​​

SEASONAL NEWSLETTER

 

​

September | Title: Roots of Respect

​

Subject: "Migration and Animal Behavior"

• Focus: Respect for Self, Space, and Others—making space for simplicity

 

The Month's Invitations:

• September 1 – Labor Day Program CLOSED in honor of rest and recognition.

• September 3 – Early Childhood Educators’ Day Celebrating those who nurture the roots of lifelong learning.

• September 6 – National Play Outside Day Observed the first Saturday of every month—a gentle nudge to step into nature, together.

• September 11 – A Day of Remembrance Honoring lives lost and the enduring call to unity.

• September 20 – National Day of Play A celebration of joyful movement, imagination, and connection.

 

All Month

– National Preparedness Month Inviting families to reflect on readiness, resilience, and stewardship.

– Good Manners Month A time to model kindness, courtesy, and community care.

 

Special Snack

• September 26 – Caramel Apples for Johnny Appleseed Day

 

Dress-Up Days

• September 8 – Monday Night Football Jersey Day

Dress up Week (September 22–26):

• 9/22: Dress like your favorite book character

• 9/23: Pattern Day

• 9/24: Wacky Wednesday

• 9/25: Wear your favorite color day

• 9/26: Johnny Appleseed Day (Wear red, green, or yellow)

 

​

 October | Title: Story Sparks & Family Firelight

​

Subject: "Falling Leaves and Tree Cycles"

• Focus: Storytelling, Language Exploration, Literacy—honoring simple joys of language

 

Monthly Invitations:

• Fire Truck Visit  10/13 – A hands-on moment to meet community helpers and explore fire safety.

• October 5-11 – Fire Safety Week A week to practice preparedness and honor those who keep us safe.

• October 14 – Columbus Day A civic observance inviting reflection on history, exploration, and evolving narratives.

• October 31 – Halloween A playful celebration of imagination, costumes, and community joy.

 

🍂 October 2 Family Fun Event – A cherished Stepping Stones tradition, first celebrated October 13, 2008—a time for laughter, connection, and seasonal delight.  

 

All Month

– National Book Month Celebrating stories that spark curiosity, empathy, and lifelong learning.

 

Special Snack

• October 31 – Halloween Trail Mix

 

Dress-Up Days

Dress up Week (October 27–31):

• 10/27: Pumpkin Patch Monday (Orange)

• 10/28: White Ghost Tuesday (White)

• 10/29: Witchy Wednesday (Purple/Green)

• 10/30: Black Bat Thursday (Black)

• 10/31: Halloween Costume Parade! (Bring your labeled costume in a bag please—DO NOT wear it to childcare.)

 

​

November | Title: Brave Boundaries

​

Subject: "Harvest and Gratitude"

• Focus: Risky Play & Emotional Safety—simplicity in boundaries and care

 

Monthly Invitations:

• November 8 – MN DNR Hunting Traditions A Stepping Stones Family Tradition.

We honor this seasonal rhythm with reverence and respect—recognizing hunting not only as a cultural tradition, but as a practice of stewardship, nourishment, and connection to the land. Through storytelling, nature walks, and reflective play, children learn that food comes from the Earth, and that gratitude begins with understanding.

 

• November 11 – Veterans Day – CLOSED Honoring those who have served and reflecting on courage and community.

• November 18–22 – Winter Hazard Awareness Week Observed in Minnesota and Wisconsin—inviting readiness, warmth, and seasonal stewardship.

Winter Hazard Awareness Week in Minnesota and Wisconsin

• November 27 – Thanksgiving – CLOSED A day to gather in gratitude and rest.

• November 28 – CLOSED Continuing our tradition of post-holiday rest and reflection.

 

S.E.E.D. Training Day

 

All Month

– Child Safety Month A time to nurture emotional safety, brave boundaries, and protective care.

 

Special Snack

• November 26 – Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving

 

Dress-Up Days

Dress up Week (November 17–21):

• 11/17: Camo Day

• 11/18: Hunting/Blaze Orange Day

• 11/19: Hunter Hat Day

• 11/20: Flannel Day

• 11/21: PJ and Stuffed Animal Day

​