EC Hub Family Newsletter

Our Area of Study for October and November is "Exploring Change in Our World." Learning spaces in the building have been enhanced to reflect seasonal changes, and kids are thinking and talking about how they experience change in themselves and their families. To learn more about these changes, I consulted our resident experts on change, our Pre-K students, for some Q and A.

What changes do you see in Fall?

Cormac: The leaves change color!

Stellan: I see red leaves, dry leaves, orange leaves, yellow leaves.

How do you dress differently when the weather gets colder?

Soren: I dress with a sweater.

Kwame: I wear a jacket and boots!

How have you changed since you were a baby?

Lucy: I got bigger, and I don't drink as much milk.

Tobiah: I got bigger. I can do the monkey bars.

Sia: I got teeth.

Read on for information about attendance, applying to kindergarten, and upcoming events. As always, please reach out with questions or concerns! I can be reached at 651-293-5200 (school phone) or 651-744-3345 (direct).

Early school success goes hand in hand with good attendance. Attending school regularly is essential to students gaining the academic and social skills they need to succeed. It also helps children feel better about school- and themselves. Starting as early as Pre-K, chronic absence—missing 10 percent of the academic year (one or two days every few weeks)—can make it harder to develop early reading skills, get ready for kindergarten and first grade, and can develop a poor attendance pattern that is hard to break. Encourage your child to attend school every single day. Your enthusiasm is a big boost to success. Eventually, good attendance will be a skill that will help them succeed in high school and college.

Some strategies that support good attendance:

• Try to set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up.

• Try to schedule medical appointments and extended trips when school is not in session.

• Talk about the importance of attendance and keep a chart of your child’s attendance at home.

• If your child seems anxious about attending school, please talk to us, we are here to help!

Districtwide Early Childhood Hub Attendance Expectations:

• Attend school every day.

• If your child will be absent, contact the teacher or the school office (651-293-5200) or send a note explaining the absence.

If attendance becomes an issue, the school will take the following steps:

• After three (3) unexcused absences, the school will contact you to discuss your child’s attendance.

• After 15 non-consecutive unexcused absences, your child will be dropped from the class and their spot will be given to a child on our waiting list. (For children with special education services, the IEP process will be followed.).

• If attendance becomes a challenge, please contact your child’s teacher for help in problem solving.

Believe it or not, it's time to start thinking about kindergarten! School Choice season in St. Paul Public Schools kicks off on December 14 with the School Choice Fair at River Center in downtown St. Paul. All schools in the district will host a booth and families can walk around to learn about different options. Important things to know about the School Choice process in the district:

• All Pre-K students at the Districtwide Early Childhood Hub are guaranteed a kindergarten spot at their community elementary school (students in our self-contained special education classroom are guaranteed a spot too, but it may not be at their community school)
• Families that want their child to attend kindergarten at a school that is not their community school need to apply to that school. Acceptance is not guaranteed.
• The priority deadline to apply is February 14, 2025. Families can still apply after that date, but applications received by the priority deadline will be processed first.

The process for applying to kindergarten can be confusing and a little overwhelming...and we are here to help!

• The Districtwide Early Childhood Hub will have staff available to help families with the application process at our family event on December 20 from 2:30-4:00. Families can drop in to ask questions or get help completing the application.
• The Districtwide Early Childhood Hub will host an online Q and A session for families about applying for kindergarten on January 7 from 6:30-7:30.

If you've ever wondered about the friendly voice you hear when you call the Early Childhood Hub...it's Jesmine, our clerk! Read below to learn more about this fabulous member of our Early Childhood Hub team.

What is the best part about working at the Early Childhood Hub?

One of the highlights of working at the Early Childhood Hub is the positive and collaborative work environment. It truly fosters a sense of support in my role, making each day a joy to come to work. I have a deep appreciation for the students and their families; building these connections is a heartfelt aspect of my job. Together, we strive to create a nurturing community focused on the well-being and growth of our children.

What did you do before coming to the Hub?

Prior to joining the Hub, I spent a couple of years as a clerk at Humboldt High School. However, what I am most proud of is my seven years of experience in preschool teaching. This background has deeply enriched my approach to early childhood education.

Share three fun facts about yourself!

I was born and raised on Staten Island, New York, and I’m the proud parent of six incredible daughters, each of whom is exceptionally talented and bright. If I hadn’t pursued a career as a clerk, I might have become an actress; however, my stage fright got the best of me! That’s likely why I enjoy performing in the classroom as a teacher instead.

November 7 (evening) and 8 (day): Conferences

November 8: No school for students

November 13: Field trip to Tamarack Nature Center (Ms. Jo, Ms. Helen, and Ms. Kelly's classes)

November 28-29: No school

December 4: Picture retake day

December 20, 2:30-4:00: "Cozy Up and Read" family event at the Hub AND support available for applying to kindergarten

Pre-K classes go outside every afternoon for recess (weather permitting). Please make sure your child comes to school with winter gear- warm coat, snowpants, boots, mittens, and hat. If you need help getting winter clothing, please reach out to our School Social Worker, Ms. Crystal, at crystal.barrera@spps.org or 651-744-2839.