April 2024: Cambodian New Year, Classroom Peak & More
A Letter From The Executive Director
April flew by with a whirlwind of activity and celebration at the Day Home! From embracing the joy of the Week of the Young Child to honoring the vibrant traditions of Cambodian New Year, our days were filled with laughter, learning, and cultural richness. Our capoeira and gardening clubs continued to thrive, fostering not just skills but a sense of belonging and growth. Our Meet and Mingle events provided cherished moments for our families to connect and forge new friendships.
I embarked on an enriching journey attending two educational conferences, one right here in our vibrant city of Oakland! The energy of collaboration with fellow leaders in early education was invigorating, and I returned brimming with ideas and tools to empower our incredible staff. But April wasn’t just about work—it was also about treasured family time. I had the joy of exploring New York City with my son, enjoying shopping, savoring delicious meals, and cherishing moments with loved ones.
As we step into May, we have a lineup of exciting events and initiatives, offering ample opportunities for our community to engage and contribute. Read below for all the details!
Here’s to another month of growth, connection, and endless possibilities.
Warmly,
Alexandra Hilario
Executive Director
April Day Home Highlights
In April, Saint Vincent’s burst withthe vibrant energy of spring. As flowers bloomed and birds chirped, the Day Home became a hub of creativity and exploration. Children eagerly engaged in various activities that celebrated the season, from planting seeds in the garden to crafting colorful decorations for Thai, Laos, and Cambodian New Year. With each passing day, the spirit of joy and learning thrived, fostering a nurturing environment where young minds blossomed like the flowers outside.
Staff Highlight
Meet Melissa
With over 18 years of experience in various restaurant settings, cooking has been my passion since my early teenage years when my grandmother shared the art of crafting home-cooked wonders. Despite my extensive restaurant background, it’s the wisdom from my grandmother that guides me in my role as a Kitchen Cook, where I aim to bring the taste of home to the children I cook for.
Believe it or not, my journey with SVDH started as a parent of two little ones attending the facility. Little did I know that I’d find my place as a cook here, and it’s been an incredibly satisfying experience. Since joining in 2018, I’ve not only been whipping up delicious meals but also working towards completing my GED diploma. And in 2021, I proudly earned certification from the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals.
Cooking for children is a unique joy, and my goal is to create meals that feel like a warm embrace. It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating a sense of home for these little ones.
Week Of The Young Child
A Celebration Of Childhood
During Week of the Young Child, Saint Vincent’s Day Home buzzed with excitement and celebration. From pajama day to costume day, each theme added a special touch to the week’s activities. Each day was filled with enriching experiences for the children, fostering a sense of community and support. It was a dedicated week honoring the curiosity and creativity of every child, leaving cherished memories for years to come.
Library News
Latest Updates From Our Library
This May, the library will be buzzing with exciting activities and displays celebrating various cultures and occasions. We’ll be honoring Asian Pacific Heritage by showcasing a diverse selection of stories about families and children from different Asian cultures. Biographies will also be available. If you have specific individuals you’d like us to feature, please let us know. Additionally, we’ll have a collection of Asian folktales and books about various Asian countries, some of which may be slightly dated but boast beautiful illustrations.
On Sunday, May 12th, we’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day with a display of stories honoring the remarkable women in children’s lives – mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and teachers. We’ll also feature stories about families with two mothers or stepmothers, as well as tales featuring animal families.
Cinco de Mayo, commemorating Mexico’s independence from France, falls on May 5th. We’ll have resources to celebrate Mexican heritage in the US. Memorial Day, on May 27th, is a time to honor those who served in the US military. For this occasion, we’ll have simple books explaining the significance of this holiday.
In preparation for the Day Home’s Move-A-Thon on May 29th, we’ve curated a collection of books about children’s movements and sports. After reading, please return these books for other classes to enjoy. Finally, May is Pet Month, and we’ll have a display of books about common pets like cats and dogs, as well as stories about children and their furry companions. Enjoy all the exciting offerings at the library this month!
Thai, Laotian, and Cambodian New Year
Cultural Unity & Joyful Celebration
The children and staff came together, embracing the cultural traditions of the TLC New Year. The highlight of the festivities was a beautiful performance by the children, who showcased their talents with enthusiasm and pride.
Our amazing staff dressed up in traditional attire, adding even more vibrance to the festivities. Special thanks to Ms. Neary and Ms. Terry for planning the festivities and sharing a part of their culture with the SVDH community.
Classroom Peak
Magic Of Transformation
Embracing Emotions
OTTP-SF Parent Workshop
SVDH parents/caregivers attended a training session on “Embracing Emotions” presented by OTTP-SF experts Katie Gordon, MS, OTR/L, Catherine Sheehan, MS, OTR/L, and Claire Mueller, MS, OTR/L. The workshop explored strategies for nurturing emotional intelligence in children, providing practical tools and insights to help parents navigate and support their child’s emotional development. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, attendees gained valuable knowledge and skills to create an emotionally nurturing environment at home, fostering healthy relationships and resilience in their children.
21st Annual”Fore The Children” Golf Tournament
Swings, Smiles, & Support For Our Young Learners
Looking for a way to make a difference? Join us for our 21st Annual “Fore The Children” Golf Tournament at Sequoyah Country Club on Monday, June 24th. Your participation supports the children of Saint Vincent’s Day Home. To tee off for a cause, register by clicking the button below. If you can’t attend, you can still make a meaningful impact by making a donation!
Community Partnerships
Get Empowered: Uplift, Unify, Empower
Get Empowered prioritizes hands-on learning experiences across various artistic disciplines, celebrating diversity and amplifying marginalized voices. Their programs at the Day Home include Mindfulness & Hip Hop on Mondays, World Music Percussion on Wednesdays, and creative Dance Fitness Fun on Fridays, along with monthly interactive assemblies and Capoeira sessions led by Ms. Quen Guy.
Meet Sabia Pinheiro, co-founder of Get Empowered. When asked about his inspiration behind Get Empowered, he states, “As a former middle school teacher, lifelong arts educator, and learner, I am deeply committed to leaving this world better than we found it. I believe people make a difference, and this is at the heart of all I do.”
Get Empowered was inspired by a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of the arts and a commitment to addressing the holistic needs of young people in communities. They recognized the importance of multicultural arts in fostering empathy, understanding, and connection. By focusing on empowering youth through art and social-emotional learning programs from a commitment to equity, inclusion, and holistic youth development, they believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive and fulfill their potential. We are immensely grateful for our partnership with Get Empowered and their invaluable support for the children.
Too Good To Go
Save Food – Help The Planet
Juggling work, childcare, and household responsibilities can make meal planning and preparation a real challenge for our busy families. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to Too Good To Go, a revolutionary food waste app that can make a real difference in your daily life. With Too Good To Go, you can browse and purchase surplus food from local restaurants, bakeries, and cafes at a fraction of the original price. This means you can enjoy delicious meals while reducing food waste in our community. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty dinner, Too Good To Go offers a variety of options to suit every taste and budget. Say goodbye to expensive grocery bills and hello to affordable, sustainable eating with Too Good To Go – it’s a win-win for your family and the planet!