EPK/UPK September Newsletter

School Calendar Link

💕Membership Link

Click the blue link above for membership.

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Thank you, Mrs. Bonita Williams, for sharing Parent Power Moments with us.

Parent Power Moments

“I’ve come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized.”
― Haim Ginott

Please support your families who speak another language by offering them interpreter services. This can be simply done by completing the form linked here. We want to be inclusive of our parents when they attend an event. They should always feel welcomed, appreciated, and understand what's going on at events they are invited to in our school buildings.

Thank you for understanding and advocating for our families.

Preschool Wegmans Card policies are being reviewed. Cards will be distributed after the new policy has been established. The new policy will be shared within the next two to three weeks. Thank you for your patience.

Dear Preschool Family,

You may notice that your budget is much smaller this year. Unfortunately, due to the fact that we now have two BEDS Days ( Oct. 1st and March 12th) we had to endure budget cuts this past year. As the Executive Director of Early Childhood, I chose to make the cuts at the Central Office level so that classrooms and staff at the bulding level would not be affected. The coaches were decreased from 12 to 8, one social worker was taken off the budget, and two building subs for our stand alone sites.

So please note the following:

• Pull ups will be provided on an as needed basis per classroom.
• Field trips are cleared through Ms. Arena Crues. Secretaries will need to do a requisition . Most field trips will allow payment through a PO. However, P-Cards should only be used when a requisition or PO is not an option. Thank you in advance for understanding.
  

Do a requisition if possible; but most field trip locations will allow payment through a PO. P-cards should only be used when a req/po is not an option.

Budget Analyst,

Amy Genge

CBOs provide the paymet for their own field trips.

Our Admin Support can be cotacted at Arena.Crues@rcsdk12.org . She will send you the PO# once it is created in First Student.

Link for Monroe County

Apply for Public Housing for 2, 3, 4 bedrooms:

https://www.rochesterhousing.org/apply

Affordable Housing Opportunities :

https://www.affordablehousing.com/rochester-ny/

Other Housing Resources:

• https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_rent/
• https://www.movoto.com/rentals/
• https://rochestermanagement.com/properties/meadow-reserve-of-irondequoit/
• https://www.rent.com/new-york/irondequoit-houses
• https://www.forrent.com/find/NY/metro-Rochester/Irondequoit
• https://www.realtor.com/apartments/Rochester_NY
• https://www.socialserve.com/tenant/Search.html?ch=NY&city_id=50857&type=rental&advanced=t
• https://www.pathstonecommunities.org/
• https://merochester.tenantcloud.com/find#!?sort_type=new_listings
• https://apgpropertymanagement.com/vacancies
• https://tickle-realty.com/rentals/
• https://www.gmprop.com/vacancies

Please contact Mrs. Michelle Richardson-Wilson for RTS Bus passes for parents.

She can be reached via email at Michelle.Richardson-Wilson@RCSDK12.ORG, she can also be called at 585-262-8599. Secretaries, please use the Bus Pass User Guide to order passes for your school monthly. Thank you.

Daily Routine Schedule:

EPK 25-26 Schedule

UPK 25-26 Schedule

We have updated the UPK schedule to provide time for a CKLA block. In researching the suggested times for Outside Time, we discovered that it is more of a range of times. Therefore, UPK Outside Time will now be a range of 30-45 minutes, and EPK will stay the same at 45 minutes. Please remember that when building your schedule, you will need to have a balance of teacher and child-initiated times as well as Small Group and Large Group times. Remember, children should not be sitting for an extended time during adult-initiated activities. Please contact your TST / Coach if you would like support in developing your schedule.

Scope and Sequence and Large Group Lessons:

EPK 25-26 Scope and Sequence

EPK Large Group Lessons

UPK 25-26 Scope and Sequence

UPK Large Group Lessons

Daily Routine Landing Pages:

Please ensure your classroom schedule reflects the recommended parts of the Daily Routine in alignment with our curriculum. Share your Daily Schedule with your TST to support conversations around instructional balance (child-led vs. teacher-led activities).

2025 EPK Schedule Landing Page

2025 UPK Schedule Landing Page

Resources & Visuals: Early Childhood Resources Page

Classroom Choreography: Copy of Must Haves Classroom Choreography

Must Haves Resources:

Must Haves/Essentials 25-26

📚 Curriculum Expectations

Follow the Scope and Sequence lessons, CKLA Skills lessons, and Estrellita lessons as outlined in the pacing guide on the Early Childhood Landing Page. Lessons are sequential and should be followed in order. Contact your TST for support with instructional planning.

HighScope & Science of Reading

We are excited to share how the Science of Reading is embedded within the HighScope curriculum, using the information provided below. This connection highlights how HighScope supports evidence-based literacy practices and helps lay a strong foundation for early reading success.

• Article Link: Building Literacy through Active Learning | HighScope
• Launching Literacy Kits: These will be provided to all PreK 4 classrooms.
• Kit Information: Launching Literacy Toolkit

MTSS & Behavior Support

In September and October, our focus is on Tier 1 strategies:

• Establish rituals and routines
• Build strong relationships
• Post and consistently follow your Daily Schedule
• Plan transitions and routines intentionally
• Use visuals to support all learners
• Implement the 6 Steps of Problem Solving
• Ensure materials are prepared before the school day begins

For more info, refer to the BSP Process on the Landing Page or reach out to your TST.

BSP Process - Landing Page

Walkthroughs

We will begin walkthroughs focusing on:

• Learning Environment
• Adult-Child Interactions
• Instruction
• Health, Safety, and Supervision
• Science of Reading
• Science Everywhere
• Preschool 4 Classrooms CKLA ( Core Knowlegde Language Arts Artifacts by units )

TSTs will also begin using the Learning Environment Checklists, accessible via the Landing Page.

Assessment Calendar 2025-2026 Early Childhood Assessment Calendar

View the Updated Assessment Calendar. Key updates include:

• Self-Portraits (Portfolio pieces): Students should complete a self-portrait in September, January, and May, to be uploaded into Panorama.
• Brigance and SEL Screeners: These will be conducted once this year and submitted via PEAR.

Please reach out with any questions. More information to come on the CKLA Domain Assessments and Portfolios.

Prekindergarten Learning Centers and Classroom Environment Resources

• The Office of Early Learning has a new webpage dedicated to Learning Centers and Student Centered Learning Environments.

• This webpage includes information on utilizing and setting up learning centers, integrating a unit of study into the classroom environment, student choice, and center management.

• In addition, a Reflection and Resource Tool for Creating Student Centered Learning Environments in Prekindergarten and Student Centered Learning Environment Best Practices webinar can also be found on this webpage.

• Please direct any questions regarding these resources to the Office of Early Learning at OEL@nysed.gov.

Blueprint for improved results for SWD, PK, ELLs

NYS Instructional best practices - PK - 3

NYS writing best practices PK - 3

Support staff assigned to district classrooms and CBOS.

As educators, we are all mandated reporters. If you see something, say something.

Here is the link to support the steps for reporting incidents. Please remember to notify your administrator before reaching out to CPS.

RCSD Elopement Policy

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://fsnep.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk2286/files/inline-files/ECE_PA_Toolkit.pdf

https://www.nysed.gov/early-learning/office-early-learning-webinar-series

Playworks Resources

Five Transitions to Get Ready to Learn

Times for Schools

School Calendar Link

Parent link to sign up to receive text messages from RCSD.

https://earlychildhoodny.org/leadershipinitiative/register.php?eventID=12305#register

Superintendent Landing Page

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities

🗓 October 8 – Districtwide Professional Learning

• Various times based on your school's dismissal schedule.

🗓 Tentative October 8 – CKLA Initial Skills Training

• 🕝 Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM (for PreK staff who have not attended the initial training)
• ❓ Q&A: 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM (for PreK staff who submitted a question on the form below)
• 👥 Presenters: Kelly Manard (Amplify) & Katy
• 📋 If you plan to attend and have a question, please fill out the form below by October 3rd.
• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXixOWs73QhszBiBYihrMGb2qQjTXc1ynbMK2tFNp6sX1--A/viewform?usp=header

🗓 October 15 – Virtual Session on COR, Brigance, and CLASS

• 🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• 💻 Format: TEAMS
• 📝 Please register via ORACLE.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our youngest learners. We are here to support you throughout the year—please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Should be used as a guidance document for classroom instruction.

https://www.nysed.gov/early-learning/prekindergarten-3rd-grade-literacy-instructional-best-practices-guide

• NYSOEL Top 10 Greatest Hits: Great resource for parents and classroom teachers.

• Early Learning Literacy Webinars: Webinars for PreK educators and staff.

• Day by Day NY Family Literacy Calendar Share via SeeSaw to ensure parents have access during the Summer.

• High Scope Team Responsibilities
• Learning Environment Checklist: The Preschool Walkthrough Tool is based on the Highscope Learning Environment Checklist.
• Skills Indicator Checklist
• Preventing Expulsion and Suspension in Classroom Settings

New Nutrition Menu from The Office of New York State Education Department

RAP Resource Site

Thank you, Kim West, for your expertise on Teaching Clarity.

A big thank you goes out to Steve Lamorte for creating this Teaching Clarity Dashboard for all classroom teachers and staff.

Success Criteria Above

https://corwin.slgnt.us/optiext/optiextension.dll?ID=8UY_RWX5tu5f08vqJ%2BE2Otj2sATNeIWI_BXPia17Cu1r2mroEO9oNrcfUvKihxaD%2B7LUnqYkibo5GyBNkYY88F

https://www.edutopia.org/article/establish-classroom-routines-productive-learning?utm_content=linkpos1&utm_campaign=weekly-2024-10-16&utm_medium=email&utm_source=edu-newsletter

• https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/guidelines-determining-student-disabilitys-need-one-one-aide

• https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/special-education/guidelines-for-determining-a-student-with-a-disabilitys-need-for-a-one-to-one-aide.pdf

All UPK and EPK Classrooms should have the following staff :

1 Preschool Teacher

1 Paraprofessional

1 Paraprofessional Break Aide that gives breaks between two Prek Classrooms.

( Please do not have any other grades in your PreK Classroom. The only time it is acceptable to have other students in the classroom is for volunteering purposes only. Thank you)

At no time should a break aide be covering arrival and dismissal for a building.

Also, all Preschool Paras receive differential pay for toileting duties.

Classroom teachers should collaborate with Paras to set up a classroom toileting schedule.

Preschool students who receive specialized services receive more staff in the classroom depending on their classification ( ICOT/ Self-Contained/ ASD).

I ask that you adhere to these state regulations to ensure that the staff ratio supports classrooms for indoor and outdoor safety.

Additionally, please remember the staff ratio per class, even if there are one or two children in the classroom is 2 adults. The teacher and Para must be in the classroom when students are in the room. It doesn't matter if it's one child or 18. We must maintain this ratio per state guidelines.

Thank you for understanding.

https://www.nysed.gov/early-learning/cultural-connections

Please make sure that you are providing enriching and cultural field trip experiences inside the classroom and outside of the classroom. The guidance document above has some recommendations to assist you.

Article: To Be Ready for Kindergarten

Resource Guide for Early Learning Standards

Resources for ( Birth to 3)

Teaching and Learning Early Childhood

Early Childhood Department Toolkit

WXXI Ready to Learn

WXXI Family and Community Engagement

WXXI Daniel Tiger Resources

Learning Environment Checklist

Roc City Library Resources

Register for a Public Library Card

Preschool Enrollment Link

150 Preschool Activities for Active Learners

KDIS: Key Developmental Learning Goals for Prek Children Embedded in High Scope

Rochesterkidsoutandabout: Activities in the city for kids

National Center for The Pyramid Model ( SEL)

Culturally Responsive Preschool Article

BIP Chicago Parent Lab

Resources for Educators from NYS:

• Early Learning Standards
• NYSED Office of Early Learning Video Series
• PreK to Third Grade Learning Continuum
• Play Based Learning
• Social Emotional Learning and more

• Parents can call 585-262-8140 for any concerns regarding the Preschool Registration Process.
• Our parents use See Saw to communicate with teachers and our school communities.
  
• Please ensure that parents send in an excuse if their child is absent.
• Paulette Vaccaro and Bonita Williams are Adult Family Educators. They support, train, and advocate for families daily. In addition, they partner and collaborate with Parent Liaisons.
• The Office of Parent Engagement and The Early Childhood Department will be collaborating moving forward to create collective impact in school communities. We will support every school and CBO while supporting the entire family and the whole child.
• Kids out and about activities for every month in Rochester NY

https://www.edutopia.org/article/involving-families-elementary-students-their-learning

Seesaw PREK-2 (Seesaw Goal- connect families and send an announcement/message)

a. Click here for instructions for inviting families, and approving families

b. Click here for how to send messages to connected families Please note you can also translate typed text here!

c. Click here for Instructions for connecting Seesaw to your phone

Links with resources

Protecting All Students

• Immigration-related executive orders can bring uncertainty, especially within school communities. But one thing remains unchanged: the commitment to making every student—regardless of immigration status—feel seen, affirmed, and valued.

• Schools are places of learning and belonging, and legal protections like Plyler v. Doe ensure that every child has the right to an education. While policies may shift, the role of educators remains steady—offering reassurance, advocating for students, and fostering a sense of security and hope.

• To better support families and personnel, in addition to previous forums and modes of communication, we will be adding periodic updates and links to the folder shared below.

• Physical and Mental Health Services for Youth in The Fingerlakes Region

• Childcare Council Mental Health Wellness Clinic

• U OF R Brighter Days Pediatric Urgent Care Mental Health Clinic