AM classes DISMISS EARLY at 10:25 AM

If your child rides the bus home from our morning session, drop off at your home or child care will be 25 minutes early.

PM classes START EARLY at 11:25 AM and DISMISS EARLY at 1:30 PM

If your child rides the bus to school for our afternoon session, pick up will be 25 minutes early from your home or child care and the bus at the end of the day from Haines Center will drop off 50 minutes earlier.

Institute Day

Labor Day

Same schedule as August 28.

Greetings D303 Early Childhood Families/Caregivers,

The new school year is off to a fantastic start! Preschoolers have been quickly adapting to their new classrooms and learning environments.

Teachers have been focused on establishing clear routines and expectations with their preschoolers. This has allowed everyone to smoothly transition into the school year and start diving into engaging, fun learning activities.

Throughout the school, students can be seen exploring their classrooms, making new friends, and enthusiastically participating in learning through play. The energy and excitement for the year ahead is undeniable no matter where you look.

We understand that some of our preschool students may be showing signs of separation anxiety as they adjust to being in school. However, we are confident they will acclimate to their new surroundings in no time. Our teachers and staff are providing extra support and reassurance to help ease this transition. Please feel confident that staff will reach out to you should there be a need to discuss further. Please see this link for more information in supporting your preschooler as they adjust to school. Please Don't Go - Separation Anxiety and Children

We're thrilled to see our students so eager to learn and grow. With the strong foundation being set in these early weeks, we're confident this will be a successful and enriching school year for our youngest learners.

The school will continue to evaluate and adjust arrival and dismissal procedures as needed. We appreciate everyone following the outlined expectations to ensure a safe and efficient process. Thank you for your partnership and support.

Please see the additional information regarding some upcoming dates to note in your calendar for next week and beyond. I look forward to working alongside you and your preschooler this year.

Sincerely,

Ms. Mursu, Director of Early Childhood

Jennifer.mursu@d303.org

We are fine-tuning our arrival and dismissal process. Thank-you for following all procedures and adapting when we adjust them. We aim to maximize safety for ALL- students, staff, and you!

9th Street is reserved for BUSES and HANDICAPPED PARKING/DROP OFF ONLY during arrival and dismissal. ALL vehicle traffic should approach D303 Early Childhood at Haines Center on Indiana Street during arrival and dismissal.

Car and Bus rider tags on your child's backpack are a key tool we use during arrival and dismissal. If you notice your child's is missing or illegible please notify your child's teacher to request a replacement.

Illinois Laws are in place to ensure the safety of school zones:

1) All young children must be in a car seat or booster seat and buckled until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. ONLY unbuckle your child(ren) when your vehicle is in "park" at your unloading spot .

2) When a school bus is stopped to pick up or drop off pupils, the vehicles in all lanes of traffic must stop on two-lane roads. All traffic must stop on 9th street when buses have their stop arms out and flashing lights.

3) NO CELL PHONE USE while driving and in school zones, including during the use of the car lane. Remain attentive to your surroundings and off phones.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

In addition, keep the crosswalk CLEAR for pedestrians when using the drop off/pick up lane.

When using the car lane STAY IN THE LINE. Do not leave the line to go around cars that are in front of you... even after you have unloaded or loaded.

Pedestrians / Walkers:

When walking for drop-off or pick-up please use crosswalks and sidewalks whenever possible.

If you are driving to Haines and parking to walk to and from our school please park on Indiana Street.

To report a student absence:

• Main Haines building number- 331-228-3400
• Press 1 for the Early Childhood Center
• Press 1 for the Attendance line
• Clearly state your child's name and the reason for their absence.
• If you do not provide a reason for their absence OR do not call the absence will be unexcused.

Bus riders: There is no need to call transportation to report an absence. Drivers stop at each designated stop even when children are absent to stay on schedule for the rest of the route.

Playgroups at our Haines Family Resource Center offer children, ages 0-5, and a caregiver a safe, quality, and educational play opportunity. Connect with other caregivers (parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc.) to share experiences, learn from each other, and build social networks.

Our start date is to be determined; the earliest they will start is September 16.

We will have sessions during these times:

• 8:35 - 9:35 am
• 9:35 - 10:35 am
• 12:05 - 1:05 pm

**There is no fee for this program. Playgroups meet every Monday school is in session. Once you are registered you can attend whenever it works for you.

Registration will open once a start date is finalized.

Website: https://ec.d303.org/
Location: 305 S 9th St, St Charles, IL 60174
Phone: 331-228-3400, Press 1 for Early Childhood