Apollo Early Childhood Center

Dear Apollo Families,

On behalf of our entire Early Childhood family, I would like to thank you for an incredible start to our 2024-2025 school year.

As in past years, we have so much to be proud of here! This year, we offer the following programs for our children and for their families: Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), SXI, and infant, toddler, and preschool tuition program options. We are also thrilled to partner with our District's Special Education Department to offer speech and language, social work, and occupational and physical therapy opportunities to our eligible youngsters. We have so many wonderful resources underneath our Apollo umbrella!

Although it doesn't feel like it now, fall weather is right around the corner. I want to remind everyone to make sure that students come to school with an appropriate fall (or winter) jacket and shoes or rain boots every day. As long as the weather permits, we go outside daily.

Finally, watch for more information to come home soon about our first fundraiser of the year.

Until next month...

Warm Regards,

Jen Kidd

The first holiday celebration of the school year is typically Halloween. Traditionally, for many children this is a celebration that includes costumes and candy. On the contrary, for some children, this day of celebration can be stressful and scary.

As a building, we do not host a costume parade or elaborate classroom parties for Halloween. We do, however, on a daily basis, embrace the fall season and all that it has to offer through our curriculum and day to day activities.

Leading up to Halloween, there are many fun activities that families can participate in outside of school based on each individual family's choice. A list of Oakland County activities are located HERE.

Throughout this month, we will be talking about how to exit a space safely, how to stop drop and roll, the importance of a family meeting spot and so much more!

Additionally, on Monday, October 7th and Friday October 11th, the Highland Township Fire Department will visit us to talk about Fire Safety and let us see their trucks!

Did you know that October isn't the only month that we talk about safety? As a building, we also complete fire, lockdown and tornado drills throughout the year so that we are prepared in case a true emergency were to arise.

For resources regarding how to teach preschoolers about fire safety, check out this NAEYC article.

As early childhood professionals, we are often asked why play is such an important part of our day. Beginning in infancy, play allows a child to learn the skills of negotiation, problem solving, sharing, and working within groups. Children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace and discover their own interests during play. You can support children's play at home too (graphic courtesy of Lindsay Nosek, GSRP Teacher)!

Parking Lot Reminders

For the safety of everyone, please remember to watch your speed, yield to pedestrians, and avoid texting/using your cell phone in our school parking lots. Reminder: Our parking lots are meant for one-way traffic.

Additionally, we are noticing that some people are using the handicap parking spots in our lots for student drop off without approval to do so. Please be conscientious of these spots; let's keep them open for those who are DMV handicap approved.

Finally, as a reminder, bus traffic is heavy between 7:45 and 8:20 am and again from 2:45 and 3:15 pm. During these times, we ask that families park at the front of the building and use the sidewalk. Please refrain from using the side parking lot during these times.

As always, we appreciate your support and commitment to helping our school community stay safe.

Transportation:

2366 S Milford Rd

Highland, MI 48357

Phone: (248) 684-8200

Fax: (248) 684-8038

Office Hours:

5:30am - 5:30pm school days

Email us at: parentlink@hvs.org