CREC Preschool Nov. Newsletter

November is a time of giving thanks—a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people and experiences that make a difference in our lives. At CREC Preschool at Progress Drive, we are fortunate to have a caring and dedicated staff who work each day to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for our students. I am especially appreciative of our teachers, paraprofessionals, associate instructors, related service providers, office staff, before and after care team, custodial staff, security staff, and all those who contribute to the success of our school community. Our families are an equally important part of that community. Whether you attend school events, participate in conferences, respond to communications, reinforce learning at home, volunteer, or simply make sure your child arrives each day ready to learn, your partnership matters. The connection between home and school is essential to helping our students feel supported and successful. And, of course, at the center of everything we do are our Penguins. Their curiosity, creativity, friendships, growing independence, and excitement for learning remind us each day why this work is so meaningful.

Outdoor learning and play are also an important part of the preschool day, giving children opportunities to explore, build physical skills, solve problems, and learn through hands-on experiences. As the days become shorter and the weather gets cooler, we will continue to make the most of our outdoor spaces whenever conditions allow. Families are asked to send children dressed appropriately for outdoor play and to label coats, hats, gloves, sweaters, and other belongings with their child’s name so misplaced items can be returned more easily. As we move through this season of gratitude, I want to end with one simple but important message: thank you. Thank you to our staff for the care, commitment, flexibility, and energy you bring each day. Thank you to our families for your trust, partnership, and continued support. Thank you to our students for filling our school with joy, curiosity, and purpose. And thank you to everyone who contributes, in big ways and small, to making CREC Preschool at Progress Drive a special place to learn, work, and grow.

What makes our school special is not just what we do—it is the people who do it together. Thank you for being part of our Penguin community.

Wishing our entire CREC Preschool community a joyful November and a wonderful Thanksgiving.

CT State Dept. of Health Immunization Requirements for Enrolled Students in CT Schools

*Not sure where to get vaccinated? Click the button below and check out our 2026 Flu Vaccine Clinic Directory. This includes information about local flu vaccine clinics in the Greater Hartford Region. Though every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please check websites or contact the host to confirm eligibility, insurance, age, or any additional requirements.

Students that do not receive their flu shot AND submit necessary documentation to our school nurse BEFORE the start of winter break (Wednesday December 23) will NOT be allowed to return to school until their flu shot requirement has been met.

If you or a loved one receive HUSKY D or Medicaid, please be aware of an important upcoming policy change regarding renewals and eligibility verification:

• Automatic Loss of Coverage: If the Department of Social Services (DSS) sends out pre-screening forms or renewal notices and a member does not return them, DSS will not send follow-up reminders or grant automatic extensions. Coverage under HUSKY D will automatically end.

• No Direct Outreach: Case workers will no longer follow up via phone calls or outreach to clarify missing information. The responsibility rests entirely on the individual to complete their pre-screener and submit required documentation on time.

New federal Medicaid rules — which go into effect this January — mean some HUSKY D members may

1. Need to report work, school, volunteer, or other activities,

2. Renew coverage every six months. Click HERE to learn more about the changes.

To avoid experiencing a gap in health coverage, members should take proactive steps immediately:

1. Update Contact Details: Ensure address, email, and phone numbers are current by visiting: Portal.ct.gov/UpdateUsDSS or accesshealthct.com/report-changes/ or call Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325

2. Complete the Pre-Screener: Click here to complete the Pre-Screener to see if the new work rules apply to you.

3. Monitor Mail & Communications: Respond promptly to any notice from DSS.

4. Add DSS to your saved contacts (short codes 60302 and 648731 for texts and 1-855-626-6632)

5. If coverage is lost due to non-response, a new application or retroactive submission of proof/exemption paperwork will be required to restore benefits.

NOT EVERYONE IS AFFECTED. HELP IS AVAILABLE. Visit cafca.org/agencies or call 2-1-1 to find your local community action agency for more information and resources. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will be sending more information later this year.

Upcoming Meeting on Wednesday November 18, 4:00 - 4:30 PM

Use this link to join: https://tinyurl.com/cppdptolink

Passcode: 19742006

(Meeting link, day, and time (Wednesdays from 4:00 - 4:30 PM will remain the same throughout the school year unless there is specific communication otherwise!)

CREC Preschool PTO is hosting a fundraiser at Lava Island on Thursday November 5 from 4:00 - 9:00 PM. Mention our school at check-in and 20% of the night's proceeds will be donated to support our school and PTO!

When: Thursday November 5, 2026 4:00 - 9:00 PM

Where: Lava Island (169 Hale Rd. Manchester, CT)

Shout out to our incredible CREC Preschool community for their amazing support of our PTO's fall fundraiser. This is our third year hosting this fundraiser and we have finally surpassed our sales goal!

NO SCHOOL

Return to school Wednesday Nov. 4.

CREC Preschool's Fall Food Drive will benefit the Chrysalis Center's Turkey Drive and Fresh place Food pantry.

1. Please follow the requested donation items list.
2. Check expiration dates before donating!
3. Please avoid donating: Canned green beans, Boxed Stuffing, Canned Cranberry Sauce

PTO Fundraiser at Lava Island (169 Hale Rd. Manchester, CT) from 4:00 - 9:00 PM.

*Mention our school at check-in to benefit and support our PTO!

Return to school Thursday Nov. 12

All are welcome!

Passcode: 19742006

Return to school Monday November 30.

• Wed. 12/9 - Fri. 12/11 - Family Teacher Conferences (EARLY DISMISSAL) *Teachers will share sign-ups with families directly.
• Wed. 12/9 - Virtual PTO Meeting from 4:00 - 4:30 PM
• Fri. 12/11 - PJ Day for the Kids Fundraiser (wear your PJs)
• Wed. 12/23 - Early Dismissal (NO AFTER CARE) *Pick-up is at 11:45 and ends at 12:00 PM.
• Thurs. 12/24 - Fri. 1/1 - Winter Break (NO SCHOOL) *Return to school Monday Jan. 4, 2027

In partnership with our families and community, we strive to shape the social, emotional and intellectual development of our preschool students. We provide a developmentally appropriate, play-based learning environment, which nurtures and encourages uniqueness, creativity, and respects equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to create a positive, safe learning environment where children learn, play, grow, and thrive together.

Email: crecpreschooloffice@crec.org
Website: https://cppd.crecschools.org/
Location: 123 Progress Drive, Wethersfield, CT, USA
Phone: 860-240-6615

Facebook: CREC Preschool at Progress Drive

Instagram: @crecpreschool