Bright Futures
May 2025 Newsletter

Mark Your Calendar
MAY
05- AM & Full Day Kindergarten Transition Visits (for students entering K)
07- Kangaroo, Butterfly & Fox Room Field Trips
14- AM & Full Day Kindergarten Transition Visits (for students entering K)
15- Family Picnic - 5:30-7:00 @ Rotary Park
16- Cheetah, Fish and Lion Room Field Trips
17- Planting Day at OSF Community Garden
20- Toddler Tuesday at Discovery Depot 5:30-7:00
23- Water Day
26- No School - Memorial Day
27 - End of 4th Quarter
27 -1 hour early dismissal
Kindergarten Transition
Registration
🎓Students transitioning to Kindergarten
If your child will turn 5 years old on or before September 1, 2025, they will be transitioning to Kindergarten this fall!
Please take a moment to log in to your Family Skyward account and complete your child’s registration for the 2025–2026 school year. 🔗 Click here to register
Registering early helps ensure a smooth transition and placement for your child.
Thank you for your attention to this important step! 🌟
🌞Returning Bright Futures Students
If your child will NOT turn 5 before September 1, 2025, they will be returning to Bright Futures for the 2025–2026 school year.
âś… Good news: Your child does NOT need to be re-screened.
🚨 However, you MUST complete registration in Skyward as soon as possible to secure their spot.
To register:
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Log in to your Family Skyward account đź”— Click here
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Complete the 2025–2026 school year registration for your child.
⚠️ If registration is not completed in Skyward, your child is at risk of losing their spot in our program.
Thank you for helping us plan ahead for another amazing school year at Bright Futures! 🌟
State Health Requirements for PreK & K
Students who register before the first day of the school year must have required health records or proof of a scheduled appointment by the first day of student attendance. The appointment must be scheduled within 30 days of the first day of school. Students who register after the first day, must have required health records or proof of appointment by the first day of attendance.
Students that do not show proof of an Illinois School Physical and/or required immunizations by the first day of school WILL BE EXCLUDED.
Preschool
Physical Exam (signed by physician and parent)
Lead Screening
TB Screening
3 Polio vaccines
3 Hepatitis B vaccines
4 DTaP vaccines
1 HIB vaccine (minimum)
Pneumococcal (Primary series or at least one dose between 24-59 months of age)
1 MMR vaccine
1 Varicella vaccine (chicken pox) or proof of disease
Kindergarten
Physical Exam (signed by physician and parent)
Eye Exam
Dental Exam
Lead screening
4 or more Polio vaccines
4 or more DTaP vaccines
2 MMR vaccines
2 Varicella vaccines (chicken pox) or proof of disease
Curriculum
Bright Futures Partners with OSF St. Mary’s for a Community Garden! 🌱
We’re thrilled to share that OSF St. Mary’s is starting a community garden this spring—and Bright Futures has been invited to be a part of it! Dr. Baker reached out to us to help bring this exciting project to life, and we couldn’t be more excited.
The garden will span approximately 2 acres, and our little learners will play a big role by helping start over 200 seedlings! Through this hands-on experience, our students will explore:
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🌱 Plant germination
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🌿 Plant life cycles
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🍅 A variety of fruits and vegetables
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❤️ The value of community involvement
Not only will our students deepen their understanding of science and nature, but they’ll also learn the importance of giving back and making a difference in their community.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendars!
Our seedlings will be transplanted on Saturday, May 17, 2025. If Bright Futures families wish to participate in “Planting Day” at the garden site, we will send more information as the date approaches.
We can’t wait to see the garden grow—just like our students! 🌻
Nutrition
Family Engagement
Toddler Tuesday
FREE fun for the whole family!
Circle of Security Parenting
This free learning opportunity is available to all Bright Futures families. The class will consist of 8-weekly sessions where you can meet other parents, learn strategies for reducing challenging behaviors and practice self reflection.
Summer Fest 2025
June 18, 2025
5:00-7:00 pm
932 Harrison St.
Help Your Little Learner Grow
Conscious Discipline - Using Logical Consequences
Curriculum
Fire Station Visit
The Panda, Bear, and Shark Rooms had an exciting visit to the Galesburg Fire Station! The children learned all about the important role firefighters play in keeping our community safe. They toured the fire station, explored the fire truck, and—best of all—got to spray the fire hose! It was a day full of learning, laughter, and hands-on fun. A big thank you to the Galesburg Fire Department for making the day so special!
Week of the Young Child Parade
Throughout the week, we honored young children, their families, and the early childhood programs and educators who nurture and support them. We celebrated the importance of high-quality early learning experiences and recognized the vital role families play in fostering young minds.
We ended the week on a high note with a parade led by the GHS Marching Streaks, celebrating the graduating classes of 2039, 2038, and 2037!
Music Monday
We kicked off the Week of the Young Child with Disney spirit and musical fun! Students came dressed in their favorite Disney outfits, explored the world of music, and even created their own instruments. A special thank you to Mr. Petrie for introducing us to a variety of instruments—though the fan favorite was definitely the hose horn!
It was a joyful day full of rhythm, creativity, and discovery!
Daily Schedule
Family Folder
To learn more about Bright Futures, including: policies, curriculum and calendars, click the LINK or scan the QR CODE below.