November ELC Newsletter

How is November is already here? The leaves and weather are changing and it is starting to feel like fall is in full effect. We were so busy with various events in October that the month just flew by! We started off strong with our Homecoming Parade (that day certainly did not feel like fall) and we closed out the month with a dental bus visit, school picture day and a visit from East Moline Fire Department. We also enjoyed a lot of things in between. Our in between moments are filled with exploring, learning, problem solving, and PLAY. We are excited for our ELC families to come into the building for conferences so we can share all the things that happen in between!

Ongoing Studies of Trees, Roads and Cameras

We use Creative Curriculum which is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features inquiry, exploration, and discovery as the foundation of all learning. Children have opportunities to think critically and develop process skills with rich, hands-on investigations of relevant and interesting study topics in the classroom.

Fire Safey Visit

October is Fire Prevention month. The EMFD came and talked with the students about what household items are safe and not safe to touch. We also talked about what to do in case of a fire and how we do not need to be scared of a fireman when they have all their gear on. The students really enjoyed looking at all the tools, ladders and hoses on the fire truck.

Homecoming Parade

Thank you for all the families that particpated in representing the ELC at the Homecoming Parade. It was a hot day but definently a fun one! So proud of our students for carrying our banner the whole parade! They were the real MVPs!

Next Home Visit will be Nov. 19th

Home visits promote healthy child development and school readiness. It is required to have one home visit per school year.

Pictures will be on display for our Veterans Day Program.

Book Study: Empowering Your Child to Fly: A Family’s Guide to Early Childhood Inclusion (webinars and reading assignments)

In this book study, “Empowering Your Child to Fly: A Family’s Guide to Early Childhood Inclusion” by Jani Kozlowski, family members of children with disabilities will have the chance to dive into topics about the importance of inclusion in early childhood education. Each participant will receive a copy of the book and through readings and group discussions will gain better understanding of ways to support their child through his or her educational journey!

Meeting 1 (online)
January 16, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Meeting 2 (online)
January 30, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Meeting 3 (online)
February 13, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

https://starnet.org/home/events/2624-book-study-empowering-your-child-to-fly/

Next Family Advisory Meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 18th after morning drop off

We need.... YOU!

If your family's SNAP benefits are being affected by the current government shutdown, please click the image below. This resource guide will provide local area food pantries that you are able to access if need be.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Mark your calendar for our upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences. Conferences will be held at the Early Learning Center.

Thursday, Nov. 6th 3:45- 7:45

Friday, Nov. 7th 8:00- 11:30.

(By appointment only)

Parent Teacher conferences help to build trust and open communication, allow for a shared understanding of the child's strengths and needs, and equip parents with strategies to support learning at home. Ultimately, conferences lay a foundational partnership for the child's long-term success.

Appointment is required. Please call and schedule your times today!

If you are experiencing a hardship please email tschofield@emsd37.org

Care Closet

During the Parent/ Teacher conferences, we will have our Care Closet available for families to come and shop. Items will be gently used and available at no cost. Make sure to stop by the large gym and look around!

Our school implements The Pyramid Model, a framework for supporting the social and emotional development of our children. An important part of our Pyramid Model work includes supporting families and sharing information about promoting social and emotional skills at home.

Teaching Friendship Skills

Teachers are currently focusing on teaching very specific friendship skills such as asking to play, taking turns, using gentle hands and managing emotions, to help children become "Super Friends." Children who demonstrate these discrete friendship skills in preschool tend to have better peer acceptance and friendships, fewer behavior problems, and stronger early academic outcomes. Families can also use this scripted story at home to reinforce these important skills, as well. Let your child know when you notice them being a super friend by using positive descriptive feedback, "You took turns with ____ and you both got to play with the car. Way to be a super friend!"

📚🎒 Looking for local community events and activities? The EMSD Digital Backpack is your go-to spot for community happenings!

Click the QR code to view this month's breakfast and lunch menus

Coats for Kids

Click the image if your child is in need of a coat. The ELC has partnered with East Moline Rotary Club to provide coats for students.

Nov. 4th- Orange, Violet and Teal classroom Field Trip

Nov. 6th- Parent/ Teacher Conference 3:45 pm - 7:45 pm *Student attendance day*

Nov. 7th- Parent/ Teacher Conference 8:00 am - 11:30 am *No School*

Nov. 10th - Nov. 14--Veterans Day Themed Dress up Week

Nov. 11th- Veterans Day Program *Student attendance day*

Nov. 12th- Picture Retake Day

Nov. 12th- Playdough Play group 4:00- 5:00 pm

Nov. 18th- Family Advisory Council Meeting 9:30 - 10:15 am

Nov. 19th- Home Visits- No School

Nov. 26th- 28th- Thanksgiving Break- No School

Do you have younger children? Bring them in for a developmental check-up! Open to EMSD residents with children aged 0-5 years old. Call Lindsay to schedule an appointment for a screening (now scheduling for October). Currently enrolled students do not need to be screened.

Important contacts:

Main Office: 309-865-6900

Lindsay Hill, Secretary (lhill@emsd37.org)

Tara Schofield, Family Educator (tschofield@emsd37.org)

Melissa McCullough, Principal (mmccullough@emsd37.org)