REGISTRATION TIME!

It’s already that time of the year!

Whether heading to kindergarten or returning to Bright Beginnings, there are always questions and uncertainties centered around registration. It is my hope that we can assist in making the process as easy as possible.

Our 2026-2027 Bright Beginnings brochure will be available in mid January! Preschool registration can feel a bit like applying for college! Make sure to have an alternative option and if placed on a waitlist, please be patient, as most children are usually enrolled by the fall.

We are incredibly thankful you have selected our program for your little knights and are dedicated to continuing a legacy of quality early learning!

Shonna Hoeper, Early Childhood Coordinator
Bright Beginnings Preschool/ECFE

IMPORTANT DATES

January 5: School Resumes - Welcome Back!

January 19: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Workshop

January 22: Bright Beginnings Preschool Open House 5:00 - 6:30 PM (for 2026-2027 school year)

January 28: Bright Beginnings Registration Begins (Priority Registration for current Bright Beginnings families will take place on January 26 and 27 - a registration link will be sent to families in January)

January 29: Wear PINK for the Character Strong Trait of Perseverance

Bright Beginnings Open House - January 22

We are hosting a special evening just for families to experience the magic of our preschool program. Come and enjoy a night of connection and exploration!

What: Bright Beginnings Preschool Open House
When: Thursday, January 22, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Why Attend: Tour the engaging classrooms, meet our nurturing teachers, and explore the hands-on, play-based learning activities that make Bright Beginnings special.

We look forward to welcoming your little learner to Bright Beginnings and partnering with your family to give your child the gift of a strong foundation in a nurturing environment. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your child’s first school experiences!

PLEASE HELP!

A reminder that all Bright Beginnings tuition payments are due on or before the 5th of each month. A late payment fee of $25 will be applied to those families that have not paid their child's tuition by this date. Additional fees may accrue for each subsequent week the balance remains unpaid.

All electronic payments (including ACH and all credit cards) are subject to a 3.69% processing/program fee through ELEYO. This is a district wide procedure for all online payments, which includes Bright Beginnings Preschool payments. Checks, money orders, and cash are also accepted on site. Checks are payable to ISD #885 and in the memo line, write your child's name or account number and BB.

Withdrawal Reminder:

In order to withdraw from the Bright Beginnings preschool program, families are required to provide a minimum of a 2-week notice before the last date of attendance. Please notify the coordinator via email. If proper notice is not given, parents will be responsible for the full tuition amount for that month, regardless of the child’s attendance.

Please reach out to Shonna Hoeper at shonnah@mystma.org with any questions.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION for the 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR!

Online kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year will OPEN Monday, February 2! Please visit the Albertville Primary website at:

https://www.stma.k12.mn.us/Page/155

for more information, as well as the link to register.

Registration information and details for Kindergarten Open House (May 2026) and Kindergarten Orientation (September 2026) will be mailed to families with potential kindergarteners at the end of January.

Please call the Albertville Primary office at 763-497-2688 if you have any questions.

WEATHER RELATED ANNOUNCEMENTS

If STMA schools are delayed by 2 hours or cancelled due to inclement weather, notifications will be done through email, phone calls, social media, and on the district website.

If STMA schools have any modifications,
so does Bright Beginnings Preschool. (See below)
2-hour Late start: No half-day morning preschool
2-hour Late start: All-day sessions begin at 10:00 AM (drop off begins at 9:45 AM)
Early dismissal/release: No half-day afternoon preschool
Early dismissal/release: All-day sessions release early, as per the announcement

We do not offer tuition credit for snow days. (See Parent Handbook)

PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM THE EFFECTS OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA

What children do in their free time greatly impacts their lives, both now and in the future. Whether your children are fixated on TV or video games, it is likely they spend many hours a week tuned into music, movies, computer games, or TV. While their main goal is to be entertained, they are also soaking up messages that these shows and games deliver. Below is information about the effects of electronic media on children, and what you can do to lessen the negative impact.

· Watch with them. When your child watches TV, watch too. When something you find offensive presents itself, speak up.

· Turn it off. Limit the time your son/daughter watches TV, plays video games, etc. Read a book or play a game together instead.

· Keep it out of their rooms. Research shows that children who have electronic media in their bedrooms spend more time tuned into it and less time working on activities that build their minds, bodies, and social skills.

· Use the rating systems. There are helpful rating systems on all TV shows, CDs, and video games. Be aware of the ratings and strictly limit your child to those you feel are appropriate.

~Source: NAESP Report to Parents