December ELC Newsletter

December is here! What an exciting month as we gear up for winter weather (hello snow), winter festivities and winter break. November was eventful with a field trip, all school assembly, family engagement opportunities and most importantly, a lot of PLAY. We took advantage of the beautiful fall weather with nature walks, outdoor playground play, and an impromptu field trip to watch construction workers pour a concrete parking lot. We held our Parent/ Teacher Conferences and Home Visits this month. We enjoy the time spend with our ELC families. It is SO important to create a strong partnership to help better support our students. As we shift into December, we will fill our days with active, imaginative and meaningful play. There is somethng about the month of December that feels a little bit magical.

We use Creative Curriuclum at the Early Learning Center to enhance the Current Studies that the children choose to learn about. Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features inquiry, exploration, and discovery as the foundation of all learning. Children have opportunities to think critically and develop process skills with rich, hands-on investigations of relevant and interesting study topics in the classroom.

During our studies, or long-term investigations, children learn concepts and practice skills related to literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts. They develop thinking skills as they observe, investigate, ask questions, solve problems, make predictions, and test their ideas.We are currently finishing up our last series of Studies and moving on to some new and exciting topics of interest!

Ms. Reyes, Ms. Cardozo, Ms. Linnenburger, Ms. Webster, and Ms. Fisher's class all took advantage of the Fall leaves and great weather to learn about Trees. The students investigated, explored, asked questions, read books, and used tree related items for imaginative play. The kids even created their own "camp fire" with s'mores!

Ms. Burns and Ms. Griffith's classrooms are completing their Road studies. They investigated different types of roads, what and who drives on roads, what traffic signs represent, how roads are made, etc. The topics are endless! They engaged in play by creating a drive thru restaurant and an auto shop. They even created their own vehilces to drive on the roads to get them there! Both classrooms also learned about the roads and symbols on maps. They also created their own maps with important landmarks to them.

Ms. Vallejo's class learned about cameras. They all became experts in taking pictures, posing for pictures, learning about the different parts of a camera, what the difference is between a camera and a video, and they were lucky enough to get a sneak peak at some of the equipment used on school picture day! The students also created a gallery wall of images they took themselves.

Preschool winter activities can include both indoor and outdoor options like building a real snowman, creating indoor snowmen out of materials like playdough or cotton balls, and doing winter themed art projects such as painting with ice or making paper snowflakes. Reading winter-themed books and singing songs are also great ways to engage preschoolers. Enjoy this time together and have some fun making memories!

Thank you ELC families for coming to our Play dough Playgroup. We had so much fun creating with you. Our next play group will be held in January. Date and time will be determined.

Home visits promote healthy child development and school readiness. It is required to have one home visit per school year.

Please join us for this great opportunity! Many parents have requested more infomation to help their child's over all well being. This workshop will be informative and hands on. Dinner, childcare, and a giveaway basket will be included. You won't want to miss out!

In this book study, “Empowering Your Child to Fly: A Family’s Guide to Early Childhood Inclusion” by Jani Kozlowski, family members of children with disabilities will have the chance to dive into topics about the importance of inclusion in early childhood education. Each participant will receive a copy of the book and through readings and group discussions will gain better understanding of ways to support their child through his or her educational journey!

• Meeting 1 (online)
  January 16, 2026
  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
• Meeting 2 (online)
  January 30, 2026
  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
• Meeting 3 (online)
  February 13, 2026
  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

https://starnet.org/home/events/2624-book-study-empowering-your-child-to-fly/

We need.... YOU!

If your family's SNAP benefits are being affected by the current government shutdown, please click the image below. This resource guide will provide local area food pantries that you are able to access if need be.

If you are experiencing a hardship or need a little extra help, please email tschofield@emsd37.org.

Our school implements The Pyramid Model, a framework for supporting the social and emotional development of our children. An important part of our Pyramid Model work includes supporting families and sharing information about promoting social and emotional skills at home.

Teachers are currently focusing on teaching very specific friendship skills such as asking to play, taking turns, using gentle hands and managing emotions, to help children become "Super Friends." Children who demonstrate these discrete friendship skills in preschool tend to have better peer acceptance and friendships, fewer behavior problems, and stronger early academic outcomes. Families can also use this scripted story at home to reinforce these important skills, as well. Let your child know when you notice them being a super friend by using positive descriptive feedback, "You took turns with ____ and you both got to play with the car. Way to be a super friend!"

📚🎒 Looking for local community events and activities? The EMSD Digital Backpack is your go-to spot for community happenings!

Click the QR code to view this month's breakfast and lunch menus

Click the image if your child is in need of a coat. The ELC has partnered with the East Moline Rotary Club to provide coats for our students. Supplies may be limited.

Dates to Remember

Tuesday, Dec. 9th- Conscious Discipline Family Workshop @ ELC

Monday, Dec.15th- Winter Spirit Week *stay tuned for more info*

Wednesday, Dec.17th- Winter Festival for half day sessions

Thursday, Dec.18th- Winter Festival for full day session

Friday, Dec.19th- Movie Day

Monday, Dec. 22nd- Jan. 2nd- Winter Break *School Resumes Jan. 3rd*

Save the Date... Our Winter Festivals are here! Join us for a classroom read aloud, cookie decorating and a concert. In lieu of a traditional performance we are having a concert performed by Ms. Eli. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

• For HALF-DAY Classrooms, the Winter Festival will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 17th.
• Morning session will be from 10:00- 11:15 a.m.
• Afternoon session will be from 2:00- 3:15 p.m.
• For FULL-DAY Classrooms, the Winter Festival will be held on Thursday, Dec 18th from 2:00- 3:15 p.m.

Please note: Doors will open 30 minutes before the event; please make sure to bring an ID for check-in.

Do you have younger children? Bring them in for a developmental check-up! Open to EMSD residents with children aged 0-5 years old. Call Lindsay to schedule an appointment for a screening. Currently enrolled students do not need to be screened.

Important contacts:

Main Office: 309-865-6900

Lindsay Hill, Secretary (lhill@emsd37.org)

Tara Schofield, Family Educator (tschofield@emsd37.org)

Melissa McCullough, Principal (mmccullough@emsd37.org)