Preschool Press

Parent Teacher Conferences and Book Fair from 8 am - 8 pm

Parent Teacher Conferences and Book Fair from 8 am - 12 pm

Columbus Day

For new students, students who were absent on picture day, or families who would like a retake.

AM classes DISMISS EARLY at 10:25 AM

If your child rides the bus home from our morning session, drop off at your home or child care will be 25 minutes early.

PM classes START EARLY at 11:25 AM and DISMISS EARLY at 1:30 PM

If your child rides the bus to school for our afternoon session, pick up will be 25 minutes early from your home or child care and the bus at the end of the day from Haines Center will drop off 50 minutes earlier.

Nov 24-26: Non Attendance Days (Offices Open)

Nov 27-28: Thanksgiving Break

On Friday, October 3, students and staff will vote to choose a name for our Firefly mascot. The two choices are Lumi and Twinkle.

We’ll share the winning name next week!

Halloween is an exciting time for many children and families. We also know that changes in routine, like special days at school, can sometimes feel overwhelming for some students.

With that in mind, students are welcome to wear a costume to school on Friday, October 31st, if they would like. Costumes are optional — it’s just fine if your child prefers not to dress up.

If your child chooses to wear a costume, please follow these guidelines:

• No full-face masks

• No weapons or weapon-like items

• Costumes should be safe and easy to move around in at school

Teachers will continue with the regular daily schedule, with some fun Halloween-themed stories, songs, or activities mixed in. Our goal is to keep the day calm and comfortable for all students.

Please note:

• We will not be hosting parties or a building-wide parade

• Please do not send any food, candy, or party items with your child

If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the D303 Early Childhood Office at Haines. Thank-you for your support of these guidelines.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the D303 Early Childhood Office at Haines.

Parent/Teacher conference appointment scheduling will open Friday September 26 at 8 am. Sign up will close on Monday, October 6 at 11:59 PM. Our goal is to meet with each family to partner on behalf of each child attending Haines Center.

It is not necessary for your child(ren) to attend. If you are not able to arrange child care we would still like you to participate. We would rather you bring your child(ren) with you so we have the opportunity to partner with you.

If transportation is a barrier to attending a parent/teacher conference please notify Tricia Sabathne, Child and Family Educator (CAFE) as soon as possible: tricia.sabathne@d303.org OR 331-228-572

For other accommodations needed for a successful parent/teacher conference, including an interpreter, please contact your child's teacher as soon as possible so we can make the appropriate arrangements for your appointment.

Want to support your child’s social-emotional growth at home? Here are a few simple ideas that connect with what we’re doing in the classroom:

• Use a feelings chart or routine chart to help your child name emotions and know what to expect.

• Read books about feelings and talk about how characters handle big emotions.

• Practice calm-down strategies together, like deep breathing, counting, or creating a “calm corner.”

• Give small choices or responsibilities to build independence.

• Praise their efforts: “You stayed calm and asked for help — great job!”

• Use familiar school language, like ““It looks like you are in the red zone right now. Your face looks scrunched up and your fists are clenched.”

If you’d like any charts, visuals, or tools to use at home, just let us know — we're happy to work together with you.

Our upcoming parent-teacher conferences are a great time to talk about what’s working for your child and share ideas — both yours and ours — to help them keep growing and thriving.

Our multilingual learners are learning more than one language. Did you know we have over 20 languages spoken in the homes of our students? It is something worth celebrating, as being multilingual has numerous benefits. It is important to note that the understanding and use of a child's first, or home, language is the first step in acquiring English proficiency and English literacy skills. If you have a multilingual learner in your home, keep reading, speaking, and writing in their first, or home, language.

Our students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) receive the supports as outlined on their IEP. Your child's teacher is the main point of contact to talk to about your child's IEP. If you are wondering about your child's development and they don't receive special education (IEP) parent/teacher conferences are a great time to discuss this with your child's teacher.

Please make sure your child has at least one emergency contact in Home Access Center in case we can't reach you during an emergency. If you don’t have someone other than the parent/guardian to list, contact Tricia Sabathne, the Child and Family Educator, to discuss options. You can reach her at tricia.sabathne@d303.org or 331-228-5727.

If you've never used the Home Access Center (HAC), please email grace.patel@d303.org OR call our main office at 331-228-3400 (press 1) to get your username and password. For Early Childhood families, these accounts have already been set up for you.

If you have access to the Home Access Center (HAC), you can view this information there. Please check that the details are correct.

After viewing your child's information in HAC, if you need to add any emergency contacts, or they need to be corrected, please email grace.patel@d303.org OR call our main office at 331-228-3400 (press 1)

Some of our surveys are still open, and we’d love for you to fill them out if you haven’t already.

Who can help me fill out a form?

Tricia Sabathne (English), 331-228-5727, tricia.sabathne@d303.org

Alejandra Padilla (Spanish), 331-228-5340, alejandra.padilla@d303.org

Why should I fill this out?

To provide input about the opportunities for family engagement and education we offer this year at the Haines Center.

When should I fill this out?

Soon to help us plan. The form will be open all year, however.

Why should I fill this out?

To volunteer to help at our Book Fair in early October, join the Family School Council (monthly starting in October), or the Mascot Name Selection Committee (September).

When should I fill this out?

Soon if you are ready to volunteer and join

Volunteers needed! The staff would like help with various tasks including cutting, laminating, copying, etc. If you are able to come to the school and volunteer your time the staff would greatly appreciate it! Please fill out the google spreadsheet with your name on the time(s) you are able to help.

To report a student absence:

• Main Haines building number- 331-228-3400
• Press 1 for the Early Childhood Center
• Press 1 for the Attendance line
• Clearly state your child's name and the reason for their absence.
• If you do not provide a reason for their absence OR do not call the absence will be unexcused.

Bus riders: There is no need to call transportation to report an absence. Drivers stop at each designated stop even when children are absent to stay on schedule for the rest of the route.

Click here for more information about Student Library Cards offered by the St. Charles Public Library.

Playgroups at our Haines Family Resource Center offer children, ages 0-5, and a caregiver a safe, quality, and educational play opportunity. Connect with other caregivers (parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc.) to share experiences, learn from each other, and build social networks.

Sessions:

• 9:35 - 10:35 am
• 12:05 - 1:05 pm (Spanish speaking families)
• 1:05 - 2:05 pm

**There is no fee for this program. Playgroups meet every Monday school is in session. Once you are registered you can attend whenever it works for you.

Applications are now being accepted for D303's Preschool for All Program, which is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education, for the 2025-2026 school years. The program is for chidlren ages 3-5 who are not yet eligible for Kindergarten and provides a school experience at the Haines Center. Children are eligible based on factors such as developmental delays, low income, homelessness, having a parent or sibling with a disability, parent education level, or a non-English speaking household, among others.

Phone: 331-228-4834 for more information

Spanish translators will be available to assist parents.

Website: https://ec.d303.org/
Location: 305 S 9th St, St Charles, IL 60174
Phone: 331-228-3400, Press 1 for Early Childhood