Calendar
Look out for summer training opportunities - in person;)
Upcoming Trainings:
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You might have missed...
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
New Teacher Academy
The Family Connection
Designed for teachers new the HighScope curriculum, this training repeats on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. One day overview of strategies to put into place tomorrow for effective classroom organization, daily routine, and adult/child interactions with follow up coaching.
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington, SB
Thursday, December 5, 2019
What’s it like to be ‘that’ child? Reclaiming joyful classrooms
The Family Connection
Behaviors that perplex us, behaviors that challenge us, behaviors that can exhaust us: we all experience them. If we begin with the child, rather than the behavior, we move from “what’s wrong with that child?” to “what’s it like to be that child?” We work to understand what the world is like for this child. We also try to understand what the world is like for yourself and this child. The focus is on the relationship. We’ll explore effective strategies for supporting toddlers, two’s and preschoolers as we and they navigate responses to challenge.
5:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. ~ Francis Branch Library, 52655 North Ironwood Road, SB
Thursday, November 14, 2019
QLI Exchange- for program directors
The Family Connection
Join us for the first QLI Exchange! One of our favorite things that came out of the Quality Leadership Institute (QLI) was watching the directors create relationships and a community of support. Although we are no longer doing the QLI cohorts we do not want to lose those connections- we are hoping this QLI exchange will fit in nicely here. (All are welcome- previous QLI attendance not required)
This will be a time for directors and principals to learn, share ideas, and support one another in this hard work that you do. This first session we will be focusing on Family Engagement! We will spend time thinking about homevisits, conferences, and parent workshops. We look forward to hearing what works for you, what kinks you might still be working out and other lively discussions!
5:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. ~ Francis Branch Library, 52655 North Ironwood Road, SB
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
New Teacher Academy
The Family Connection
Designed for teachers new the HighScope curriculum, this training repeats on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. One day overview of strategies to put into place tomorrow for effective classroom organization, daily routine, and adult/child interactions with follow up coaching.
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington, SB
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Family Connection Board Meeting
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. ~ The Family Connection office
Thursday, October 17, 2019
The Power of Music: Making connections through music, movement and literacy
The Family Connection
Just as children enjoy playing with blocks, cars and baby dolls so too do they enjoy
experimenting with words and sounds. When children play with words, listen to sounds
and make up rhymes they begin to become more aware of the elements in spoken
language. In this workshop you will learn playful strategies to incorporate listening,
sounds, rhyming, and alliteration through music and movement.
Audience: Preschool teachers
5:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. ~ Western Branch Library, 611 Lombardy, SB
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
The Early Literacy Lab (TELL)
We’re inviting a group of teachers to dive down deep into various elements of early literacy with us and explore how this information gets translated into actual classroom practice.
We’ll meet together three times over lunch(provided!) and follow up each training with individual coaching in your classroom. A pre-and post-ELLCO (Early Language and Literacy Classroom Observation) will track changes you make. We think this specialized training series will be rich and rewarding for everyone (including us!). Because this will be a small, select group, it will give you a chance to get to know other preschool teachers. You’ll also come away with materials, lesson plans, and lots and lots of ideas for enhancing early literacy in your classroom.
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ~ Western Branch Library, 611 Lombardy, SB
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
New Teacher Academy
The Family Connection
Designed for teachers new the HighScope curriculum, this training repeats on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. One day overview of strategies to put into place tomorrow for effective classroom organization, daily routine, and adult/child interactions with follow up coaching.
9:00 am - 3:00 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington, SB
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Hey now, what's that sound? Letter of the week is crashing down!
The Family Connection
Teaching preschool children a ‘letter of the week’ is common practice in early childhood classrooms despite the fact that there is much evidence against its effectiveness. Why is teaching a letter of the week so tempting? Why is it in fact an ineffective practice for nurturing and supporting children’s language and literacy development? Come and play with some effective strategies for supporting children’s love of language and early literacy.
Audience: Preschool teachers
5:45 pm - 7:45 p.m. ~ Francis Branch Library, 52655 North Ironwood Road, SB
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Onboarding Volunteers- for program directors
The Family Connection
We are excited to share a newly developed booklet designed to orient volunteers to the Highscope curriculum. The booklet covers:
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What is HighScope as defined by the wheel of learning.
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What High Scope looks & sounds like.
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What role a volunteer could play.
There is also a section with helpful questions a volunteer could ask to better understand their role and the culture of the classroom they will be working.
Please join us as we review this tool and brainstorm together the best ways it might be used.
6:00 pm - 7:30 p.m. ~ Francis Branch Library, 52655 North Ironwood Road, SB
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
New Teacher Academy
The Family Connection
Designed for teachers new the HighScope curriculum, this training repeats on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. One day overview of strategies to put into place tomorrow for effective classroom organization, daily routine, and adult/child interactions with follow up coaching.
9:00 am - 3:00 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington, SB
Monday - Thursday, July 22 - 25, 2019
Responsive Classroom Training
For SBCSC elementary school teachers. Contact The Family Connection for more information.
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ~ McKinley Primary Center
Monday - Friday, July 29 - Aug 2, 2019
HighScope Lite (Preschool)
Learn the principles of active learning, some basic HighScope terms, become familiar with the daily routine and key adult-child interaction strategies. This week-long, 6-hours a day course is for teachers who haven't yet had the opportunity to take the full HighScope curriculum class at Ivy Tech or for those who need a refresher. This does not take the place of the semester-long course or offer any credits towards a CDA.
Saint Joseph Preschool, 711 E. Colfax.
May 2019
Bend not Break: Supporting Resilience in Young Children.
(Infant, Toddler, and Preschool)
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Dickinson Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
1,2,3, Come Play with Me: Early math activities for infants, toddlers,and preschoolers.
(Infant, Toddler, and Preschool)
Presented by Chris Paul, The Family Connection
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Dickinson Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
HighScope your Staff.
(Program Directors)
Presented by Stephanie Wojtkowski, The Family Connection
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Dickinson Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Characteristics of Books: How diverse genres and selections influence literacy growth.
(Preschool)
Children revisit favorite books time and time again. For this reason, teachers can greatly enhance literacy competence by offering a range of genres, topics and titles. Stories, art and subject matter found in books are as diverse as the children's interest! Come and learn more about titles and authors that are a must for your classroom!
Presented by Amy Heller, The Family Connection
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Dickinson Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Let's Get Moving: Exploring large-group time.
(Toddler and Preschool)
Large group time contributes to the sense of community within the classroom. It is a time for the entire group to participate and share ideas in music and movement activities, story telling and group discussions. In this workshop we will explore the principles, strategies and materials necessary to plan a successful large group time using supportive language, purposeful movement and shared control.
Presented by Chris Paul, The Family Connection
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Dickinson Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Hurrying slowly: Supporting self-regulation and friendship skills in young children.
(Infant, Toddler, and Preschool)
Hurrying slowly: Supporting self-regulation and friendship skills in young children.
What does it take to have a friend and be a friend? Where does empathy come into play? What happens to the brains of children who have experienced toxic stress, trauma or early violence? How can we nurture each child's unique capacity to inner regulate to be able to move outward into relationships?
Come together to focus on the connection between preschool children's ability to regulate their responses and to grow their friendship skill.
Presented by Beth O'Connor, The Family Connection
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Dickinson Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
7 HighScope Director Myths Dispelled!
(Program Directors)
Come join the Director HighScope Mythbusters team! We will be taking myths, tall tales and urban legends and giving them a research based treatment to determine their validity. Together we will prove if these director myths are true, probable, possible, improbable or busted!
Presented by Stephanie Wojtkowski, The Family Connection
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Dickinson Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
This is Us: Building Community in the Classroom
(Infant, Toddler, and Preschool)
"Strong communities have members who have shared goals and experiences, who feel empowered to contribute, who trust in one another, and who feel understood and capable as individuals. These attributes enable teamwork, cooperation, a willingness to negotiate, and the ability to draw on one another’s skills." -Kate Kane
Join us as we explore ways to create this type of community in our infant, toddler and preschool classrooms.
Presented by: Stephanie Hooks, The Family Connection
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Dickinson Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Wednesday - Thursday, August 8 - 9, 2018
CLASS Assessor Training - Grades 4 - 6
For Family Connection Assessors. If you are interested in conducting assessments, contact The Family Connection for more information.
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ~ Excel Center, 2721 Kenwood
Monday - Tuesday, August 6 - 7, 2018
CLASS Assessor Training - Grades K - 3
For Family Connection Assessors. If you are interested in conducting assessments, contact The Family Connection for more information.
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ~ Excel Center, 2721 Kenwood
Friday, July 20, 2018
Responsive Classroom Overview for Principals
For all principals in SBCSC elementary schools.
Monday - Thursday, July 16 - 19, 2018
Responsive Classroom Training
For SBCSC elementary school teachers. Contact The Family Connection for more information.
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ~ Hay Primary Center
Monday - Friday, July 9 - 13, 2018
HighScope Lite (Preschool)
Learn the principles of active learning, some basic HighScope terms, become familiar with the daily routine and key adult-child interaction strategies. This week-long, 6-hours a day course is for teachers who haven't yet had the opportunity to take the full HighScope curriculum class at Ivy Tech or for those who need a refresher. This does not take the place of the semester-long course or offer any credits towards a CDA.
Saint Joseph Preschool, 711 E. Colfax.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Simple Science Activities for Young Children
(Infant, Toddler, and Preschool)
Early science does not mean taking out the calculator and lab coat during work time. Children naturally explore their environment throughout the day. Adults foster their thinking by what they do and say. In this workshop we will explore the principles, strategies, and materials for teaching young children science concepts through discovery and play.
Presented by: Ann Rosen and Chris Paul, The Family Connection
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Dickinson Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Monday - Friday, June 11 - 15, 2018
HighScope Lite (Infant-Toddler)
Learn the principles of active learning, some basic HighScope terms, become familiar with the daily routine and key adult-child interaction strategies. This week-long, 6-hours a day course is for teachers who haven't yet had the opportunity to take the full HighScope curriculum class at Ivy Tech or for those who need a refresher. This does not take the place of the semester-long course or offer any credits towards a CDA.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Quality Leadership Institute (QLI)
"The Right Fit II" is this month's focus for the on-going series of trainings for directors based on the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership's Taking Charge of Change, developed by Paula Jorde Bloom. Lunch and materials provided.
10:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington
Tuesday - Wednesday, June 26 - 27, 2018
The Family Connection Planning Retreat
Our time for FC staff to celebrate, regroup, shape our coming year, and dream the future.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Quality Leadership Institute (QLI)
"The Right Fit" is this month's focus for the on-going series of trainings for directors based on the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership's Taking Charge of Change, developed by Paula Jorde Bloom. Lunch and materials provided.
10:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Vocabulary Building for All!
It can become limiting and even stale to always use the same words or terms.
Is it red or scarlet? Is it a long-neck or a Diplodocus? Do you wear glasses or spectacles?
While we talk and play with young children, it is always a good idea- and fun- to jazz up the terminology! Children need to know as many ways to say something as we can deliver. Why? The more words a child hears, uses and understands is like giving them fuel for thoughts and ideas!
Presented by: Amy Heller, MS, The Family Connection
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Quality Leadership Institute (QLI)
"A Great Place to Work, Part II" is this month's focus for the on-going series of trainings for directors based on the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership's Taking Charge of Change, developed by Paula Jorde Bloom. Lunch and materials provided.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Family Connection Board Meeting
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. ~ The Family Connection office
Thursday, March 22, 2018:
Static on the radio? Fine-tuning the quality of your feedback to infants, toddlers and twos
Do you ever feel as though you are having some trouble ‘tuning in?’ It can be hard sometimes to know that you are on the right ‘channel!’ Understanding the quality of your feedback to infants, toddlers, and two's helps you to transition, engage, support, scaffold, and encourage children. We will explore how the language (verbal and non-verbal) we use in response to children’s actions, comments, and efforts, builds learning, focused engagement, and persistence.
Presented by: Beth O'Connor, MA, Certified HighScope Trainer
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Dickinson Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Quality Leadership Institute (QLI)
"A Great Place to Work, Part I" is this month's focus for the on-going series of trainings for directors based on the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership's Taking Charge of Change, developed by Paula Jorde Bloom. Lunch and materials provided.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Quality Leadership Institute (QLI)
"Navigating the Currents of Change" is this month's focus for the on-going series of trainings for directors based on the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership's Taking Charge of Change, developed by Paula Jorde Bloom. Lunch and materials provided.
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ~ Excel Center, 2721 Kenwood
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Family Connection Board Meeting
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. ~ The Family Connection office
Monday, January 22, 2018:
The Magic of Meaningful Conversations
Days fly by! In busy classrooms there are so many routines, activities, and 'things to do,' that by the end of the day you might realize that you've had very few opportunities for meaningful conversations with children. How do you make sure the conversations happen? Why are conversations a key ingredient of effective classrooms? Come learn with us about strategies for sparkling conversations throughout the day. Practice some techniques for supporting learning through conversations that you can bring right back to your classrooms. Delve into assessments (PQA, ELLCO, CLASS) that can help frame your strategies. This workshop is for educators in classrooms of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Presented by Cassie Eberly, MA
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Humphries Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Quality Leadership Institute (QLI)
"From the Inside Out, Part II—Stress" is this month's focus for the on-going series of trainings for directors based on the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership's Taking Charge of Change, developed by Paula Jorde Bloom. Lunch and materials provided.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Quality Leadership Institute (QLI)
"From the Inside Out, Part I" is this month's focus for the on-going series of trainings for directors based on the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership's Taking Charge of Change, developed by Paula Jorde Bloom. Lunch and materials provided.
10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Partner in Play—WHY and HOW adults support children's play
What does play do for children? Why do we play? How Early Childhood Educators respect and respond to the natural instincts children have to play by being a play partner builds children's skills in every domain. Come and learn about play and how to support children by partnering in play! It'll be FUN!
Presented by Amy Heller, The Family Connection
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Transition times—Moving thoughtfully through your day
Transitions are the parts in your schedule that weave your daily routine together. Are they chaotic? Do you dread them? Do children dread them? Join us as we look at our daily routines and see how we can make those transition times work for us and the children.
By being proactive we can:
• Eliminate needless transitions and wait times
• Engage children in fun activities while transitioning
• See transitions as an opportunity for learning
• Create a less stressful environment
We will think about planning for the transitions we do everyday as well as increase our repertoire of songs, fingerplays and chants so we are ready for those ‘unexpected’ transitions as well.
Presented by Amy Heller, The Family Connection
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Humphries Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Quality Leadership Institute (QLI)
"Leadership in Action Part II" is this month's focus for the on-going series of trainings for directors based on the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership's Taking Charge of Change, developed by Paula Jorde Bloom. Lunch and materials provided.
10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Quality Leadership Institute (QLI)
"Leadership in Action" is the first in a on-going series of trainings for directors based on the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership's Taking Charge of Change, developed by Paula Jorde Bloom. Lunch and materials provided.
10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ~ Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, 1045 W. Washington
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Family Connection Board Meeting
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. ~ The Family Connection office
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
It looks like there is a problem here... Supporting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in resolving social conflict
In moments of challenge and conflict, we are faced with the difficult tasks of managing our own strong emotions at the same time we are helping guide young children's responses to their intense feelings and behaviors. If we see social conflict as opportunity to teach and guide, then we move towards a skill-building and relationship-supporting approach. We will walk through HighScope's 6 Steps of Conflict Resolution and gain a clearer understanding of the possibilities for building skills in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (and in ourselves!).
Presented by Beth O'Connor, The Family Connection; Crystal Pitts, Early Childhood Intervention Center at Center for the Homeless; andPaige Laskowski, Hope4Kids at Hope Ministries.
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Humphries Room, St. Joseph County Public Library
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
ECAP Director Meeting
Time again for a gathering of all directors who are participating in the Early Years Count Early Childhood Assessment Project (ECAP). Lunch included.
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ~ Frances Branch Public Library
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Family Connection Extended Team Meeting
For Family Connection assessors and coaches.
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. ~ Frances Branch Public Library
Thursday, August 3, 2017
New Assessor Training (CLASS K-3)
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. ~ The Family Connection office
Monday - Thursday, July 24 - 27, 2017
Responsive Classroom Training
For SBCSC teachers from participating schools.
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ~ Hay Primary Center
Tuesday - Wednesday, June 20 - 21, 2017
K-3 CLASS Training
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ~ Harrison Primary Center
Wednesday, May 4, 2017
Family Connection Board Meeting
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. ~ The Family Connection office
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Meeting for all Family Connection Coaches
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. ~ St. Joseph Preschool
Monday, April 17, 2017
Rediscovering Outdoor Play: Making the most of outside time for children and teachers
After a morning of teaching, feeding, transitioning, caring, play and so much more, you have finally made it outside! Now what? At a time of day where our energy may be taking a hit, outside time is an incredible opportunity for increased learning andrejuvenation for teachers and children. Presenter Cassie Eberly will focus on strategies to capitalize on learning opportunities that, with intentionality, can bring new life to outside time as part of the daily routine.
Designed for Pre-K teachers.
5:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. ~ Humphries Rm, St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main St, South Bend
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Begin with the A's: Why Approach and Acknowledge is how we begin and how we move forward
In situations of conflict and challenge with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers we always begin with the 2 A’s: Approach and Acknowledge. This is the pause, the space to breathe that allows us to slow down. Presenter Beth O'Connor will discuss why these 2 steps are crucial to effective scaffolding of young children’s developing self-regulation and conflict resolution and how they serve to strengthen the relationships and attachments that are the basis of everything we do.
Designed for teachers of children ages 6 months through 5 years.
5:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. ~ Humphries Rm, St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main St, South Bend
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Using Sign Language Throughout Your Day
Using sign with spoken words increases language skills in young children. This helps with all areas of learning, both academic and social. Come and learn practical, helpful, useful and fun signs that you and your classroom can learn and use together in all parts of the day!
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Humphries Room, St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main, South Bend
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Keeping it Positive
Many times as teachers we get so involved caring for others that we forget to care for ourselves. This workshop for ECAP teachers and directors on strategies for reducing teacher stress in the classroom every day.
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Humphries Room, St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main, South Bend
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Family Connection Board Meeting
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. ~ The Family Connection office
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Family Connection Extended Team Meeting
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. ~ St. Joseph Preschool (upstairs), 711 E. Colfax, South Bend
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Training for Coaches / Meeting for Coaches
Training for new Family Connection coaches in early childhood programs and homes followed by a meeting for all FC coaches.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. ~ Training for new coaches / 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ~ Meeting for all coaches
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Independence Day: Supporting Initiative throughout the Daily Routines
Areas of the PQA score focus on teachers supporting children's initiatives in each part of the school day—why does it matter and what does this look like? In addition to many practical ideas to take away, there will be an opportunity to make and take materials for your classroom. Presented by Amy Heller, MS, from The Family Connection.
5:45 - 7:45 p.m. ~ Humphries Rm, St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main St, SB
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Exploring COR Advantage
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring COR Advantage and all it has to offer. Facilitated by Peggy DeLanghe, MS, from the Early Learning Center at Granger Community Church.
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. ~ Computer Lab at Success Academy, 3408 Ardmore Trail
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Family Connection Quarterly Team Gathering
A chance for our team to share updates on all the work we are doing! Please let Stephanie know if you are coming.
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. ~ St. Joseph's Preschool, 711 Colfax.
Friday, October 21, 2016
The Family Connection 30 Year Celebration!
If you've got a connection to The Family Connection—now or from the past—please stop by and help us celebrate.
Between 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. ~ The Studio at Emporium 121 S. Niles Ave