These donuts (or doughnuts, if you prefer) are quickly thrown together when using refrigerated biscuit dough, and then topped with my favorite strawberry cream cheese frosting.
Let’s talk. I’m up at 2:30 AM writing this post because I can not sleep. For the life of me, I cannot rest after waking up in panic thinking about sending Judah off to preschool in two weeks. All of these questions keep popping up in my head: “What do I need to pack for him?” “Does he need new shoes?” “Where do I go to drop him off?” “Will he get a snack there or go hungry?” “How do I know they won’t accidentally send him off with a stranger after school!?!?”
And the list goes on.
Here’s the problem. As much as this certain preschool came highly recommended, I’ve been a bit disappointed in it already. The director hasn’t been clear to first time moms about how it all works. She has sent us communication via mail and email, but it all included just the basics of “School’s starting soon! Remember, we’re taking your money soon and, oh yeah, don’t forget your Immunization 121 form!” The what??
We’re also on the waiting list for the MWF class (currently enrolled in T/Th). When we signed up, I was told we were #5 on the waiting list, but to expect to make it into the MWF class anyway. But, I haven’t heard a thing.
So, I sent the preschool director an email.
I didn’t hear back from her for a week. And, weird, it was a Sunday.
In my email to her, I explained that we were going on a trip so I would be missing the “meet the teacher” day and Judah would miss the first day of school (which is the only day parents can park and walk their kids in). Then, I asked her three simple questions: “When can I meet the teacher?” “Can I walk Judah in on his first day, still?” “Have we moved up on the waiting list?”
She only clearly answered one of my questions. “There have been no changes in the MWF list. I’ll let his teacher know he’ll be out of town. Stop by the office on his first day to fill out the paperwork.”
I guess this means I can walk him in on his first day? And, I’ll get to meet his teacher when I stop by the office to fill out the paperwork? Ugh. I just don’t know.
Ok, experienced school moms, help me out on this one. How do I interpret this?
I appreciate your help. Have a donut, on me. 🙂
Strawberry Cream Donuts
Ingredients
- 4 large whole strawberries
- 4 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits dough
- Frying oil (I use vegetable oil)
- Additional sliced strawberries for garnish
Instructions
-
Place the 4 strawberries in a blender and process until blended into a puree. Strain and push through a mesh strainer and into a small bowl to remove the seeds. Set aside.
-
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until somewhat combined. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the strawberry puree. Once all of the puree is added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Set the icing aside.
-
In a heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven, heat at least 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees F. Separate the biscuit dough and place on a cutting board. Using a small biscuit cutter or the cap from a 2-liter bottle, cut out the center of the biscuits and reserve the donut holes.
-
Place 2-3 donuts into the hot oil and fry until one side is golden brown, then carefully flip with tongs and fry the other side until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes each side. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel lined plate. You can fry the donut holes, too.
-
Once the donuts are slightly cooled enough to handle, spread about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry icing on top of each one. Garnish with sliced strawberries. Enjoy immediately!
These donuts look so yummy and easy!
I’m no help with the preschool thing but I often get emails returned with 1 out of 3 questions answered and find it really annoying. I understand people are busy and all that but when it comes to parents’ concerns… you’d think that they’d take more time to at least answer the questions!
Anyway, I hope things will work out and that Judah will love his new preschool. 🙂
And I hope you’re sleeping now! I just saw your tweet and wondered what you were doing up so early.
I’m so sorry that this is tr experience you are having with pre-school. 🙁 It is so frustrating when you feel like you’re not being taken care of. While the director doesn’t seem to be handling this well, nothing sounds wrong. Can you directly contact the teacher? I have a feeling your experience will be better with her. (I have been a teacher at a private school for several years, working with pre-K, first grade, and second grade. Staff should be more sensitive to first-time parents.)
These are straight up filled with goodness! Such a pretty donut!
Breathe, it’s going to be okay! I know it’s confusing and scary but it sounds like you can go in and observe/meet on that day. And you can demand that. There is no reason you shouldn’t meet your childs teacher!!!
And that’s one beautiful donut!!
I have no idea, but I hate when people don’t answer all the dang questions. Especially when it’s a concerned mama. 🙁 Annoying.
Judah will be fine though. He will end up having a great time, even if it is an adjustment at first. Jon David never did preschool, just went straight to kindergarten, and I ended up wishing he had. Would’ve made the transition easier for both of us.
These donuts are just gorgeous!! I need a few this morning 🙂
I would definitely walk him to school on his first day. If someone tries to stop you, be firm that since it’s HIS first day, you’re going. Not rude. Just matter of fact. That’s definitely when you’ll meet the teacher and ask about any class rules you should be aware of. Example: in my daughter’s 2yo class, it was fine to bring a toy from home in addition to her nap lovey. But they discourage that in the 3yo class. Which is fine but it needs to be something you can address beforehand instead of telling him he can bring a lovey and then getting to the door and being told no. When you fill out the paperwork in the office, rediscuss the conversation you had about the MWF schedule and just keep asking about it a couple times a week.
The best advice I can give to any daycare mom is to become friends with the staff. All of them. They will be more willing to go the extra mile for you. Bringing them breakfast and other treats is a good way to get off on the right foot. Ask about their families and lives. My daycare is like family now (we’ve been there 2 years). I know my daughter is in extremely good hands but it was not an overnight process. Trust you have made the right decision for him! He will flourish because of it. 🙂
It is stressful when your questions are not answered, especially when this is your first little one going off to school. I have three boys who are almost grown and if it were me, I would just go in a little extra early to allow plenty of time to fill out forms and time to meet his teacher. My experience with preschool teachers is they are wonderful kind people who know how to engage preschoolers and will take good care of your little boy! If there is a website for your preschool, I would also see if there is a direct email for the teacher and try that route. My experience has been with our boys is they always have snack. If you know any other little kids going at the same time, you could check with their mom when you get home to see what they learned about how things work, as well. Good Luck and enjoy the ride of raising kids-it goes oh so quick!
As a school employee and also as the parent of early elementary and preschool kids, I’d say you might be better off telling the school what your expectations are rather than asking (i.e. “I will be walking my son in on his first day, since we had to miss the first day for the other students.”). It’s not my nature to be confrontational or to ask for special treatment, but I think that school employees (probably myself included) sometimes don’t realize all the special circumstances that could be factors in each situation. And perhaps a similar tactic would work for meeting the teacher. Don’t ask when, just tell the director a time that suits you and say you’ll do the paperwork and meet the teacher then. She can then offer alternatives if that doesn’t work. I wouldn’t be too put off yet- not everyone is as nervous as you and I seem to be about such things. 🙂 Assume the best until you have something more concrete. You picked this school for many good reasons, I’m sure. Good luck!
I interpret this as she did not communicate very clearly. Ugh. I hate not knowing what’s going on! I’d just walk him in and meet her then. If they don’t like it, they will just have to deal with it!
These donuts are frighteningly delicious looking. I made fried biscuit donuts yesterday, but they were woefully lacking in the strawberry and frosting department.
These donuts look so addictive!!
🙁 Sorry you’re having a hard time. i’m dreaming that day because I know E will not do well. She’s always so timid in new situations. i’m already dreading it. I’m sure Judah will do great though — he seems so outgoing. He’ll love it! Hope you get your questions answered though.
Hey, Nikki! I’m Karen C.’s mom. I’ve worked at a church preschool for over 15 years so maybe I can help you out with some of your questions. (By the way, so glad Karen told me about your blog — I really enjoy it!) If it’s a church preschool, getting an answer on Sunday is not weird — she probably had not been in the office all week and stopped by after church to check emails. (Preschool staff work in the summers, but not everyday 🙂 ) At this time of year, everyone who is on the waiting list for different days starts asking if they’ve moved up. If this preschool is anything like mine, we let people know as soon as possible when they have a spot, but we don’t just call and say, “Hey, you’ve moved up on the list” because nothing may come of it.
I’m sure they will let you meet the teacher. From the director’s answer, it sounds like she expects you to walk him in the first day he comes. As someone else said in another comment, maybe she just didn’t communicate her thoughts very well.
I’m sure Judah will have a great time in preschool and you’ll be an old pro dropping him off and enjoying your few hours of semi-peace with only Simon to attend very soon! Hope this helps a little.
(By the way, if you haven’t figured out the Immunization 121 form, it’s probably the form from his pediatrician showing what vaccines he’s had — different state than mine so not positive.)
Hi Mom (& Nikki),
Yes, the 121 is the vaccine form. At Alexa’s school we can go visit whenever, but if its the standard dropoff/pickup time they have a policy in place for the “car line” so they can get everyone in and out of there efficiently. See you after Africa!
Mmmm how good are the buttermilk biscuits in fried form! I need some now!
Hey,
Love your posts – food and family both!!!
As a preschool teacher for 20 years – i would say proceed with caution. Communication is a key skill for a preschool director. She?he should be able to get and receive info from parents and teachers.First time families should receive a huge packet of info. And there should be a parent handbook that clearly outlines rules, concerns and advise.
Is the school state and national accredited? NAEYC – national association for the education of the young child requires these items.
Good luck and ask all the questions you need to to feel comfortable.
Can you schedule a meeting with the director? Sometimes it can be hard to communicate through email. You have a better chance of getting all your questions answered in person. I hope you get some answers! I’m sure he will love school!
We just moved to a new state this summer and we wanted to get our kids into a small school that is in high demand. I sent emails, made 52 phone calls and it finally came down to showing up in person to get it done. It is such a fine line between being persistent and driving people crazy. I hope it works out for you and your sweet little man!
Hi, I’m Gina, have 2teens and a 5yr old one, I’ll say you just go and walk up your kid to his classroom and normally the first couple of weeks of the school year is like that a lot moms will do that, don’t worry he will be ok and you too! Cheers ……Gina
Oh, the way to my heart is donuts 🙂 this one is so perfect!
I used to teach preschool–I majored in elementary Ed with a minor in early childhood.
This doesn’t sound like a preschool that should have come highly recommended.
You are not asking for anything unusual. Every mother has those concerns and most schools address those at the parent meeting. You should also get a call from your child’s teacher to answer any questions you have. I would look for another preschool.
This is a a sign that the school is disorganized.