December ELC Newsletter

Here at the Early Learning Center, we use The Creative Curriculum which is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features inquiry, exploration, and discovery as the foundation of all learning. Children have opportunities to think critically and develop process skills with rich, hands-on investigations of relevant and interesting study topics in the classroom.

During our studies, or long-term investigations, children learn concepts and practice skills related to literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts. They develop thinking skills as they observe, investigate, ask questions, solve problems, make predictions, and test their ideas.

Large group play is a great way for our students to enhance social skills, build attention span and nurture a sense of community! Our students learn by watching their friends interact with each other and problem solve. In the picture attached, Ms. Anna and Ms. Lindsay engage with our bus rider friends while they wait patiently for their bus to arrive. Each student took a turn passing the ball to a friend. This was a great way to pass the time and build more friendships!

Did you know that reading aloud to your child builds confidence and trust? Did you know that it reassures them, it gives them a sense of security, relaxation, happiness and fun? While building their self esteem, vocabulary, feeding their imagination and even improves their sleep patterns! Reading is essential to the growth and development of your child and we want to continue that work at home! It's time for a Winter Break Reading Contest! Woohoo!!!

Here is how it will work! Submit a photo of one of your family members reading your child's favorite book to him or her and send it to Ms. Lindsey, Family Educator at ljohanson@emsd37.org to be entered to win a gift basket from us here at the ELC!

Want more chances to win??? We thought you would!

• Submit a video of you reading aloud to your child! = 2 entries.
• Sign up for our rooms app! (message Ms. Lindsey in rooms the name of your child's favorite book to get your entry!) =3 entries
• Sign up to come and read aloud to your child's class! (message Ms. Lindsey in rooms to set up a date with your child's teacher!) =2 entries

All entries are due on Monday, January 6th and the drawing for the gift basket will take place on Friday, January 10th! We are so excited to see what you send us! Have fun and GOOD LUCK!!!

Our school implements The Pyramid Model, a framework for supporting the social and emotional development of our children. An important part of our Pyramid Model work includes supporting families and sharing information about promoting social and emotional skills at home.

Providing positive encouragement is a powerful practice for helping children meet behavior expectations. This fact sheet provides ideas for how you can deliver positive encouragement. Which favorites will you try?

• Week of 12/16--Winter Spirit Week
• 12/19--Winter Program
• 12/20--Movie Day & Last Day before Winter Break!
• 12/23- 1/03 - Winter Break
• School Resumes on 1/06/2025

Please join us for a winter-themed celebration on December 19th! Your child has been busy rehearsing some special winter-related songs and they are excited to perform them for you at our Winter Program! Following the performance, you will be invited to come to the classroom for a fun read aloud of "The Mitten," as well as a special snack. Your child will be given a copy of the book to take home, for you to enjoy together! Please see below for the morning and afternoon schedules, and pay close attention to the arrival times and performance times for your child's classroom. The performance portion will be relatively brief, so be sure to arrive early to be checked in at the main office. As always, a photo ID will be necessary for all adults attending the Winter Program. Thank you for your continued partnership!

LINK TO RSVP FOR MORNING WINTER PERFORMANCE

LINK TO RSVP FOR AFTERNOON WINTER PERFORMANCE

• Your family's health, well-being and partnership is important to us! Use the forms below to easily request information, resources and/or support for your family.

• Are you interested in more information, resources, or a meeting with one of our staff members? CLICK HERE for a Request for Family Support
• Could you family benefit from extra food on the weekends? Click HERE to sign up for the Food Program!
• Does your child need a winter coat or full-size backpack? Click HERE to sign up for the Coat or Backpack Request Form!

Click HERE to sign up for the Backpack Food Program!

Please let us know if your child is in need of a winter coat. Sizes and supply are limited. Please fill out the request form here . If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Lindsey, Family Educator at ljohanson@emsd37.org.

Do you have younger children? Bring them in for a developmental check-up! Open to EMSD residents with children aged 0-5 years old. Call Tara to schedule an appointment for a screening (now scheduling for 2025). Currently enrolled students do not need to be screened.

• 24-25 Family Folder-Here you will find general information about our school and programming. This folder contains information about school supplies, our daily schedule, policies/procedures, communication platforms, the school calendar and more!
• 24-25 Early Learning Center School Calendar
• Outdoor Play Guide--Children benefit from being outdoors for unstructured play in a natural environment. Please see the attached Outdoor Play Guide, as the colder weather begins to move in.

Important contacts:

Main Office: 309-865-6900

Tara Schofield, Secretary (tschofield@emsd37.org)

Lindsey Johanson, Family Educator (ljohanson@emsd37.org)

Melissa McCullough, Principal (mmccullough@emsd37.org)