BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PRESCHOOL

We pride ourselves on partnering with families in order to best meet the needs of every student. Meeting and talking with families about how their child is doing in preschool during parent/teacher conferences is one way in which we are able to partner with you. We value this time with families, but also understand that issues arise during the school year that you want your child’s teacher to know about or you may have a question about. Please reach out to your child’s teacher via email when something like the above occurs. Communication is key. Families are your child’s first teacher, we just help and support along the way.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

John McDonald, Principal and Shonna Hoeper, Early Childhood Coordinator

December 1-5: Mitten and Toy Drive (Send in hats, mittens and unwrapped toys to school with your child OR drop them off in the office.)

December 1: Start of 2nd Trimester

December 9: POPS Parent Meeting @ 6:00 PM in the Media Center

December 18: Wear PURPLE for EMPATHY (Character Strong)

December 22-January 2: No School-Winter Break

January 5: School Resumes

The holidays can be a fun family time and they can also be stressful. Below are some healthy holiday tips:

• Stick to routines: Keep morning and evening routines similar to the school week to maintain healthy habits.
• Give your child a heads up (let them know in advance): When routines change, make sure to let your child know so they are prepared.
• Schedule down time/quiet time: Say "no" to too many things. Let everyone choose their favorite quiet activity and enjoy the peace.
• Family and Friend Time: Make time for connecting with others. Put away technology and be present with each other. Some ideas are: play board games, listen to music, read together, family movie night, play cards-brainstorm other ideas with your children.
• Don't forget to add movement/exercise: A great way to enjoy the holiday season is to keep moving your body. Outside ideas like taking a walk, go sledding, skating, build a snowman. Inside ideas like music and move, balloon volleyball, GoNoodle activities.
• Food: It is important to maintain healthy eating habits and to stay hydrated. Keep healthy snacks available (fruit, veggies, protein). Make sure you and your kids drink water throughout the day. Enjoy holiday treats in moderation.
• Keep your own stress in check: Practice good self-care. Like reading a book, yoga/movement, fresh air, and taking a break for yourself.

Just remember, your presence is more important than presents........

A reminder that all Bright Beginnings tuition payments are due by the 5th of each month.

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.

A late payment fee of $25 will be applied to any payment not received by the 15th of the month. Additional fees may accrue for each subsequent week the balance remains unpaid.

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.

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 15th, 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!

Did you know screening your child between ages 3–5 helps set the stage for lifelong learning and success?

Early Childhood Screening is an important check-up for children ages 3–5 that helps ensure they are growing, learning, and developing as expected before starting kindergarten. During the screening, your child’s vision, hearing, growth, and developmental milestones are reviewed—it’s a simple way to support their success in school and beyond!

We encourage families to complete screening as early as possible—ideally at age 3. The earlier it’s done, the sooner we can celebrate your child’s strengths and connect you with helpful resources if needed.

Schedule your child’s screening today!
To make an appointment, visit our website to schedule your child’s screening today! Screenings are free and take about an hour. Upcoming dates are available in November, with more appointments to open each month.

Give your child a strong start—schedule their Early Childhood Screening today!

You can watch this video from Minnesota Department of Education or browse our website for more information about Early Childhood Screening.

Winter has arrived! Please send your child to school with snow pants, boots, hats, mittens (that are easily put on), and a warm winter coat each day.

ALL DAY preschool classes go outside each day, unless the temperature/wind chill is 0 degrees or

below. HALF DAY preschool goes outside whenever they can.

Also, these warm clothes will help when your child is waiting outside to get picked up each day.

Tuesday, December 9 at 6:00 PM in the Albertville Primary Media Center

All parents are invited to attend

During the meeting the principal will be asking for feedback and discussing the following items:

· Kindergarten BINGO Night-Feedback

· Kindergarten and Bright Beginnings Conference Meal Train Donations-Update and Ideas

· Upcoming Family Events

THANK YOU!

Get Ready for 2026-2027: Bright Beginnings Preschool Registration!

We are absolutely thrilled to share the upcoming registration dates for the 2026–2027 Bright Beginnings Preschool school year! Prepare your child for a strong foundation in a nurturing, play-based environment.

Key Registration Dates: Mark Your Calendar

We value our current families and community members and want to ensure a smooth and fair registration process. Please note the key dates below:

• Priority Registration (Current Families): January 26–27th, 2026

  • This two-day window is reserved exclusively for families currently enrolled in our programs.

• Public Registration Opens: January 28th, 2026

  • Registration will open to all new and returning families on this date.

We encourage all interested families to be ready to register on the appropriate opening day, as spots fill up quickly!

Help Us Build the Best Program: Complete Our Survey

Your input is invaluable! As valued members of our community and future Bright Beginnings families, we want to hear from you to ensure our programming meets the diverse needs of our students.

Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey. Your feedback on scheduling, class interests, and overall experience helps us shape the 2026-2027 program year.

Take the Survey Now: https://forms.gle/ekxEzpNocefwUVUU6