Preschool Newsletter
February 2026 Updates
Welcome to the KESD Early Childhood Team Newsletter!
We hope you find it both informational and fun!
The Early Childhood Team (in no special order):
- Carla Ciardelli, Early Childhood Program Coordinator
- Zohara Zarfati, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
- Tracy Towle, PreK Special Educator
- Maureen McNally, PreK Special Educator
If you are interested in a special topic, have a question, or would like to share something, please email Zohara Zarfati, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator at zzarfati@kingdomeast.org.
Note: Please make sure to include "for newsletter" in the Subject line of the email.
Things to Do
Blue Cross Blue Shield- Sledding Day: February 7th
- When: Saturday, February 7th from 10 AM-1 PM
- Where: Lyndon Outing Club, located in Lyndonville.
- Learn More: Click here to learn more >>
Visit the Cobleigh Public Library:
Children’s Storytime: This is a weekly program (for ages 0-6) on Tuesdays at 4pm & Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Special Events: The Library hosts fun and interactive programs for families every few weeks, so please check out their calendar of events to see what is being offered this month!
Visit the Lyndonville Cobleigh Public Library Website:
You will find user friendly navigation links on the left side of the page.- https://cobleighlibrary.org/main/kids-home/ (Includes Preschool learning media resources)
Learning & Media Resources:
- For a Fast Exploration for All Ages: https://vermont.pbslearningmedia.org/
- Preschool Learning Media Resources: https://cobleighlibrary.org/main/kids-home/
And of course, nothing will replace physical visits to leaf through books, chat about the pictures and topics and read to your child. After all, children learn most by modeling.
Visit St J Children’s Museum:
The Children’s Museum of the Northeast Kingdom offers hands-on, immersive exhibits that encourage children and their families to play, learn, and explore together. Each exhibit is thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and discovery while reflecting the unique stories, landscapes, and traditions of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
- Located at 457 Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury.
- Click here to view the Exhibit page >>
Did you know?
Is Talking with Children Important?
Time Spent: Quantity and Quality
The “should-free parenting”
Art Project of the Month
Winter Theme
As the February break coming, it might be a good idea to gather some items for DIY craft ideas. These will provide opportunities to work on fine motor skills, collaboration and developing imagination.
Ideas for Indoor and Outdoor Winter Themed Projects:
Book of the Month
Topic: I am an artist?
Toy, Game or App of the Month
There’s really no need to spend a lot of money of educational games. In fact, teaching children to create their own toys and games will enhance a whole lot of skills cross developmental domains, like fine and gross motor, social (collaboration), communication (language), executive function (planning, analyzing and critiquing), independent skills and self regulation.
Check out these self-made games with your children. Ask them which ones they want to try and then challenge them to make new games with those tools or others they can find around:
Jokes or Riddles of the Month
Jokes and riddles offer an opportunity to flex the brain by learning how to process questions and recall knowledge. It is also a wonderful opportunity to learn multi meaning sounds and ideas, and access creative points of view.
Here is an example of 35 riddles. If your children need more time to process their thoughts, simply pause the video. You can take the activity further by asking your child to explain the relationship between the riddle and the answer.
Gross & Fine Motor Skills
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a wonderful organization open to all. As stated on their Mission Statement page: “Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. We promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities regardless of ability to pay.
Vermont Adaptive provides a place where youth and adults with disabilities gain a measure of self-confidence and independence by participating in year-round adaptive sports programs and activities.”
Student Services
What if my child needs help? (EST and IEP Process)
If your have concerns about your child’s development please contact their teacher to discuss your concerns. It is recommended to explore strategies and plan a course of action together. When in doubt, feel free to contact Carla Ciardelli cciardelli@kingdomeast.org or Zohara Zarfati zzarfati@kingdomeast.org
Photo Gallery
If you would like to share a special activity of your students, please email Zohara Zarfati, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator at zzarfati@kingdomeast.org.
2025-2026 School Calendar
Below you will find the Kingdom East school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.
Visit the Early Childhood Education Page On Our Website!
To see all Early Childhood Education newsletters please click the link below to visit the Early Childhood Education page on the Kingdom East website.