Preschool Press
D303 Early Childhood at Haines Center
October 22, 2026
D303 Early Childhood at the Haines Center News
Dates
Oct 23 (Fri): Picture Retakes
For new students, students who were absent on picture day, or families who would like a retake.
Oct 28 (Wed) & Nov 18 (Wed): Early Release Day
AM classes DISMISS EARLY at 10:25 AM
If your child rides the bus home from our morning session, drop off at your home or child care will be 25 minutes early.
PM classes START EARLY at 11:25 AM and DISMISS EARLY at 1:30 PM
If your child rides the bus to school for our afternoon session, pick up will be 25 minutes early from your home or child care and the bus at the end of the day from Haines Center will drop off 50 minutes earlier.
Oct 28 (Wed): Kenneth Kraegel
Author visit during school the school day for students and staff.
Oct 28 (Wed): Family Council
5:30 - 6:30 pm (Virtual)
Nov 3 (Tue): No School
General Election Day Holiday
Nov 10 (Tues): Haines Special Education Community
Interested in building a community designed to connect about Special Education? Meet other parents and caregiveers to ask questions and share your experiences. Hosted by our Family Council.
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.
5:30 - 6:30 PM at Haines Early Childhood Center. Child care available (registration required) and snacks provided. Register here
Nov 18 (Wed): Family Council
Three options:
9:15 - 10:15 am (Haines)
11:45 am - 12:45 pm (Haines)
5:30 - 6:30 pm (Virtual)
Nov 23 - 27 (Mon - Fri): No School
Nov 23-25: Non Attendance Day (Offices Open)
Nov 26-27: Thanksgiving Break
Maddie's Mitten March
Maddie’s Mitten March has three upcoming distributions at D303 schools:
Tuesday, October 27th at Richmond from 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Monday, November 2nd at Munhall from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Monday, November 16th at Wredling from 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Winter coats, hats, boots, gloves, snow pants and other winter gear for ages infant through adult!
No registration or information needed!
On the day of the event, families are helped on a first come, first serve basis.
Author Visit: Kenneth Kraegel
We are thrilled to be hosting Kenneth Kraegel, author of Firefly Lullaby, to read to our Fireflies on Wednesday, October 28, during our early release day.
There will be two interactive storytimes, one during the morning session and one during the afternoon session. Since it is an early release day, the PM class begins at 11:25 am that day.
All of our blended classrooms will attend. For children in Instructional Classrooms, teachers will consider each child’s individual strengths and support needs when deciding whether participation in the visit would be a good fit. If you have questions about what this means for your child, please contact their teacher directly.
Firefly Lullaby and Mermaid Lullaby will be available to purchase ahead of time, and will be autographed!
Halloween at Haines - October 30
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.
Arrival/Dismissal Parent/Caregiver Satisfaction Survey
Your time and thoughtful feedback are appreciate as we continue to improve our arrival and dismissal system. This survey is anonymous.
Who Works at My School?
Click the picture below for a slideshow about who works at D303 Early Childhood at the Haines Center.
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
Toy Lending Library
Reporting an Absence
Bus riders: There is no need to call transportation to report an absence. Drivers stop at each designated stop even when children are absent to stay on schedule for the rest of the route.
Playgroups
Playgroups start Monday, September 14. One time registration required.
Family Council
Family Council for October 28 will meet from 5:30 - 6:30 pm, virtually. The daytime, in person times have been canceled this month due to the author's visit (Kenneth Kraegel). Topics include creating classroom directories, the Haines Special Education Community, and other ways to improve our community. Questions? Tricia.sabathne@d303.org or 331-228-5727 Register here.
Haines Special Education Community
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.
Hosted by the Family Council.
Preschool for All
Applications are now being accepted for D303's Preschool for All Program for the 2026-2027 school year. Funded by the Illinois State Board of Education the program provides a school experience at the Haines Center for children ages 3-5 who are not yet eligible for Kindergarten.
Eligibility is based on a variety of factors, including developmental delays, low income, homelessness, having a parent or sibling with a disability, parent education level, or living in a non-English speaking household, among others.
Phone: 331-228-4834 for more information
Community Preschool - Openings
The Preschool Lottery may have closed but it isn’t too late to register your child for D303 Community Preschool at the Haines Center. There are currently openings. Fill out the 2026-2027 Preschool Waitlist form at https://ec.d303.org/registration.
McKinney-Vento Eligible Children
St. Charles Public Library Student Cards
2026 Bilingual Family Engagement Activity Guide
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.
Dolly Parton's Imagination LIbrary
Plastics Recycling
D303 News
D303 Pathways Night
Now Hiring Bus Drivers
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC)
District 303 encourages and welcomes parent input. To foster this, the District 303 BPAC is a committee made up of parents of English Learners, community members, and District 303 staff members.
D303 Referendum Information Nights
Join us to learn more about the referendum on the November 3 ballot. Discover details on proposed district-wide facility projects, ask questions, and take a building tour (available at select locations).
Virtual Coffee House Flyer (2026-2027)
Community Resources
GET DIAPERS
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.
Parents Rising to Child Development Challenges
This free virtual conversation series offers a welcoming space for parents and families of children with developmental differences, delays, challenges, or disabilities to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Together, families will discuss the joys and challenges of raising and advocating for their children, families, and communities. Next episode is Oct 26 from 2-3 pm.
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
