Preschool Newsletter
May 2026 Updates
Welcome to the KESD Early Childhood Team Newsletter!
We hope you find it both informational and fun!
The Early Childhood Team (in no special order):
- Carla Ciardelli, Early Childhood Program Coordinator
- Zohara Zarfati, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
- Tracy Towle, PreK Special Educator
- Maureen McNally, PreK Special Educator
If you are interested in a special topic, have a question, or would like to share something, please email Zohara Zarfati, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator at zzarfati@kingdomeast.org.
Note: Please make sure to include "for newsletter" in the Subject line of the email.
Things to Do
May 2026 KESD Preschool & Kindergarten Roundup
Give your child a strong, joyful start to their educational journey with Kingdom East School District’s Preschool and Kindergarten Roundup. This is an opportunity for families to learn about programs, meet school staff, and take the first steps toward enrollment in a supportive, engaging learning environment. Whether your child is ready for preschool or kindergarten, our schools are here to help them grow, explore, and thrive from day one.
Please contact the appropriate school to schedule a visit using the contact details and registration links in the PDF linked below:
Did you know?
Monthly Topic: Movement and Self-Regulation
Hiking serves as a powerful, natural self-regulation tool for preschoolers by engaging their senses, improving mood through physical activity, and reducing stress hormones.
To read more about how outdoor activities are therapeutic for kids click here.
Toy, Game or App of the Month
Monthly Topic: Movement and Self-Regulation
The following are some good games for teaching self regulations:
Red Light green Light
Music chairs
Freeze-Go (using a verbal command or a motion up/down with a flag)
Simon Says
Gross & Fine Motor Skills
We received a request from a parent to include hiking and outdoor opportunities appropriate for preschool age children. Below is an initial list to explore once the weather cooperates and the ground dries out:
Top Preschool Nature Trails & Hikes in the NEK
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT): Highly suitable for young children, offering a flat, smooth, and scenic path suitable for walking or biking.
Owls Head Trail (Groton State Forest): A short 10-minute walk leads to lovely, scenic views, perfect for quick, easy hikes.
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge (Jefferson): Offers a 1.6-mile, fully accessible boardwalk through wetlands with excellent wildlife viewing.
Brighton State Park: Offers short and easy hiking trails that are perfect for young families and accessible through Trail Finder.
Green Mountain Club: suggested kid friendly hikes
Kettle Pond State Park: Features a gentle loop trail, ideal for a short, accessible, and enjoyable nature walk.
Kingdom Trails: East Burke area offers various gentle, kid-friendly walking trails.
Dog Mountain: Near St. Johnsbury, offers easy walking paths, art, and plenty of room to roam.
VINS Nature Center: Features a short, accessible boardwalk and trails, which are wonderful for young children to explore nature.
Communication Skills
One of the skills we can encourage is communication and conversation skills. The beauty of working with your child on those ever growing skills is that they can be encouraged anywhere. Here is a short article with good pointers:
Food & Nourishment
Monthly Topic: Movement and Self-Regulation
Working in the kitchen is one of the best areas to help children enhance self-regulation and following direction. Since there is a clear “reward” at the end of the activity, working in the kitchen tends to be a child favorite activity. Here are two ideas for healthy recipes that your preschooler may enjoy working on. The PB roll-up has an immediate reward and the popsicles will help your child work on more complex processes and wait time:
PB & Jam Rollup
Traffic Light Popsicles
Movement & Sensory Seeking
Monthly Topic: Movement and Self-Regulation
Learn why more movement = a calmer child
Student Services
What if my child needs help? (EST and IEP Process)
If your have concerns about your child’s development please contact their teacher to discuss your concerns. It is recommended to explore strategies and plan a course of action together. When in doubt, feel free to contact Carla Ciardelli cciardelli@kingdomeast.org or Zohara Zarfati zzarfati@kingdomeast.org
Photo Gallery
If you would like to share a special activity of your students, please email Zohara Zarfati, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator at zzarfati@kingdomeast.org.
2025-2026 School Calendar
Below you will find the Kingdom East school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.
Visit the Early Childhood Education Page On Our Website!
To see all Early Childhood Education newsletters please click the link below to visit the Early Childhood Education page on the Kingdom East website.