September Newsletter 2026
Teri Ann Cox
Executive Director of The Children’s Center
Dear Center and Magic Moment Families,
Just like all the kids starting a new school year and learning new things, fall presents us with opportunities to learn about different things too. For example, did you know that September is National Courtesy Month?
I learned several years ago that a courtesy campaign was first launched in 1979 by the Ministry of Culture in Singapore. Each year the campaign grew, becoming a global event. Eventually, it was added to our national calendar. The word “courteous” comes from the Middle English word “kindness,” which means “noble deeds” or “courtesy.”
How appropriate, as we kick off the new school year teaching our program wide expectations known as the “4 Bs” (Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Kind). Our teaching methods work best when childcare professionals effectively model these behaviors themselves, and in turn compliment young children and students who follow their examples. We work hard to teach these expectations in the classrooms and reinforce our “rules” in the hallways and on the playground. We especially encourage children to be kind and care for each other every day because kindness is one of the most significant contributors to positive environments.
I was sad to learn about Dolly Parton’s recent death. She lived a big life. In addition to her music flooding the airwaves, social media was immediately inundated with many of her inspiring quotes. One that I particularly appreciate is, “Maybe the world doesn’t need more people arguing about who’s right. Maybe it just needs more people choosing to be kind.”
Every day, the children in our lives are learning how to be in this world. They are watching and they are listening. Our actions teach…our words matter. We have and make choices…every day. With Dolly’s reminder, I plan to choose kind.
Please join me and the team in creating a center…a community…and a world filled with courtesy and more kindness!
With warm regards,
Teri Ann