page link. Every order benefits our classroom, helping us earn FREE books and resources that every child can enjoy. Thanks so much for your support!

Scholastic Letter to Families

A Great Start Preschool will be CLOSED on Monday, October 14, 2024. There are no classes are extra-curricular activities when AGSP is closed.

https://www.facebook.com/events/494670993030315

Get Ready for Southminster’s 3rd Annual Pumpkin Festival!

Fall is just around the corner, and that means it's time for one of the most anticipated events of the year: the 3rd Annual Pumpkin Festival at Southminster Presbyterian! Mark your calendars and gather your family and friends for a day of festive fun that promises something for everyone.

Event Highlights
Live DJ:

They will have a live DJ spinning tunes throughout the day, keeping the energy high and the atmosphere lively. Whether you're dancing or just tapping your feet, the music will add an extra layer of fun to the festivities.

Delicious Eats:
Come hungry! Scouts will be grilling up mouth-watering hotdogs, and don't forget to check out our Deacon's famous Bake Sale for a sweet treat (or two). It's the perfect combination of savory and sweet to fuel your day of fun.

Unique Finds:
Looking to add some handmade charm to your fall wardrobe? Our hand-knitted pumpkin hats are as cozy as they are cute- a perfect addition to your autumn attire.

Exciting Activities:
There's plenty to keep everyone entertained with classic games like the Cake Walk, Corn Hole, and Pumpkin Painting. No matter your age, there's something here for you to enjoy!

Kids' Zone:
The little ones will have a blast in our dedicated Kids' Zone, complete with face painting, crafts, a bounce house, and games designed just for them. It's a safe and fun space where kids can let their creativity and energy run wild.

Guess the Pumpkin’s Weight:
Think you can guess the weight of our giant pumpkin? Take a shot and you might just win a special prize! It's a fun challenge that adds a bit of mystery and excitement to the day.

Don’t Miss Out!
Our Pumpkin Festival is more than just an event—it's a celebration of community, family, and the joys of fall. So, bring your loved ones and join us for a day filled with music, laughter, and all things pumpkin!

Date: October 12, 2024
Time: 10 am - 3 pm.
Location: Southminster Presbyterian Church

For more information or to volunteer, please contact the church office.

Come for the pumpkins, stay for the memories!

*Download RSVP Form Here

A Great Start Preschool Family Outing

to Windmill Farm Market

1454 E. St. Rt 73 (corner of St. Route 48 and 73) Springboro 45066

 Wednesday, October 9, 2024 @ 5:15pm

 *Please arrive on time for check-in. Wagons will depart at 5:30!  Late arrivals may not be accommodated, so please arrive on time and check in with Christina for your hayride tickets near the front wooden play area!  Have you ever been to Windmill Farms? This is an adventure you won’t forget! A 30 minute (approx.) hayride will take you up and down big hills, through thick mud and deep puddles, and the kids will get a pumpkin!  There are animals, a playground area, and don’t forget to browse the country store!

Cost:  $10.00 per child-ages 2 and up (Includes hayride and small pumpkin)

& $10.00 per adult (hayride only)

(Siblings and friends invited too!)

Rain or shine!!  Permission form and fees are due by October 2nd

(Sorry, no refunds after October 2)

RSVP Form and fees due by October 2, 2024

A Great Start Preschool Family Outing to Windmill Farm Market

1454 E. St. Rt 73 (corner of St. Route 48 and 73) Springboro 45066

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 @ 5:15pm

*Please arrive on time for check-in. Wagons will depart at 5:30! Late arrivals may not be accommodated, so please arrive on time and check in with Christina for your hayride tickets near the front wooden play area!

Have you ever been to Windmill Farms? This is an adventure you won’t forget! A 30 minute (approx.) hayride will take you up and down big hills, through thick mud and deep puddles, and the kids will get a pumpkin! There are animals, a playground area, and don’t forget to browse the country store!

Cost: $10.00 per child-ages 2 and up (Includes hayride and small pumpkin) & $10.00 per adult (hayride only) (Siblings and friends invited too!) Rain or shine!! Permission form and fees are due by October 2nd (Sorry, no refunds after October 2)

A Great Start Spirit Wear Order Due Date Extended to OCTOBER 2, 2024!

T-Shirts, Long Sleeve Shirts, Crew Neck Sweatshirts & Hooded Sweatshirts! 

Youth and Adult Sizes!  

Short Sleeved TShirts From $15 

Long Sleeved TShirts From $18 

Crew Neck SweatShirts From $18

 Hooded SweatShirts From $20

Order Online: Agreatstartpreschool2024.spiritsale.com 

Order Due Date Extended to OCTOBER 2, 2024!

Tuition Payment #3 of 9 due.

A Great Start Preschool accepts these methods of payment:

Cash, Check, Money Order

Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express

via our website Tuition Payments — A Great Start Preschool

Paypal using payee aGreatStart@aol.com

Or Venmo @agreatstartpreschool

Thank you for your prompt payment!

A Great Start Preschool is going to a Dayton Dragons Game!

A Great Start Preschool Field Trip Date: Tuesday, July 9th Arrival Time: 10:30am

(The Field Trip is optional. Please make sure to indicate on your online ticket order if you plan to attend the field trip as field trip spots are limited!) The “Field Trip” includes a tour of the stadium, running of the bases (as weather permits) and you can bring a sack lunch to eat on the concourse after!

A Great Start Preschool Dragons Game Dayton Dragons vs. Lansing Lugnuts Tuesday, July 9th @ 7:05pm

Tickets are only $12.00! Seating will be located in our Private LAWN A area.

For additional comfort, blankets/towels are encouraged. Lawn Chairs are not permitted in the ballpark.

HOW TO ORDER: Purchase Online: https://fevo-enterprise.com/Greatstart

*This event is open to 23-24 School Year Families and Friends, and 24-25 School Year Families and Friends!

Download Flyer

Staff In-Service Day Friday, May 24, 2024. There are no classes on this day. Have a great summer!

Support A Great Start Preschool by dining at Huey Magoo’s on Thursday, May 23 from 4-7pm. Just mention you are there to support our school (or show this flyer) and Huey Magoo’s will donate 15% of your order to our school!

Huey Magoo’s 6230 Far Hills Ave Centerville, Ohio 45459

View Full Menu at: www.hueymagoos.com

End of Year Celebration Event for all students on Thursday, May 23 from 11am-1pm. More details to come.

Update: Come to Forest Field Park on Thursday, May 23 to say goodbye to staff and friends from 11am-1pm. Download RSVP form here.

Looking for an excuse not to cook? Order City BBQ on Monday, May 20th and use code FUNDA and A Great Start Preschool will receive a portion of your total! Dine In, Carry-Out, or Order online! Download Flyer Here

View Full Menu Here: https://www.citybbq.com/location/centerville/menu

City Barbeque Centerville is located at 5 East Franklin Street Centerville, Ohio 45459

Our MW & Fri only Little Learners, MWF Smart Start, ALL Preschool Plus including Tues/Thurs, ALL KinderStart, and ALL Kindergarten will participate in the End of Year Program and Graduation Recital on Monday, May 20th during preschool hours. (Time will be announced closer to event, but will be during normal school hours)

*Please note: Tues/Thurs Little Learners and Tues/Thurs Smart Start participate in the Winter Program in December and do not participate in this program.

*Update: 9:30am (morning sessions) and 1:00 pm (Afternoon sessions). Download RSVP form here.

Tuition Payment 9 of 9 due. In-person payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Online, payments can be made via venmo @agreatstartpreschool or paypal aGreatStart@aol.com. Payment can also be made via our website, https://www.agreatstartpreschool.com/tuition-payments

Tuition is due by the 10th of each month:

August 10th* September 10th October 10th November 10th

December 10th* January 10th February 10th March 10th April 10th May 10th

**Please let Christina know if you would like a statement for tax deduction purposes (to be distributed in January and May).

A Great Start Preschool’s Annual Preschool Prom Event has been rescheduled to Friday, April 26, 2024 from 6:30-8:00pm. Download Invitation Here

Tunes Tony will be our DJ for a night full of dancing, we will have a couple photo booth stations where you can snap your own photos, and we have already booked the awesome Cloudy Days Home of the Specialty Cotton Candy Truck and Cinn-Wagon!

Tickets will be $5 per person (ages 2 and up). The event is rain or shine .

The whole family is invited! Some people may dress up (Prom wear) and some will be casual. You may even see a preschool princess or superhero in costume!

If you are interested in helping “behind the scenes” with this event, please let me know. Aside from planning, we will especially need help with setting up and cleaning up!

This is a super fun event for the entire family. RSVP by April 17th