Preschool Press
D303 Early Childhood at Haines Center
September 11, 2025
Dates
Sep 18 (Thu): Picture Day
Sep 24 (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 9 (Thu): No School
Parent Teacher Conferences and Book Fair from 8 am - 8 pm
Oct 10 (Fri): No School
Parent Teacher Conferences and Book Fair from 8 am - 12 pm
Oct 13 (Mon): No School
Columbus Day
Oct 24 (Fri): Picture Retakes
For new students, students who were absent on picture day, or families who would like a retake.
Open House
Thank you to families that were able to join us for our Open House Monday night. We know it can be hard to have "one more thing" added to your week and were happy to see you. If you family wasn't able to attend we hope you can attend our Parent/Teacher Conferences and Book Fair coming up in October. There is NO SCHOOL those two days and our goal is to partner with as many Firefly Families as possible.
Parent/Teacher Conference appointments will be scheduled with your child's teacher. More information soon!
- October 9 (Thursday) from 8 am to 8 pm
- October 10 (Friday) from 8 am to 12 pm
SURVEYS
This week there are several surveys you are invited to fill out.
Who can help me fill out a form?
Tricia Sabathne (English), 331-228-5727, tricia.sabathne@d303.org
Alejandra Padilla (Spanish), 331-228-5340, alejandra.padilla@d303.org
ENDS FRIDAY: The Parent/Guardian Resource Form
The Parent/Guardian Resource Form is now open for the 2025-26 school year. Families can complete this form to request support, such as Big Hearts of Fox Valley holiday programming or Thanksgiving meals. The form will close on September 12th.
Family Education and Engagement Survey
Why should I fill this out?
To provide input about the opportunities for family engagement and education we offer this year at the Haines Center.
When should I fill this out?
Soon to help us plan. The form will be open all year, however.
Volunteering & Joining
Why should I fill this out?
To volunteer to help at our Book Fair in early October, join the Family School Council (monthly starting in October), or the Mascot Name Selection Committee (September).
When should I fill this out?
Soon if you are ready to volunteer and join
Teacher Appreciation Committee
Volunteers needed! The staff would like help with various tasks including cutting, laminating, copying, etc. If you are able to come to the school and volunteer your time the staff would greatly appreciate it! Please fill out the google spreadsheet with your name on the time(s) you are able to help.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Attendance Line
To report a student absence:
- Main Haines building number- 331-228-3400
- Press 1 for the Early Childhood Center
- Press 1 for the Attendance line
- Clearly state your child's name and the reason for their absence.
- If you do not provide a reason for their absence OR do not call the absence will be unexcused.
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.
St. Charles Public Library Student Cards
Does your family live outside of the St. Charles Public Library District (SCPLD)?
Not eligible for a card at another library?
Attend one of the upcoming Get Carded! events at the library.
Playgroups
Mondays
Playgroups at our Haines Family Resource Center offer children, ages 0-5, and a caregiver a safe, quality, and educational play opportunity. Connect with other caregivers (parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc.) to share experiences, learn from each other, and build social networks.
Our start date is September 22.
We will have sessions during these times:
- 9:35 - 10:35 am
- 12:05 - 1:05 pm (Spanish speaking families)
- 1:05 - 2:05 pm
**There is no fee for this program. Playgroups meet every Monday school is in session. Once you are registered you can attend whenever it works for you.
Preschool for All
Applications are now being accepted for D303's Preschool for All Program, which is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education, for the 2025-2026 school years. The program is for chidlren ages 3-5 who are not yet eligible for Kindergarten and provides a school experience at the Haines Center. Children are eligible based on factors such as developmental delays, low income, homelessness, having a parent or sibling with a disability, parent education level, or a non-English speaking household, among others.
Phone: 331-228-4834 for more information
Plastics Recycling
Community Resources
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