The Shining Star

Dear Staff and Families,

Welcome to the Early Childhood Center and the 2025–2026 school year! I hope you all enjoyed a restful summer filled with fun, learning, and time with loved ones. We are so excited to open our doors once again and welcome both familiar faces and new friends into our school community.

At the heart of our Pre-K program is the belief that children learn best through curiosity, play, and strong relationships. This year, we look forward to continuing to nurture each child’s growth—socially, emotionally, and academically—while building a strong partnership with families.

To our staff: thank you for your dedication, creativity, and commitment to our youngest learners. Your passion lights the way for our little stars as they begin their educational journey.

To our families: we are grateful for your trust and partnership. We believe that open communication and collaboration between home and school create the foundation for your child’s success. Together, we will make this year a joyful and meaningful experience.

As we begin the year, you can expect regular updates, opportunities to engage in classroom activities, and family events that celebrate our children’s growth and accomplishments. We encourage you to reach out at any time with questions, ideas, or concerns.

Warmly,

Penny Ann Manteria

Reminders of Upcoming Events:

• August 25th, 2025, 6-7 PM Kindergarten Transportation Night. McCarthy Transportation will be onsite in the Quarry Hill gymnasium. Kindergarten students will meet their driver and be able to go on a bus ride. Please enter through the Quarry Hill Pool Doors.

• Kindergarten Transportation Night flyer

• August 27th 2-3 PM, Prek and K : Please join us for popsicles on the playground. Please park in the front of the school and walk to the playground in front.

• Popsicles on the playground flyer

• August 27-29th, 2025, Kindergarten (Only) Meet and Greets will be scheduled individually via email You should have received an email from Monica Jurczyk at jurczykm@monschoolschools.com to schedule your individual meet and greet.

• August 28th and 29th Open House Dates Prek (Only): Thursday, August 28th from 12:30-2:30 OR Friday, August 29th from 9:30-11:30

• September 2, 2025, First Day of School for all Prek and K students 2025-2026 District Calendar (15) (1).pdf

• Reminder to sign up for class dojo with your classroom teacher for continued communication

• Car Line Procedures
  Car line will take place in the front of the school at 8:40 AM for Arrival and Dismissal will be at either 1 PM or 3 PM. Please remain in a single line at the front of the building until you are called to move forward into the circle.

  • Parents should stay in their cars at all times.

  • Please have students practice in getting in and out of the car independently

  • A staff member will walk students safely into the building.

  • For everyone’s safety, please remain in the line and exit in order—do not pull around other cars.

  Thank you for your cooperation in keeping arrival safe and smooth for all of our students!

Join Our School Council!
We are looking for parent volunteers to join our School Council this year. The council is an important part of our school community—it provides a space for parents, staff, and administration to work together, share ideas, and support the success of all our students.

If you are interested in being part of the council, please sign up by emailing manteriap@monsonschools.com by September 15, 2025. Meetings are held once per month on Wednesdays from 5-6 PM ( prior to PTSA meetings)

Your voice matters, and we would love to have your input on our school’s goals and initiatives!

Our PTSA will meet on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:00–7:00 PM in the ECC Library. The first one will be on Wednesday, September 3rd.

We welcome all families to join us—your involvement helps strengthen our school community and supports opportunities for our students. We hope to see you there!

Penny Ann Manteria, Principal

Early Childhood Center at Quarry Hill

43 Margaret Street

Monson, MA 01057

Manteriap@monsonschools.com

413-267-4160 x5

"Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together make this world a beautiful garden." – Unknown