Preschool Press

Weekly from 5 - 7 PM at the Haines Center

Families may join at any point in the program and are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible. Register here

No sessions January 19, February 16, or March 30.

Three options:

• 9:35 - 10:35 am

• 12:05 - 1:05 pm (Spanish)

• 1:05 - 2:05 pm

Martin Lurther King, Jr Holiday

This same information will be shared at three different times on Wednesday, February 4.

9:15 - 10:15 AM

In the Family Resource Room at Haines. Two Options:

• 9:15 - 10:15 AM
• 12:05 - 1:05 PM

Presentation for Parents/Guardians by Michelle Clark, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, NCC, Director of Emotional Wellness programs with TriCity Family Services along with Tricia Sabathne, our D303 Early Childhood Child and Family Educator (CAFE). Register here

Three options:

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.

This is the same information shared January 21 in the morning.

Three options:

• 11 am - 12 pm virtually
• 1 - 2 pm at Haines
• 6 - 7 pm at Haines

5:30 - 6:30 pm at Lincoln School

The D303 Community Preschool has spots available for the 2026-2027 school year. To apply, you need to enter the Preschool Lottery, which runs from January 19, 2026 - February 1, 2026. The lottery drawing will take place on February 2, 2026, and you’ll be notified by February 3, 2026, if your child got a spot for the 2026-2027 school year. To enter the lottery, follow this link and fill out the form starting January 19.

For more details about the D303 Community Preschool, you can visit the Early Childhood page on our website at https://ec.d303.org/. If you have any questions or would like to apply for the Preschool For All Program, please contact the Early Childhood Office at 331-228-4834.

You are invited to join us for Supporting Your Preschooler’s Emotional Regulation - Part 2.

You are welcome to attend Part 2 of this presentation even if you did NOT attend Part 1. On January 23 we will begin with a brief summary and discussion of Part 1.

We hope you can join us!

The D303 Discipline Advisory Committee is currently seeking participation from interested parents/guardians. The committee is structured to include representation from across the District, including community members, staff, and Administration.

The primary outcome of the committee is to review and update the District's discipline procedures. This work includes: Reviewing current discipline guidelines to ensure compliance with all statutory requirements. Aligning the District's student discipline procedures and student handbooks with current state legislation and policy updates.

The 2025-26 Meeting Schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, February 4

• Wednesday, February 18

• Wednesday, March 4

• Wednesday, March 18

• Wednesday, April 8

The committee meets from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at the Lincoln Professional Development Center, Room 106. Interested participants should complete this form to express interest. The deadline for participation requests is Friday, January 23, 2026.

The staff would like help with various tasks including cutting, laminating, copying, etc. If you are able to come to the school and volunteer your time the staff would greatly appreciate it! Please fill out the google spreadsheet with your name on the time(s) you are able to help.

Outdoor play continues throughout all the seasons at D303 Early Childhood at Haines Center weather permitting, and is an important part of our curriculum. Classrooms go outside as long as conditions are safe to do so and the temperature, including wind-chill, is above 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Please be sure your preschooler has clothes appropriate for outdoor play daily. If weather prohibits outdoor play (e.g., raining, too cold, or hazardous conditions like ice present) classrooms use one of our indoor motor areas. If you are in need of a warmer coat for your child please contact Tricia Sabathne, Child and Family Educator, at tricia.sabathne@d303.org

Your influence on how your child grows and develops is immense. We are proud to partner with you in your child's early learning journey. Making sure your child attends school for the full 2 1/2 hours when they are healthy helps us play our part.

Please contact your child's teacher or Tricia Sabathne, Child and Family Educator (CAFE), if you are experiencing barriers to arriving on time (car riders and walkers) or catching the bus (bus riders) so we can partner regarding possible solutions.

tricia.sabathne@d303.org

331-228-5727

To report a student absence:

• Main Haines building number- 331-228-3400
• Press 1 for the Early Childhood Center
• Press 1 for the Attendance line
• Clearly state your child's name and the reason for their absence.
• If you do not provide a reason for their absence OR do not call the absence will be unexcused.

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.

Families who wish to learn more about Free and Reduced-Price Meals or fee waivers can find information and application links on the District 303 website under Parents & Community.

• For Free and Reduced-Price Meals, visit: district.d303.org/foodservices
• For Fee Waivers, visit: district.d303.org/fee-waivers

Applications are available year-round for families whose household circumstances may have changed.

Click here for more information about Student Library Cards offered by the St. Charles Public Library.

Playgroups Resume January 12, 2026

Playgroups at our Haines Family Resource Center offer children, ages 0-5, and a caregiver a safe, quality, and educational play opportunity. Connect with other caregivers (parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc.) to share experiences, learn from each other, and build social networks.

Sessions:

• 9:35 - 10:35 am
• 12:05 - 1:05 pm (Spanish speaking families)
• 1:05 - 2:05 pm

**There is no fee for this program. Playgroups meet every Monday school is in session. Once you are registered you can attend whenever it works for you.

Applications are now being accepted for D303's Preschool for All Program, which is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education, for the 2025-2026 school years. The program is for chidlren ages 3-5 who are not yet eligible for Kindergarten and provides a school experience at the Haines Center. Children are eligible based on factors such as developmental delays, low income, homelessness, having a parent or sibling with a disability, parent education level, or a non-English speaking household, among others.

Phone: 331-228-4834 for more information

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