October Update

Dear Families,

We are off to a wonderful start this fall at Project Support Preschool! 🍎 October is full of exciting hands-on learning experiences, and our classrooms are buzzing with curiosity and creativity. Classrooms are engaging in a variety of fall-themed and fire safety activities—below are some highlights happening across our preschool.

Fire Safety Awareness Month
This month, many students are learning about fire safety through books, songs, dramatic play, and classroom activities. Next week, we are thrilled to welcome the Billerica Firefighters on Tuesday and Thursday. Children will have the chance to explore the fire engine, see important safety gear up close, and learn from real firefighters about how to stay safe.

Apple & Fall-Themed Learning
Across classrooms, children are enjoying a variety of apple-themed stories and songs such as Apple Trouble and Way Up High in the Apple Tree. These experiences help students build literacy skills such as:

• Asking and answering questions about stories read aloud
• Retelling a sequence of events
• Making predictions and reenacting parts of a story

Some groups had fun with Ten Apples Up On Top, counting apples as they balanced beanbags on their heads—building number recognition and one-to-one correspondence up to ten. At the sensory table, students followed visual directions to make an “apple pie” with pompoms and cinnamon sticks. Other activities included sorting apples by color, size, shape, and attributes.

Science & Exploration
In several classrooms, children have been examining apples closely—looking, smelling, and touching as they compare the parts (skin, stem, seeds) and discuss how each part helps the apple grow. Students are also exploring seasonal changes in nature as we welcome fall.

Art & Creative Expression
Through seasonal art projects, children are representing trees across the four seasons with tissue paper and templates. These activities connect with conversations about how our local weather changes throughout the year.

Social-Emotional Learning
Some classrooms are using interactive books to practice labeling emotions while also exploring fall concepts like apples, leaves, trees, and pumpkins.

These are just a few examples of the engaging learning experiences happening in our preschool this month. Each classroom adapts activities to meet the needs and interests of their students, ensuring that all children are supported in their growth and development.

Warmly,
Katie Castriano
Project Support Preschool Director

As part of our commitment to student safety, children will participate in fire drills and other safety drills throughout the school year. Teachers have been preparing students for fire drills in age-appropriate ways, helping them practice safe and calm routines. More information will be shared soon regarding how we will introduce and practice lockdown procedures with our preschoolers.

Get ready for a day of fall fun! On Friday, October 31st, we’ll be celebrating Fall Fun Spirit Day with games, songs, stories, and seasonal activities.

Children are welcome to show their spirit in a way that feels best for them! They may:

• Dress up as a favorite book or television character
• Wear their favorite color
• Choose something seasonal (like fall colors or a shirt with leaves, pumpkins, or apples)

To keep things comfortable and safe for all, please no masks or props. Costumes should be easy for children to move and play in. And don’t worry if your child doesn’t have a costume—extra dramatic play outfits will be available so everyone can join the fun.

For more information, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, October 29th. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, hear about their progress, and share insights from home.

• Afternoon conferences:1:00–3:00 PM
• Evening conferences: 6:00–8:00 PM

Please schedule your conference time directly with your child’s teacher. We look forward to these valuable conversations and to working together to support your child’s growth.

Please report all absences to the main office or the school nurse, stating why your child is absent.

Students who have had a fever (100) must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication (ie. Tylenol or Motrin). Flu season has arrived. Please call your pediatrician to schedule your child's flu vaccine. We also have had several cases of COVID-19 in the district. If your student has tested positive for COVID-19, please call the nurse to discuss their return to school date. If you have any questions, please call your school nurse Kathleen Perry, RN (High school location) at 978-528-8595 or Erin Burcham, RN (Parker location) at 978-528-8620.

Preschool vision screenings will take place on:

• Tuesday October 21st at the Parker location
• TBD at the High School location

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the school nurse.

Tuesday, October 7th: Billerica Fire Department visits the Parker classes

Friday, October 10th: Billerica Fire Department visits the High School classes

Monday, October 13th: No School- Indigenous Peoples' Day

Tuesday, October 21st: Preschool Vision Screenings at Parker

Wednesday, October 29th: Early Release- Dismissal at 10:50-11:00 and Parent Teacher Conferences

Friday, October 31st: School Wide Fall Fun Spirit Day

Tuesday, November 4th: No School- Election Day

Tuesday, November 11th: No School- Veterans' Day