October ELC Newsletter

It is hard to believe that it is already October. Time sure does fly when you are having fun! The past month of school has proven how adaptable children can be. Each morning we are met with children settling into their routines with excitement and wonder. The unknown is now known, strangers are now friends, and routines are now becoming more familiar. This is where the magic starts to happen!

The first six weeks of the school year are a time of promise and possibility. As we welcomed our students, some of whom were entering school for the very first time, we were doing more than learning names and adjusting to school routines. We were laying the foundation for a year (and a lifetime) of joyful, meaningful learning. These first weeks were a chance to intentionally build a classroom community rooted in trust, safety, and connection. It’s was a time to slow down; focus on relationships; and help every child feel known, valued, and ready to learn. There were some key questions that we explored with the children that guided our efforts to create a strong community.

After a much deserved Fall break, each classroom will be begin a new study. Our studies are child led and voted on by the students. When a child's own interests and curiosities are met, real learning will occur!

Each classroom will come up with their own investigation questions on the topic of their study and spend the next six weeks exploring, observing and learning about that topic. Stay tuned for some exciting field trip opportunities!

Ms. Cardozo, Ms. Linnenburger, Ms. Webster, Ms. Reyes, and Ms. Fisher's classrooms will all be investigating trees. I don't think there is a more perfect time of year to observe the beauty of the changing trees.

Ms. Vallejo's class will be learning about cameras.

Ms. Burns and Ms. Griffith's class will be learning about roads.

We are always looking for study "experts". We love when guests come and teach us about what we are learning. If you have knowledge on any of our studies, please reach out to tschofield@emsd37.org.

Call to schedule a home visit

Home visits promote healthy child development and school readiness. It is required to have one home visit per school year.

Upcoming Meeting

The October Family Advisory Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, October 21st @ 4:00 at the ELC.

It is never too late to join!

Parent Teacher Conferences

Mark your calendar for our upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences. Conferences will be held at the Early Learning Center.

Thursday, Nov. 6th 3:45- 7:45

Friday, Nov. 7th 7:45- 11:30.

(By appointment only)

Parent Teacher conferences help to build trust and open communication, allow for a shared understanding of the child's strengths and needs, and equip parents with strategies to support learning at home. Ultimately, conferences lay a foundational partnership for the child's long-term success.

Appointment is required. Please call and schedule your times today!

Fall Break Activites

Did you know you can support our studies at home? Go on a scavenger hunt and collect different leaves, pine cones, and nuts that have fallen from the trees. Make a fall collage with what you have found. Discuss what type of animals live in trees. Ask questions about what happens to trees when the weather gets cold. Let your child take photos of their favorite things. Take picture in different lighting and discuss the differences. You can even print their pictures and create a display. Go on a walk with your child and discuss different types of roads. What is gravel road made of? Why do some roads only have dirt? Let them touch the road and talk about the textures that they feel. Use your GPS on your phone and let them watch themselves travel on the map. Providing structured learning opportunities is a great way to engage with your child. Snap some photos of what adventures you are going on this Fall Break and send them to tschofield@emsd37.org. Happy Trails!

Our school implements The Pyramid Model, a framework for supporting the social and emotional development of our children. An important part of our Pyramid Model work includes supporting families and sharing information about promoting social and emotional skills at home.

Teaching Friendship Skills

Teachers are currently focusing on teaching very specific friendship skills such as asking to play, taking turns, using gentle hands and managing emotions, to help children become "Super Friends." Children who demonstrate these discrete friendship skills in preschool tend to have better peer acceptance and friendships, fewer behavior problems, and stronger early academic outcomes. Families can also use this scripted story at home to reinforce these important skills, as well. Let your child know when you notice them being a super friend by using positive descriptive feedback, "You took turns with ____ and you both got to play with the car. Way to be a super friend!"

📚🎒 Looking for local community events and activities? The EMSD Digital Backpack is your go-to spot for community happenings!

Click the QR code to view this month's breakfast and lunch menus

October 3rd: No School and Home Visits (am) Homecoming Parade
October 6th- 10th No School Fall Break
October 13th- No School Observance of Columbus Day
October 14th- School Resumes
October 21st: Dental Bus (details coming soon)
October 21st: FAC meeting at 4:00 at the ELC
October 22nd: Picture Day
October 24th: Fire Safety Day (details coming soon)

Do you have younger children? Bring them in for a developmental check-up! Open to EMSD residents with children aged 0-5 years old. Call Lindsay to schedule an appointment for a screening (now scheduling for October). Currently enrolled students do not need to be screened.

Important contacts:

Main Office: 309-865-6900

Lindsay Hill, Secretary (lhill@emsd37.org)

Tara Schofield, Family Educator (tschofield@emsd37.org)

Melissa McCullough, Principal (mmccullough@emsd37.org)