Bright Futures
October 2025 Newsletter

Mark Your Calendar
OCTOBER
06: School Picture Proofs are DUE
06: School Board Meeting - 7:00 pm.
07: FREE Family Strengthening Event - Piggy Banks and Paycheck 5:30 (VIRTUAL)
10: PM and FULL day - 1 hour early dismissal
13-17: NO SCHOOL- Fall Break
21: FREE Toddler Tuesday @ Discovery Depot 5:30
23: Picture Re-Takes
Daily Schedule
Drop Off & Pick Up Reminders
Safe School Zone
Please be reminded that, under Illinois state law, smoking, vaping, and the use of any tobacco products or drugs is strictly prohibited on all school property, including inside buildings, on playgrounds, parking lots, and school grounds.
This policy helps ensure a safe, healthy environment for all students, staff, and visitors. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our school community safe.
Parking Lot Safety
Be extra watchful when backing out of parking spots, as children and families are often walking to their cars. Your attention helps keep everyone safe.
Additionally, the lane closest to the school is closed to all traffic to keep the crosswalk clear and safe for students and families.
Family Engagement
Family Strengthening Event: Piggy Banks & Paychecks
Join us for a FREE Family Strengthening Event: Budgeting 101 – Piggy Banks and Paychecks- a fun and engaging virtual event designed to help strengthen family financial skills!
Register today: https://forms.gle/Ks6tskDUzHK6GkEC6
Date: October 7th
Time: 5:30–6:30 pm
Location: Virtually on Zoom
During this interactive session, families will learn simple and practical budgeting tips. Plus, every participating family will receive:
- A free budgeting book
- A piggy bank for your child to paint and have glazed by Art Defined
This is a wonderful opportunity to build healthy money habits as a family while having fun together!
Scan the QR code on the flyer or use link above to RSVP.
(The Zoom link will be emailed the morning of the event.)
Toddler Tuesday
While we’ll miss the Thomas the Train exhibit at Discovery Depot, we’re excited to announce that the water area will be ready for splashes at our September Toddler Tuesday!
This event is completely FREE for all Bright Futures students and their families. Come join us for a fun-filled night of laughter, play, and family memories!
Curriculum
Creative Curriculum Objective #1- Regulates own emotions and behaviors.
At Bright Futures, we focus on 16 different learning objectives aligned with the Illinois Early Learning Standards. The first objective we work on with students is Creative Curriculum Objective #1 – Regulates Own Emotions and Behaviors. The first step in achieving this is helping students recognize and manage their feelings.
We support this at school in a variety of ways, including:
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Using the Feeling Buddies to introduce and explore different emotions.
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Creating a “safe space” with stuffed animals and sensory items where children can go to regulate their emotions.
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Teaching and modeling calming techniques such as STAR breathing.
You can help your child at home too! Here are some ideas to try:
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Emotion Check-ins: Ask your child daily, “How are you feeling?” and help them name the emotion. Picture books or feeling charts can make this even more engaging.
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Model Calm Behavior:Let your child see you handle frustration calmly. Narrate your process: “I’m feeling tired, so I’m going to take a deep breath.” Watch the video below to see Dr. Becky Bailey demonstrate how to use and teach STAR breathing.
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Read Books About Emotions: Use stories to spark conversation about feelings and how characters handle them.
Together, we can help children build the skills they need to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions — a foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
Help Your Little Learner Grow
Feelings Are Fantastic
Young children are learning to manage their feelings and behavior. They are developing the words to express their emotions and learning how to show their feelings in appropriate ways. Use these tip sheets to support them as they build these important skills.
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.