Maize Early Childhood Center
November 2022
A message from Principal Mrs. DeDe Pierce
Dear MECC Families,
Welcome to a New Year!
I hope you had a wonderful Winter Break! It was good to relax and have fun with friends and family, but it also feels good to be back with our students and on a regular schedule.
This is a very busy time at MECC – starting two new classes, beginning the process of 2023-24 enrollment, planning family events and gearing up for Spring.
· Maize Schools utilize Capturing Kids’ Hearts to build a close culture of support and growth for students, families, and staff. In order to provide feedback regarding what you feel we are doing well along with areas for improvement, we are asking you to please fill out this quick survey. I apologize for this quick turnaround – it is due by January 15, so thank you in advance for clicking HERE and helping us continue to grow!
· Tips and Tricks for Parenting through Tough Moments: Building Resilient Kids is happening next week! Our next free Parent Night is Thursday, January 19, at MECC. This session will again be facilitated by Mika Gross from The Parent’s Place. We have just a few spots still available and childcare is available (but limited). Registration is open through the 17th, find the flyer located later in this newsletter. Attendees receive great ideas, support, and a free book!
· 2023-24 Enrollment is right around the corner! The website is in the process of being updated to reflect current dates, times, forms, and processes.
· Parent/Teacher Conferences: MECC conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Thursday, Feb. 9 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Students will attend Monday and Tuesday only of that week. Please note - this is slightly different from the rest of the district. Please make sure and schedule your conference – we can’t wait to share all the great things your child is doing in school!
As always, please contact me if you have any questions!
DeDe Pierce
MECC Principal
Stay Connected
Visit our school website at www.usd266.com/pre-k.
Connect with Mrs. Pierce at dpierce@usd266.com or 316-722-3105.
Maize Early Childhood Center is located at 9405 W. 37th St. North in Wichita.
Parents as Teachers & Starlets
Playgroups and music classes for children birth to 3 will resume the week of January 24. We are looking forward to seeing everybody soon!! No sign up required.
Mini Starlets is a parent-child program beginning January 24 every Tuesday from 9:00-10:15. Parents and children participate in circle time, centers, story time, music and movement. The Frogstreet curriculum is used and taught by a licensed teacher. This class is available for all families that have a child that turns 3 between September 1 and mid-January. The cost is a one time fee of $20. If you have questions, please email Erin at ewhite@usd266.com. Please enroll in our MECC office.
We have day time openings for home visits where you will receive developmental activities for you and your child to do together. In addition, your child will receive annual developmental, social emotional, hearing and vision screenings. Click here to enroll.
Parenting Event
Thursday, January 19 from 6:00-7:30 we will host a free parent night, Exploring Tips and Tricks for Tough Moments with Mika Gross from the Parents Place. This one night class is designed for any parent with children under the age of 6. Click the form below to enroll, if you need childcare please call the office at 316-722-3105 to reserve a spot.
Nurse's Corner
Screenings
Vision and hearing screenings are happening now. You will be notified if your student
does not pass the vision or hearing screening.
SAY BOO TO THE FLU!
Flu season is here. Get your flu vaccine now! Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people with the flu will not have a fever.
The best defenses against the flu are washing your hands often and getting your flu vaccine!!
Keep your child home from school for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medication. A fever is defined at 100 degrees or higher. Children and teenagers with symptoms of the flu should NEVER take aspirin. A rare but very serious and sometimes fatal illness called Reye’s syndrome can develop. Your physician can recommend safer ways to treat symptoms of the flu.
Click on the link below to find out where you can get your flu shot!
https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/
Thanks, Nurse Allison
Inclement Weather Reminders
With winter around the corner, Maize USD 266 is reminding parents to please ensure that you have updated your information for notifications. Please also keep in mind that contact information does not instantly sync. Please allow at least 24 hours for data to update in the systems.
Dillons Community Rewards
Please consider linking your Dillons card to the community rewards program. Click here for instructions on how! Search for 47624 and MAIZE EARLY CHILDHOD CENTER. All money earned goes directly back to our building.
Maize Education Foundation
Many Maize educators support the Maize Education Foundation's efforts through a payroll donation option. Last school year, Maize USD 266 employees donated more than $12,000 in support of Maize Education Foundation programs throughout the district. That's nearly enough to fund 25 student grants.
Did you know that if 100 people will pledge just $10 a month, we could match that contribution? Who will help us to meet that goal? We CHALLENGE you to visit bit.ly/Donate-MEF and make your pledge today. Thank you for your support of Maize USD 266 students, educators, and schools!
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops has gone digital! Please download the app, find Maize Early Childhood Center (school ID 9665854) and scan your receipts! Money goes directly to the school. Click here for more information!