Preschool Press

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

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

Columbus Day

Especially for Haines Firefly Famlies

6:00 pm - 7:00

St. Charles Public Library

1 South 6th Avenue, St. Charles

For new students, students who were absent on picture day, or families who would like a retake.

4:30 - 6:30 pm at Richmond School

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.

4:30 - 6:30 pm at Munhall School

Nov 24-26: Non Attendance Days (Offices Open)

Nov 27-28: Thanksgiving Break

We’re excited to partner with you during parent/teacher conferences to support your child’s learning. The time we spend together is valuable and meaningful as we discuss how we can work as a team to help your child succeed.

There will be no school from Thursday, October 9 through Monday, October 13.

School will resume on Tuesday, October 14.

Our Book Fair is open! It’s a cashless, tax-free sale – that means we only accept card payments or digital payments (no cash or checks).

All profits help us buy new books for our school library.

While you're shopping, be sure to check out the staff wishlists! These include books for classrooms and for therapy sessions with our Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Social Worker. These books make great gifts and help support our school in even more ways!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Shopping hours are:

Thursday, October 9 from 8 am to 8 pm

Friday, October 10 from 8 am to 12 pm

Does your child have a library card? If not, now is your chance to get one at St. Charles Public Library!

Get ready for winter with Maddie’s Mitten March — a free event providing winter coats, hats, boots, gloves, snow pants, and more for individuals of all ages, from infants to adults.

No registration or personal information is required. Families will be served on a first come, first serve basis, and you'll be able to choose the items that best fit your family's needs.

Event Dates & Locations:

📍 Tuesday, October 28
⏰ 4:30 – 6:30 PM
📌 Richmond Elementary School, 300 S 12th Street, St. Charles

📍 Tuesday, November 11
⏰ 4:30 – 6:30 PM
📌 Munhall Elementary School, 1400 S 13th Avenue, St Charles

Come and prepare your whole family for the cold months ahead!

D303 is supporting the St. Charles Public Library with their Community Cabinet Food Drive.

Halloween is an exciting time for many children and families. We also know that changes in routine, like special days at school, can sometimes feel overwhelming for some students.

With that in mind, students are welcome to wear a costume to school on Friday, October 31st, if they would like. Costumes are optional — it’s just fine if your child prefers not to dress up.

If your child chooses to wear a costume, please follow these guidelines:

• No full-face masks

• No weapons or weapon-like items

• Costumes should be safe and easy to move around in at school

Teachers will continue with the regular daily schedule, with some fun Halloween-themed stories, songs, or activities mixed in. Our goal is to keep the day calm and comfortable for all students.

Please note:

• We will not be hosting parties or a building-wide parade

• Please do not send any food, candy, or party items with your child

If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the D303 Early Childhood Office at Haines. Thank-you for your support of these guidelines.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the D303 Early Childhood Office at Haines.

Volunteers needed! 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.

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.

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

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

Spanish translators will be available to assist parents.

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