Algonquin Pre-K Families,

We are excited to announce that our preschool will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. This special time is dedicated to honoring the rich cultural contributions and vibrant traditions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. We have a series of engaging activities planned to help our young learners explore and appreciate this important heritage.

Here are some highlights of our celebration:

1. Story Time with Hispanic Authors: We will read the story of the Paletero Man and try some Paletas!

2. Cultural Arts and Crafts: Our arts and crafts sessions will be inspired by traditional Hispanic art forms. Children will have the opportunity to create something and participate in our Hispanic Parade on October 11.

3. Music and Dance: We will introduce the children to a variety of Hispanic music and dances. From salsa to mariachi, the rhythms and movements will help our little ones experience the joy and energy of Hispanic musical traditions.

4. Tasting- if you want to bring in store bought Hispanic traditional items to try please reach out to the teacher.

5. Guest Readers: We are inviting members of our community to come read a story with the children. These sessions will provide a unique, first-hand perspective on Hispanic heritage.

We encourage families to get involved and share their own traditions and stories with the class. If you have any artifacts, books, or recipes you would like to contribute, please let us know. Your participation will help make our celebration even more meaningful and enriching.

Thank you for your support as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. We look forward to sharing this special time with your children and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Hispanic culture.

Please download the Classdojo app to get access to communication from the district, school and your child's teacher. You can always check our website as well at www.sd163.com or like our Algonquin facebook page!

• Please remember that our doors open at 7:50 for AM drop-off. Breakfast is served in the gym from 7:55- 8:15.
• If you arrive to Algonquin later than 8:20 please sign your child into the office.
• If you need Childcare Services to fit your schedule, please contact our Family Engagement Team for resources.
• If you need to pick up your child before the 2:45 dismissal time - call the office before 2:30 PM that day so we can make sure your child is ready and waiting. Every minute of learning counts. so please try to limit early pickup if possible.
• We are building partnerships between school and home so attendance at school is very important. Our goal is to have 95% of our little scholars here every day. If your little can not be in school please call Ms. Lacy at 708-668-9250 to report an absence.
• If you are visiting you will need to sign in at the front office, present an ID for our safety check and wear a visitor lanyard. Visitors are expected to follow the visitor/parent code of conduct in the 24-25 Parent Student Handbook.
• If you need to visit a classroom or teacher, as a courtesy to the teachers ,we ask that you make arrangements at least 24 hours ahead

• October 4 Pre-K Screening - if you know anyone looking for preschool options have them call our office 668-9200
• October 8 No School Teacher Learning Day
• October 10 Bus Evacuation Drill
• October 11 Hispanic Heritage Parade Playgroup 9:30 and 1:30
• October 14 No School - Columbus Day
• October 15 10:45 Early Release Day and Family Conference 1:00-4:00 Teachers will reach out to you if they need to schedule a conference.
• October 18 Pre-K Screening - if you know anyone looking for preschool options have them call our office 668-9200
• October 21 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 PM 21st Century
• October 22 and October 23 - Field Trip to Freedom Hall-to see the play Elephant and Piggie
• October 25 - Fall Fest at Algonquin
• October 29 10:45 Early Dismissal and Algonquin Family Night 5:00-6:00
• October 31- Character Day ( Halloween )

As we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our Prek Littles , we would like to remind you of the importance of regularly checking your child's backpack. This simple yet crucial step ensures that no harmful or inappropriate items are brought to school. Our littles love to take things from home that you might not want them to take to school . We could tell you some stories of the things we have found 😉

Here are some guidelines to help you with this routine check:

1. School Communication: Please look for any notes or newsletters from the school. These might include important updates about upcoming events, changes in schedules, or information about your child's progress.

2. Safety Items: It is crucial to ensure that no dangerous items, such as lighters, matches, vape pens, etc or any objects resembling weapons, are in your child's backpack. These items pose significant risks and are strictly prohibited on school premises.

3. Personal Items: Check for any personal items that might be valuable or distracting. Electronics should be left at home to maintain a focused learning environment.

Ms. Mariah White and Ms. Brittny Jordan

Meet our amazing family educators who plan family activities and connect families with community resources. If you ever need information or support - they are the perfect CREW members to reach out to!!

We are learning all about self - control in October - If you see someone demonsrating self-control - please take a minute to put an Algonquin Star in our Jar ! You can watch and talk about this video with your little one too!