Preschool Press

Labor Day

5:00 - 6:45 PM

Forms due.

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.

Three options:

• 9:15 - 10:15 am (Haines)

• 11:45 am - 12:45 pm (Haines)

• 5:30 - 6:30 pm (Virtual)

Parent Teacher Conferences and Book Fair from 8 am - 8 pm

Parent Teacher Conference and Book Fair from 8 am - 12 pm

Columbus Day

Save the date! Interested in building a community designed to connect about Special Education? Meet other parents and caregiveers to ask questions and share your experiences. Hosted by our Family Council.

5:30 - 6:30 PM at Haines Early Childhood Center. Child care available (registration required) and snacks provided. Opportunity to RSVP coming in September.

Dear Haines Firefly Families and Guardians,

We are now into our third week of the 2026–27 school year, and it is clear that our staff and students are busy learning and practicing routines and expectations throughout the day. Students are working on “glowing like a firefly” as they explore what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like to be safe, respectful, and responsible in all areas of our school and classroom environment.

Next Wednesday, September 9, 2026, we are excited to host our Open House at Haines EC Center. Families are welcome to join us anytime between 5:00–6:45 p.m. This will be a true open house style event where students can guide you through their classroom, playground, and Library/LRC. Together, you can complete a BINGO card as they share their school experiences. We look forward to celebrating their learning with you!

Thank you for your continued support as we build a strong start to the school year.

Warmly,
Jennifer Mursu, Director of Early Childhood/Principal

Ms. Mary, the School Services Librarian from the St. Charles Public Library, will be at our Open House to give out library cards.

If you live in the St. Charles Public Library district, bring two forms of ID. One must show your current address.

If you don’t live in a library district but signed the permission form at registration for a D303 Student Library Card, you can receive a card that night.

AM Car Riders and Walkers

• 8:15 - 8:20 am drop off at door 2
• 10:50 am pick-up from your child's classroom cone

• 11:45 - 11:50 am drop off at door 2
• 2:20 pm pick-up from your child's classroom cone

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.

In D303, we value the opportunity to provide a community of care and support to our families, especially those faced with financial hardship.

If your family is currently experiencing a significant financial need, our community partnerships have several supports available for families including: school clothes/shoes, winter coats/accessories, school supplies, toiletries, holiday meals, and/or holiday gifts. If you would like to be considered for any of these supports, please complete Family Resource Form by September 11, 2026.

Orders due by Friday, September 4th.

Playgroups start Monday, September 14. One time registration required.

The Preschool Lottery may have closed but it isn’t too late to register your child for D303 Community Preschool at the Haines Center. There are currently openings. Fill out the 2026-2027 Preschool Waitlist form at https://ec.d303.org/registration.

Together We PLAY LEARN GROW

This calendar has simple, daily tips that turn everyday moments into learning moments - because LEARNING STARTS AT BIRTH. Designed for families with children from birth to age five, this bilingual guide (English/Spanish) is rooted in The Basics Principles and helps you build your child’s brain, support healthy development, and grow the skills they need to enter kindergarten confident and ready to thrive.

The St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 Board of Education voted on August 10, 2026, to place a ballot initiative on the November 3 ballot asking the community whether the District should issue bonds to fund maintenance needs and educational facility improvements. Read the full press release here.

We’re here to help. If your family is struggling to afford diapers, period supplies, or incontinence products, you’re not alone. We provide these essential items completely free of charge to families who need them, with no judgment and no catch.

https://keepingfamiliescovered.org/get-diapers/

This free virtual conversation series offers a welcoming space for parents and families of children with developmental differences, delays, challenges, or disabilities to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Together, families will discuss the joys and challenges of raising and advocating for their children, families, and communities. Next episode is Sept. 14 from 2-3 pm.

Click on this link to register.

Website: https://ec.d303.org/
Location: 305 S 9th St, St Charles, IL 60174
Phone: 331-228-3400, Press 1 for Early Childhood