Bright Futures
April 2026 Newsletter

Mark Your Calendar
April
03- No School
06- No School
07- Miles of Smiles
08- Miles of Smiles
10- WOYC Kick-Off Parade
13- Board Meeting 7 pm.
14 - FREE Science Night @ Discovery Depot 5:30 -7:00
15- Online Registration opens for the 2026-2027 school year
17- No Bright Futures - Screening Day
21- 5:30 Kindergarten Open House @ King, Silas and Steele
29 - No Bright Futures - ECE Day
Daily Schedule
5 Essentials Survey
Your Feedback Matters
We invite parents and guardians to complete the Illinois 5Essentials Survey. Your feedback helps us strengthen family–school partnerships and continue improving our preschool program. The survey is confidential, and your voice truly matters. Thank you for your support!
Preparing for the 2026–2027 School Year
Outgoing Students - Going to Kindergarten
Mark Your Calendar! Kindergarten Orientation will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at your child’s assigned Kindergarten building. This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your little ones to get acquainted with what lies ahead. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more exciting details coming soon! We can't wait to see you there!
In addition to the family Kick-Off to Kindergarten on April 21, our outgoing preschool students will visit their elementary schools as a class. Information is provided below. Please note, this event happens during the school day, and parents do not attend.
Returning Preschool Students
If your child will be returning to Bright Futures next year, they do not need to be rescreened. Their enrollment is secure for the 2026–2027 school year. However, you MUST STILL REGISTER for the 2026-2027 school on Skyward. Registration opens on Wednesday, April 15, 2026!
Typically, students remain in the same classroom and session for the following school year. During parent-teacher conferences, you were given a preference form to indicate whether you would like to request a session change or have your child considered for the full-day classroom.
Please note that submitting a preference form does not guarantee placement in your first-choice program, as fewer than 40 spaces are available in the full-day classroom. Current income verification is required to be considered for the full day classroom.
Week of the Young Child
Week of the Young Child Celebration
Each April, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) invites educators, families, and communities to come together for the Week of the Young Child® (WOYC)—a joyful celebration of early learning, young children, and the adults who support them.
Through themed days like Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, and Artsy Thursday, WOYC highlights the critical role of play, creativity, and collaboration in a child’s development. It’s also a time to recognize the importance of high-quality early childhood education and to celebrate the dedicated professionals who make it possible each day.
Bright Futures has several special activities planned to celebrate from April 10 - April 16! —we can’t wait to share the fun with our students and families!
Help Your Little Learner Grow
Preschool Dental Health Visit
Miles of Smiles is visiting Bright Futures on April 7 & 8th. If you signed your child up earlier in the year, they will see a dentist on one of these days.
Miles of Smiles provides preventive dental care right at school, which may include:
• Dental screenings
• Cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Sealants (when appropriate)
This program helps support healthy smiles and makes dental care more accessible for families. Services are provided at no cost to the family. Use the button below to learn more about Miles of Smiles.
Dental Health Tips
Strong baby teeth are essential to a child’s health. Families can help promote healthy dental care habits and prevent childhood tooth decay.
Dental Health - Spanish
Dental Health - Spanish
Dental Health - French
Curriculum
A Sneak Peek Inside a Day at Bright Futures
Students were surprised with a ride on an “airplane,” where they practiced boarding procedures, completed safety checks, and enjoyed onboard snacks—building PreK skills such as following routines, imaginative play, social interaction, language development, and understanding real-world experiences.
Children had to match their ticket number to the number on their seat along with the corresponding color and shape. Children buckled up and received a in flight snack, they watched what it would be like outside of the plane for takeoff and viewed a video of the cockpit inside of the airplane.
Family Engagement
Bright Futures Science Night @ Discovery Depot
Join us for a fun-filled evening of exploration and discovery! This event is completely FREE for all Bright Futures students and their families.
Bright Futures staff will be there leading a variety of exciting, hands-on science activities, including:
• Animal and plant explorations 🐾🌱
• Solar system investigations 🌎✨
• Motion and movement activities 🚀
• Science-themed snacks 🍎
Come enjoy a night of laughter, play, and creating special family memories together!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Autism Awareness Event
Join us at the Galesburg Public Library to learn more about available community resources. Food, drink, activities, and giveaways will be provided.
Smart from the Start
Does your Bright Futures student have younger siblings? Take them to FREE, Smart from the Start Fridays at Discovery Depot!
Parent to Parent Group
Join the Parent to Parent group!
The Regional Office of Education #33 invites parents and guardians to our monthly Parent-to-Parent group, a space to connect with others, share experiences, and explore helpful strategies for parenting and family well-being.
Topics include:
- Different parenting approaches and strategies
- Activities to do with your children
- Supporting overall family wellness and child development
Nutrition
Snacks & Meals
Morning students will receive items from the breakfast menu as their mid-morning snack.
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Afternoon students will receive items from the lunch menu as their mid-afternoon snack.
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Full-day students will be served breakfast, lunch, and a mid-afternoon snack.
Click the button below to access the monthly menus.