Preschool Press
D303 Early Childhood at Haines Center
We are excited to officially begin rolling out Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) throughout our school! PBIS is a schoolwide approach that focuses on teaching, modeling, practicing, and celebrating positive behaviors to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for all students.
At Haines Early Childhood Center, our three schoolwide expectations are Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible! Throughout the school year, students will participate in engaging, age-appropriate lessons and activities that help them understand what these expectations look like, sound like, and feel like in different areas of our school, including the classroom, hallways, bathrooms, playground, and during arrival and dismissal.
With the help of our school mascot, Lumi the Firefly, students will learn how to make positive choices, show kindness to others, take care of their materials, and become responsible members of our school community. Teachers and staff will model these expectations, provide opportunities for students to practice, and recognize students as they demonstrate positive behaviors throughout their day!
How Can Families Support PBIS at Home?
Families play an important role in reinforcing positive behaviors! We encourage you to talk with your child about our three expectations and practice what it means to be safe, respectful, and responsible at home and in the community. Simple conversations, recognizing positive choices, and celebrating your child's efforts can make a big difference!
We look forward to partnering with our families as we help our little learners build important social-emotional skills, develop independence, and grow into kind, confident, and responsible members of our school community!
Why should I fill this out?
To provide input about the opportunities for family engagement and education we offer this year.
When should I fill this out?
Soon to help us plan. The form will be open all year, however.
If you complete the survey by November 16, you can choose to enter to win one of two autographed copies of Firefly Lullaby
Thank-you for providing input to help us develop programming for our families!
Mr. Ken read Firefly Lullaby and This is a Book of Shapes to our Haines Fireflies. He explained the roles of an author and an illustrator and shared the steps he takes to create a book.Our fireflies shared ideas about what they like to draw, and what they like to draw with (e.g., pencils, markers, watercolors).
Our fireflies learned that making a picture book involves two main parts:
Writing
1. Idea: Coming up with the story idea.
2. Fix: Editing and making changes to make it better.
Illustrating
3. Sketch: Drawing the pictures in pencil.
4. Ink: Tracing over the sketches with ink and adding details.
5. Paint: Adding paint to the illustrations.
Fireflies also saw how an illustration comes to life! Four artifacts were shown from one illustration in Firefly Lullaby: A sketch, the final pencil drawing, the drawing with ink and watercolors added, and finally the published illustration.
Autographed copies of Firefly Lullaby and Mermaid Lullaby are available to purchase through Wednesday, November 4. These copies have been signed by Kenneth Kraegel, but will not be personalized with individual names.
Our Fireflies showed us how they could shine like Lumi by being safe, respectful, and responsible while we came together for this special opportunity.
Halloween is an exciting time for many children and families. We also know that changes in routine, like special days at school, can sometimes feel overwhelming for some students.
With that in mind, students are welcome to wear a costume to school on Friday, October 30th, if they would like. Costumes are optional — it’s just fine if your child prefers not to dress up.
If your child chooses to wear a costume, please follow these guidelines:
No full-face masks
No weapons or weapon-like items
Costumes should be safe and easy to move around in at school
Teachers will continue with the regular daily schedule, with some fun Halloween-themed stories, songs, or activities mixed in. Our goal is to keep the day calm and comfortable for all students.
Please note:
We will not be hosting parties or a building-wide parade
Please do not send any food, candy, or party items with your child
If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the D303 Early Childhood Office at Haines. Thank-you for your support of these guidelines.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the D303 Early Childhood Office at Haines.
Connect with other parents and caregivers who have children with disabilities, developmental delays, or suspected delays. Whether you’re just beginning to wonder if your child needs extra support or your child already has an IEP, you’re welcome here. Meet other parents and caregivers to offer your experience, advice, and/or questions.
This month's topic: Transition to Kindergarten: Special Education Edition. *Please note there will be Transition to Kindergarten presentations for the entire Haines community available in January and/or February, 2027.
Hosted by the Family Council.
Together We PLAY LEARN GROW
This calendar has simple, daily tips that turn everyday moments into learning moments - because LEARNING STARTS AT BIRTH. Designed for families with children from birth to age five, this bilingual guide (English/Spanish) is rooted in The Basics Principles and helps you build your child’s brain, support healthy development, and grow the skills they need to enter kindergarten confident and ready to thrive.
We’re here to help. If your family is struggling to afford diapers, period supplies, or incontinence products, you’re not alone. We provide these essential items completely free of charge to families who need them, with no judgment and no catch.
D303 Early Childhood at Haines Center
Website: https://ec.d303.org/
Location: 305 S 9th St, St Charles, IL 60174
Phone: 331-228-3400, Press 1 for Early Childhood