TECEC TIMES
Where the journey begins......October 21, 2026
Dear TECEC families,
A big thank-you to all of our volunteers who joined us last Thursday for Trumbull Read Aloud, sponsored by the Trumbull Rotary Club. Our children and readers had a wonderful time together, and we are so grateful to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to share the joy of reading with our students.
A special highlight was the story All Through the Night: Important Jobs That Get Done at Night which celebrates the many dedicated workers who keep our communities running while the rest of the world sleeps. This story was especially meaningful as we reflected on the many parents in our own TECEC community who work night shifts. The children truly enjoyed the experience and had the opportunity to make connections between the story and the important work that so many of their own families do.
We hope everyone can join us this Saturday, October 24th from 2:00–4:00 PM for the PTO-sponsored Trunk or Treat behind TECEC! We are anticipating 15–20 decorated cars, a food truck, games, and lots of treats for the children. The weather forecast is looking favorable, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for a fun-filled afternoon for everyone!
Just a reminder, next Monday, October 26th is our annual Halloween parade. Our parades will take place at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Families are encouraged to arrive a little early and line the parade route around the outside of TECEC. Don’t forget your cameras to capture all the wonderful costumes and create lasting memories of this special day.
Last but not least, parent-teacher conferences will be held next Tuesday, October 27th and Thursday, October 29th from 1:00 PM–4:00 PM. To accommodate these conferences, all classes will be dismissed at 11:20 AM on both days, and there will be no afternoon classes. Thank you for your understanding.
I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events.
Kind regards,
Principal
Halloween is coming! If you and your family celebrate this holiday, it can be a lot of fun—but it can also feel overwhelming for our little friends. There is a lot of stimulation packed into one day! Sometimes days of stimulation if you attend Trunk or Treat events or other Halloween parties. We dress differently, interact with unfamiliar adults, wait our turn, and experience changes in schedules and routines. All of these things can lead to big feelings and changes in behavior.
Here are a few ways to support your children and prepare them for a less stressful and more enjoyable Halloween experience:
Choose a comfortable costume
Sometimes less is more, especially if textures are challenging for your child. The same goes for wigs, masks, and face paint! You can always create a costume using familiar, everyday clothing. Bring a change of clothes in case your child needs something more comfortable.
Practice ahead of time
Try wearing the costume for a few minutes at a time leading up to Halloween or other events. Explain that other people will be wearing costumes, too. Some may look funny or scary, but they are just pretend!
Use pretend play to prepare
Pretend play is a great way to help your child practice and process what to expect. First, model the steps, then give your child a turn:
Walk up to the door.
Say, “Trick or treat!” or practice a wave, gesture, or another way to communicate.
Say or gesture, “Thank you!”
Walk back to your grown-up.
Talk about the plan
Use simple language, pictures, or a visual schedule to show what the day will look like. For example: dinner → costume → trick-or-treating → home → bedtime. Reading a Halloween book together, such as The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing or It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff, can also help introduce the holiday.
Keep expectations simple and predictable
Talk ahead of time about how many houses you’ll visit, how long you’ll stay, or when your child can enjoy their candy. Give reminders before transitions, such as, “Two more houses, then we’re heading home!” A timer or countdown may help, too.
Make room for breaks
Offer opportunities to step away from the excitement during trick-or-treating, parties, or Trunk or Treat events. Follow your child’s cues—it’s okay to skip a house, take a quiet break, or call it a night early!
Keep safety part of the fun
Bring flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective gear, and remind your child to stay close to their grown-up.
Allow time to recharge
Your child may need some extra quiet time after the excitement, including the following day. Returning to familiar routines can help them settle back in.
Our annual Halloween parade will take place on Monday, October 26th. The parade will take place around the outside perimeter of our school beginning at 11:00 AM & 2:30 PM. Visitors will not be able to enter the building after the parade. If the weather does not cooperate, the parade will take place on Wednesday, October 28th. If we experience inclement weather on October 28th, the parade will be held inside for the children. I am sorry, adults will not be able to view the parade indoors if we have inclement weather.
TECEC parent/teacher conferences will take place in the afternoons of October 27 and October 29 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. In addition, we have an evening conference date on November 5 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. All students will be dismissed at 11:20 AM on those three days to accommodate the conferences. There are no afternoon classes those three days.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or your child’s classroom teacher(s).
Please join us on Wednesday, November 4 for our next PTO meeting. The meeting will be held in person at TECEC beginning at 7:00 PM. For those who would like to join virtually, the link is: PTO Meeting
One of the hallmarks of our program is parent and community involvement. Your child’s teacher will be reaching out to you with the best ways to engage with their education. We also encourage you to take the time to fill out the TPS volunteer form for the 2026-2027 school year. For most individuals, you will only need to complete part one (Tier one). This will permit you to volunteer in the school while in the presence of a staff member. Part two (Tier two) is for those who will be working with children not in the presence of a school employee. Since every volunteer will be in the presence of a TECEC staff member, there will not be a need to complete that section, unless you plan on volunteering in another school. This form has to be completed annually as mandated by the state guidelines for school volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, the form can be found here. and dropped off at TECEC so it can be processed. All submitted forms need to have an original signature, therefore a form with an e-signature will not be accepted.
The TECEC Father's Club is recruiting new members. Please note that you can join as a mom, aunt, uncle, grandparent or any family member that would like to support the children, teachers and each other. Their next meeting will take place Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 PM at a location that has yet to be determined.
