Mudpies Information Blog

Mudpies & Lullabies opens in Anna

2011-08-29T14:57:00.002-05:00

Pre-School opens in Anna -

Updated curriculum guide

2011-08-25T16:33:00.000-05:00

curriculum guide -

2011-2012 PS/PK Supply List

2011-07-20T20:45:00.004-05:00

Supply List for Mudpies and Lullabies 2011

Closing at 5

2011-02-09T10:09:00.001-06:00

We will be closing at 5pm today to allow our staff to get home safely. Please make any necessary arrangements to avoid delays. Thank you.

Open 2/9/11

2011-02-09T06:40:00.002-06:00

We are open today for parents needing to go to work. Road conditions will get worse as the day continues, so please use descretion when deciding to travel. The entrance is icy and we have been unable to secure enough salt to completely de-ice. We will plan to close early to allow staff time to get home safely before dark. All half day classes are cancelled. Thank you.

Closing 2/4/11

2011-02-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

I'm going to go ahead and make the call to close Mudpies today. It is just not safe for our staff and families to be on the roads today. If you are one of the few that still must go to work, please be careful and go slow.

Weather update 2/4/11

2011-02-04T07:02:00.002-06:00

The snow that is falling on top of the ice is causing more hazzardous travel conditions. We are evaluating the need from our families right now and will make a final determination about opening by 8 am. If you were still planning on trying to head to work, email us at mudpies.learning@gmail.com

Weather Delay 2/4/11

2011-02-03T19:01:00.002-06:00

Ok, here's the bad news you've all been waiting for... AISD & MISD will be closed for day #4 tomorrow. We are expecting more snow and freezing temperatures tonight so will plan to open again at 10:30 for full time students. Closing time will be determined in the morning based on current conditions. If the road conditions worsen and travel becomes dangerous, we will update our opening hours at 8am. Again, all half day programs will be cancelled (don't worry... we haven't forgotten about ya'll and we are working on scheduling a couple make up dates)and we will all meet in the primary building. Please email us if your student will be attending so we may get a estimated headcount. Thanks.

Delayed opening 2/3/11

2011-02-02T19:01:00.003-06:00

Melissa ISD and Anna ISD have decided to cancel classes for the 3rd day in a row. We will open again at 10:30 am for parents needing to go to work. We will determine our closing time after assessing the roads and the projected temperatures tomorrow. Half day classes will be cancelled and we will all meet in the Primary building again. Help us get a head count and email mudpies.learning@gmail.com if your child will be attending. Thank you in advance.

Change in operational hours for 2/2/11

2011-02-02T09:07:00.002-06:00

Today we will open at 10:30 and close at 5:00 to allow time for safe travel of our staff to and from work. We are asking parents to use extreme descretion when making the decision to bring kids today as we are opening only for families that MUST go to work. Many of our staff members are unable to safely commute to work so we will be operating with a skeleton crew. Thank you in advance.

Weather delay 2/2/11

2011-02-01T17:46:00.002-06:00

MISD has announced that it will cancel classes on 2/2/11. Currently, we have decided to delay opening until 10:30 am to allow our staff and families time to arrive safely. Half day classes will be cancelled and the secondary building will be closed. All students should be taken to the primary building. Please watch the blog, facebook and WFAA for updates.

Weather delay/pending close if need be

2011-02-01T05:59:00.002-06:00

Melissa and Anna ISD have closed. Right now we are planning on opening at 10:30 am. Pending a road and facility evaluation. Please stay updated on facebook, this blog or WFAA.

Mudpies closed today

2011-01-10T08:02:00.002-06:00

Melissa ISD just announced that school will be cancelled today due to icy road conditions. In accordance with our policy, Mudpies will close as well. Be safe and stay warm. See everyone tomorrow.

Roads are icy!!!

2011-01-10T05:57:00.002-06:00

Like a crazy person, I ventured out to check the roads around Melissa only to find out that people here do not know how to drive in ice. The driveway into Mudpies is VERY slick and the incline makes it difficult to access in my little SUV. As of the time of this post, McKinney ISD has cancelled classes but Melissa and Anna are still on the fence. After evaluating road conditions, I believe that they will eventually determine that it would be safer to skip school today. As for Mudpies, if they do not cancel classes, we will plan to open at 8:30 am but I urge everyone to go slow and allow yourself plenty of time. You will probably want to bring the truck or SUV to get into the parking lot, smaller cars will NOT do well. Danielle

Road conditions will be evaluated in the AM

2011-01-09T18:33:00.002-06:00

According to MISD, road and weather conditions will be re-evaluated in the morning and a final determination regarding the closing of the ISD will be made by 8 am. Please watch for updates.

Weather delay for Monday, January 10th

2011-01-09T18:26:00.003-06:00

Melissa ISD has announced a 2 hour delay. Mudpies will plan to open at 8:30 am in accordance with our policy. Please be safe and allow for plenty of time to arrive safely.

Office phones are down

2010-10-26T21:29:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,
AT&T is having problems with the phone lines so we are using email for communication until they are up and working again. Please email us at mudpies@maranot.com if you need something while we are working through this situation. Thanks for your patience.

MISD Holiday October 25th

2010-10-19T21:00:00.002-05:00

Attention all School Age Parents....
Melissa ISD is closed on Monday. Sign up at the secondary building and have your student join us for a day at the Big Orange Pumpkin Patch in Celina. Hurry, we are limiting this field trip to 26 students.

Friday is a SNOW DAY!!!!!!

2010-02-11T14:54:00.002-06:00

MISD has announced that Friday, February 12th will be a snow day... that means, no school! In accordance with our policy, Mudpies will close as well. We appreciate everyone understanding that this policy is to ensure the safety of the students and the staff. We hope you have a wonderful day enjoying this beautiful blessing not seen in Texas very often. Stay warm and safe and we will see you on Monday.

MISD 2 hour delay on Friday, February 12th

2010-02-11T11:21:00.002-06:00

MISD has announced that there will be a two hour delay for school on Friday, February 12th. In accordance with our policy, Mudpies will open late as well. We are currently planning to open at 9 am. All staff that is scheduled to arrive at or before 9 am should report to work at 9 am to prepare for the arrival of students. If MISD decides to close school, we will close as well. Please watch this blog or WFAA News 8 for updates. Have fun and be safe.

School will be delayed today

2010-01-07T05:55:00.002-06:00

Melissa ISD schools will begin at 10 am today. Mudpies will delay opening until 9:30 to allow time for the roads to clear to protect the safety of our kiddos. Be careful out there and we will see you at 9:30. All staff scheduled to arrive before that time should report at 9:20 am. Please call Danielle or Melissa if you will be later than 9:20.

ROADS ARE CLEAR!!!!

2009-12-30T05:39:00.002-06:00

Good morning everyone. I just went out to check road conditions and they are good. We will plan too open without delay. The primary building will open at 6:30 for ALL students and the secondary building will open at 7:30. Please take ALL students to the primary building until 7:30 am. All staff should contact me promptly if they will be running late. Thanks, Danielle

Winter weather advisory

2009-12-29T18:37:00.002-06:00

As all of you know, we are experiencing some cold, snowy and potentially dangerous weather conditions. The city of Melissa has delayed opening their offices until 10 am. Depending on overnight conditions, this may change and include a later opening time or even closure. At this time, for the safety of our team and the families that we serve, we will plan to open Mudpies at 9 am on Wednesday, December 30th. If road conditions worsen overnight and this changes, it will be updated by 6 am on the blog. All staff scheduled to arrive at or before 9:00 should report at 8:50 am unless otherwise notified. Staff should call Danielle or Melissa if they anticipate travel issues.

Christmas recipe collections

2009-12-14T19:35:00.001-06:00

All preschool and pre-k parents need to make sure to submit recipes by tomorrow morning please. Thanks, Danielle

2009 Christmas Parade Float

2009-12-06T15:50:00.002-06:00

Congrats to all of the staff, spouses & kiddos that helped with the 2009 Christmas Parade float... we won 1st place! Melissa, Alyssa, Elizabeth, Jess, Donna, Kimra, Joe (Alyssa's hubby), our precious reindeer : Katy, Liberty, Elizabeth V. & Gaby, JJ (my hubby) for gathering last minute supplies and feeding us on Friday night, city councilman Stan Mercer aka "Stanta" for being the big guy and anyone else I may have accidentally left out.... YOU GUYS ROCK! Scroll down for a picture of our fabulous float.

Thanksgiving Feast Today

2009-11-19T05:20:00.002-06:00

Our secondary building students will host thier annual Thanksgiving Feast today at Noon. We will have turkey with all the fixings. Come join us if you can, the more.... the merrier! As a part of our feast preparations, the students were asked what they were thankful for this year. The classes made large posters to display thier answers so you can see your child's response. Today, as I head to work extra early to finalize turkey carving.... I am thankful for all the wonderful families that share thier kiddos with us everyday!

Cranium Kids Computer Classes

2009-10-09T11:04:00.002-05:00

Cranium Kids is now offering computer classes on Fridays. If you would like your child to participate, stop by the office to get more information.

Fire Safety Week

2009-10-09T11:00:00.002-05:00

The fire truck was unable to visit today because of the rain. However, they have rescheduled for Thursday, October 15th at 10AM. Additionally, preschool and pre-k will get to meet a firefighter on Monday and see all of the gear they use to protect themselves in a fire.

Menu Changes are In

2009-10-09T10:56:00.002-05:00

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be introducing some new menu items to the children. Tuna fish, carrot sticks and fresh fruit like sliced apples and quartered grapes are just some of the items that we will be taste testing with our little Mudpies. Please be sure to check the menu boards each week and let us know if your child has any allergy concerns that may apply to our new items. Thank you.

Circus is Cancelled

2009-10-09T10:54:00.001-05:00

Today, the Anna Chamber of Commerce notified us that the circus is cancelled due to the rain. If you have questions, contact the chamber.

Congratulations to Mrs. Tina

2009-09-19T20:20:00.002-05:00

Please take a moment to stop by the primary building and congratulate Mrs. Tina. She has been named our September "Teacher of the Month". All of her students love and appreciate her and WE DO TOO! Way to go Mrs. Tina, YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!

School Time Reminders

2009-09-07T09:32:00.002-05:00

Just a few reminders as we begin our new school year...

First, remember that students enrolled in our 1/2 day programs attend school from 9:00 to 2:30. Clocking in before or out after those times will result in overtime charges being added to your account.

Also, Kiss n' Drive is now open at the secondary building from 9:00-9:15 and 2:15-2:30 each day. Families wishing to utilize this service should pull up to the sign during open times. If the sign indicates that it is closed, you will need to park in the lot and bring your students in to the building. Please do not part your car in the Kiss n' Drive lane or handicapped spaces without the proper permit.

The water park will be open through September. Check with your child's campus office for a schedule.

I am so excited about this upcoming school year. Our team has spent many hours getting ready and planning meaningful activities for your kids. Thank you for trusting us to educate and care for your little ones!

Summer is ONLY 5 weeks away....

2009-04-29T17:57:00.003-05:00

Can you believe it? Summer is so close. This year has flown by and we are finalizing our summer class lists. Stop by the office and make sure your kiddo is signed up for one of our awesome summer programs. We have enrollment options to fit the needs of just about everyone... check it out!

Pre-K Graduation Ceremony is May 27th

2009-04-29T17:50:00.002-05:00

Attention all Pre-K & TK parents:
We will have our commencement program on May 27th at 12 PM at the secondary building. Please RSVP by Wednesday, May 13th and let us know how many guests will attend. Parking will be an issue that day so please try to carpool if you can. After the ceremony, we will serve cake and punch for those who would like to stay. Please make sure that you give your child's teacher a big hug... they deserve it! Mrs. Elizabeth and Mrs. Vernita have done an outstanding job with your kids this year, they are well prepared for the challenges of kindergarten. Thank you for sharing your children with us, it has been another wonderful year! Danielle

Another Successful Staff Training Day!

2009-03-21T18:25:00.002-05:00

Wow... I just wanted to thank all of the parents at Mudpies for supporting our staff this week for our Spring training. We had a great time and everyone is heading back refreshed and full of new ideas. We studied several topics including, Conflict resolution in the classroom, Recognizing the signs of autism spectrum disorders and ADD/ADHD, How boys and girls learn differently (very good training) and Communicating tough topics with parents. Additionally, we spent some time on curriculum training, science centers and using prop boxes. As always, this experience helps bond our staff and in turn, your children benefit. Thank you again!!!

Part Time Summer Program Options

2009-03-14T08:01:00.002-05:00

After numerous requests to offer a part-time summer program, we have developed some options for everyone. All of these part-time classes will meet from 9am to 2pm. Mrs. Vernita has graciously agreed to teach two bridge classes this summer. Summer Bridge to Pre-K will be on T/TH for kids entering Pre-K (must turn 4 before 9/1/09) and Ready, Set, Kindergarten will be on M/W for kids entering Kindergarten must be 5 before 9/1/09). We are also offering a part-time camp on Fridays for ages 5 to 10. We will be going to Collin County Adventure Camp on these days. For younger children, we will offer a limited number of flex-time days. Flex-time offers the ability to use the school for longer hours. It allows more flexible scheduling. This is a great option for parents wishing to work part-time. Speak with either school office if you have questions about these programs.

Summer Camp is Around the Corner

2009-03-11T20:21:00.002-05:00

We have begun pre-registering currently enrolled families for the 2009 Mudpies on the Go Summer Program. Open enrollment begins March 23rd if space remains. We plan to offer 42 spaces in camp this year. Those spots will fill fast! We have teamed with Collin County Adventure camp again this year to offer great outdoor opportunities to our campers. Pick up a summer brochure at either Mudpies location. Hope to see you there!

School is CLOSED Wednesday, January 28th

2009-01-28T07:30:00.003-06:00

At 7:28 am, MISD cancelled classes for the day. For the safety of our staff and the families we serve, it is our policy to close Mudpies if the ISD closes. If you do venture out, please be very careful. The roads are very icy and are expected to remain so until lunchtime. Stay warm and we will see you tomorrow.

Delayed Start for Wednesday

2009-01-27T21:18:00.002-06:00

I just got an email from MISD stating that there will be a 2 hour delay for classes on Wednesday. The district plans to re-evaluate road conditions at 8am and determine further delays and or closing school for the day. If no further delays are scheduled, we will plan to open at 9:15 am, 30 minutes prior to the ISD. Parents should drop school age children off at their MISD campus as we will not plan to run the bus in the morning due to safety concerns. Staff should report to work after taking their own kids to school or at their regularly scheduled time if after 9:15. This blog will be updated after 8am or earlier if the ISD releases more information. Thank you!

Severe Weather Expected Wednesday

2009-01-27T20:34:00.002-06:00

Current weather reports are indicating that the conditions outside will continue to deteriorate overnight, leaving the streets icy for the morning commute into work. If this occurs, it is likely that Melissa ISD will have a delayed start on Wednesday morning. When Melissa ISD calls for a delayed start, we will open 30 minutes before classes start to allow teachers and ISD staff time to get to school. For example, if MISD classes begin at 10:00 am, we will open at 9:30am. This gives our staff time to get to work safely as well. I will update the blog as information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding.

Severe Weather Update 1/27/09 8:10 am

2009-01-27T08:09:00.002-06:00

As of now, Melissa ISD has not closed schools. However, in the event that school is released early, we will close early as well. We will pick up children enrolled in our after school programs unless parent's notify us otherwise. Please have a plan to pick up your children in the event that road conditions force us to close early as we will need to get our staff home safely as well. Thank you. Feel free to call the school at 972-837-2332 if you have questions or concerns.

Yes, we have some openings!

2009-01-16T08:13:00.002-06:00

Attention families of Kid's Casa:
We have been receiving calls from you since early this morning. We have a limited number of openings and we are prepared to welcome your children into our program. Come by today and tour our buildings, meet our team and pre-register. For more info, call 972-837-2332.

Indoor Playground Update

2008-12-27T21:26:00.000-06:00

Last week, the state came to inspect our new indoor playground. Although the equipment exceeded all of the safety guidelines required, TDPFS has issued a new regulation that prohibits children under the age of 5 years from playing on self-contained soft play structures located inside state regulated schools. Of course, no one was aware of this new rule since it is not located in print ANYWHERE... including our minimum standards handbook or the TDPFS childcare regulations website. However, I have been told that it is a new ruling and all schools that have these types of structures are being notified of the new regulations and they are not being granted and tme to comply. In fact, failure to comply will lead to having your variance to use the equipment rescinded and the state will require the equipment be removed. I have been all over the net looking for data to support this decision. The only study that I can find relating to this type of equipment was done in 1995. During the 6 month research period, there were 17 injuries and 1 death reported. Of course, the death and the majority of the injuries were sustained in ball pits. We all know the dangers of ball pits now and most retail establishments with these structure have removed those elements. Here is the link. http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/FOIA/foia02/os/scpe.PDF Please forward me any additional information that you may have. Conversly, the data that I have collected regarding injuries and deaths on outdoor play equipment is staggering. In 2004, over 200,ooo children were treated for injuries sustained on playground equipment. The majority resulted from falls. That is the benefit of self-contained play equipment.... low fall zones, ours are less that 2 feet. I have included another link. http://www.kdheks.gov/safekids/downloads/factsheets/Playground.pdf Of course, everything is as safe as you make it, supervision is the key!

Aguirre Family Fund Info

2008-12-19T04:53:00.000-06:00

Aguirre Fund Established At Melissa Bank
Early on the morning of Wednesday, December 17th, we as a community began to receive the regretful news that a beloved Melissa family was involved in a fatal car accident south of Dallas on Tuesday morning. More specifically, Stephanie Aguirre, a fifth grade student enrolled at Melissa Ridge Intermediate School, did not survive the accident. Stephanie's younger sister and father also sustained serious injury and remain under the watchful care of physicians in two separate local hospitals. Predictably, as word began to spread, the caring and supportive nature of the individual residents who comprise our community began to emerge. As a result, you may want to be aware that a support fund has been established for the Aguirre family at the Melissa branch of First National Bank of Trenton. Bank location and contact information is as follows:
1308 South Highway 121
Melissa, TX 75454
972-837-2800
For specific information about the fund or to learn more about how you may contribute, please contact bank staff directly at the phone number listed above.

UPDATE ON WEATHER 12/17

2008-12-17T05:01:00.000-06:00

As of 5 am, it looks like we are going to be on time. Be careful on the roads this morning... there is still ice. Our parking lot is also very slick. See you soon, Danielle

Weather Info for 12/17/08

2008-12-16T20:44:00.000-06:00

I have already had several calls from concerned parents regarding the weather and possible delays or closings for tomorrow. Currently, a few of the local districts near Melissa have already scheduled delays. Unless the weather becomes dangerously severe, Mudpies will operate tomorrow, even if MISD chooses to close. If the ISD delays start or cancels classes, we will plan to open at 8:30 inorder to give our staff ample time to arrive safely. If school is closed, we will offer a full day drop in for school age kids. Please understand that schedules, class sizes and activities may change if we open in inclement weather. Obviously, we would experience some shortage of staff and may need to adjust accordingly, but we will be here for you. If MISD opens late and your child is enrolled in before-school care, you may bring them when we open and we will get them to school. If they are not enrolled in that program, talk to the director on duty to see if there is space for a drop in.

Staff: In the event of an ISD delay or closing and ypu are scheduled prior to 8:30, please report at 8:30. If you are scheduled to arrive later, plan to arrive at your scheduled time. If you are unable to report to work for any reason, it is your responsibility to contact Danielle or Lori at least 2 hours before you are scheduled to arrive.

Keep watching the blog for updates.... hopefully this will all clear up tonight and we can open on time. Thanks for your patience and understanding. We know that we have the very best families at Mudpies!

Melisa ISD CLOSED

2008-12-16T08:09:00.000-06:00

Based upon a re-evaluation of current weather reports and road conditions this morning, please be advised that Melissa ISD has determined that school will be closed on Tuesday, December 16, 2008. I accordance with the ISD decision to cancel classes, Mudpies will close as well. Normal hours will resume on Wednesday, December 17, 2008. See you tomorrow!

Updated Weather Information 5:30 AM

2008-12-16T05:32:00.000-06:00

Based upon current weather reports and road conditions, please be advised that Mudpies & Lullabies will open at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, in accordance with Melissa ISD. The district plans to re-evaluated conditions at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning. If continued inclement weather results in the need to close school for the day, parents and staff will be notified via this blog.

As of 5AM, the roads were very icy, especially our parking lot (I got some skating practice for the school age field trip to the ice rink). If you do decide to venture out early this morning, please use extreme caution.... North Texans don't know how to drive on ice!!!!!

All staff that is scheduled before 9:30 AM should report to work at that time. We will offer a bus run to MISD for staff children and children who are already registered for MISD before school care.

Weather Delay 12-16-2008

2008-12-15T22:47:00.000-06:00

As of right now, 10:45 pm, MISD is delayed 2 hours, with McKillop students starting school at 9:45 AM. Mudpies will plan to open at 9:30 AM. If weather conditions worsen, please check the blog for additional updates.

Our playground is complete!

2008-12-15T19:35:00.000-06:00

Make sure you come by to check out what all the buzz is about.... the playground is complete in the multipurpose room of building two. We are awaiting inspection from the state and it will be ready for the eager kids who have watched it go up over the last two weeks. Not only will your kids have a great new indoor play area to use in inclement weather, but you can also schedule your child's next birthday part in the only indoor play facility in the area. We have several party packages for you to choose from and we are offering a discount for currently enrolled families. See Danielle for more information!

Watch for Weather Updates

2008-12-15T11:53:00.000-06:00

Keep checking back to see if we are closing or delaying opening due to the weather.

Why we created this Blog...

2008-11-28T20:26:00.000-06:00

We created this Blog as a way to share information with the families enrolled at Mudpies. The type of information that you will find here would include reminders about upcoming events, weather related closings and general school information. No specific student information or pictures will be posted on this site. Please sign up to follow this Blog so you don't miss out on any important news.