News from the Nest

Main Office Phone: (210) 882-1610

Office Hours: 6:50 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

Principal: Tanya Mares

https://southsideisd.org/mecc/

Dear Menchaca Families,

We are overwhelmed by your generosity during our recent "Stock the Lounge" donation drive! Because of your incredible support, we are able to show our amazing staff just how much they are appreciated and loved by our school community.

The small things—a free drink or snack—can truly make a big difference in a teacher’s day. These thoughtful gestures go a long way in boosting morale and showing our teachers and staff that their hard work does not go unnoticed.

Thanks to you, we are able to give our staff a well-deserved moment to recharge. Your kindness and generosity continue to strengthen the bond between our school and families, making Menchaca Early Childhood Center a wonderful place for both students and staff alike.

Regards,

MECC Leadership Team

October 9th

• College, Career, & Military Day (Students are encouraged to wear a college, military, or career/trade shirt to promote the skills, knowledge and abilities needed to succeed in life!)

October 11th

• National Farmers' Day (Dress like a farmer today.)

October 16th

• Unity Day (Wear orange for anti-bullying, kindness and acceptance.)

October 17th

• Picture Retakes (New students, students absent on picture day, or who are returning a picture package.)
• MECC Fall Festival: 4:30 - 6:30 PM

October 18th

• National Necktie Day (Wear your favorite necktie.)

This National Principals Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the extraordinary leadership, compassion, and dedication of our incredible principal, Mrs. Mares. Every day, she goes above and beyond to make Menchaca Early Childhood Center a place where our students, staff, and community thrive.

Mrs. Mares has created a supportive environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and growth. From greeting students with a smile to ensuring that our teachers have the resources they need to succeed, Mrs. Mares truly leads by example. We are inspired daily by her passion for early-childhood education, her tireless work ethic, and her unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

Thank you, Mrs. Mares for all that you do to make Menchaca Early Childhood Center such a special place. We are beyond grateful for your leadership and the positive impact you have on our entire school community!

National Instructional Coach's Day is celebrated on October 6th. It's a day to recognize the hard work and dedication of instructional coaches, who help teachers and students improve their education.

Mrs. Vincent is a true asset to our school, supporting both teachers and students in so many vital ways. Her guidance, expertise, and unwavering commitment help our teachers continually grow and evolve in their instructional practices. Whether it’s providing personalized coaching, leading professional development, or offering a listening ear, Mrs. Vincent is always there with her wealth of knowledge and compassionate heart.

She works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our educators have the tools and strategies they need to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences for our young scholars. And the impact she makes? It’s seen every day in our classrooms, where her influence helps bring out the best in both our teachers and students. Thank you for all that you do!

Menchaca will be hosting a free flu vaccine clinic on October 23, 2024 from 9 AM - 12PM from University Health for our students who have Medicaid or are uninsured/ underinsured. Some insurance plans are accepted, so please call 210-358-7020 to verify that your insurance is accepted.

To make an appointment, call 210-358-7020 or by following these steps:

1. Go to www.healthyuexpress.com

2. Click “Schedule a Mobile Primary Care Appointment”

3. Scroll down and select “Other”

4. Find Menchaca ECEC on 10/23

5. Select appointment time

6. Begin registration to secure spot

Routine 4-year-old vaccines will also be given at this time, so if your child turns 4 in October, this is an opportunity to get those vaccines.

For a consent form or more information, contact Nurse Heather at 210.882.1610 ext 4059 or heather.siebert@southsideisd.org If we have a signed consent packet, parents do not need to be present at time of vaccination.

If you any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Early Childhood Counselors at:

celena.hernandez@southsideisd.org or melanie.morgan@southsideisd.org

1. Building Consistent Habits Early

Children who develop regular attendance habits early are more likely to maintain them throughout their academic career. Showing up consistently teaches children the importance of commitment and responsibility, which are essential life skills.

2. Foundational Learning

In Pre-K and Kindergarten, children learn critical early skills such as literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. These early lessons are building blocks for future academic achievement. Missing too many days can disrupt the learning process and cause gaps in understanding that may be hard to recover from later.

3. Developing Social Skills

Attendance allows young children to regularly interact with peers and teachers, helping them develop important social and emotional skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and self-regulation. These interactions are essential for building confidence and healthy relationships.

4. School Readiness and Adjustment

Children who attend Pre-K and Kindergarten regularly are better prepared for the structure and expectations of school. They become more comfortable with classroom routines, rules, and transitioning from one activity to another, which helps ease the transition to elementary grades.

5. Improved Academic Outcomes

Studies show that children who attend school regularly in their early years are more likely to perform better academically in later grades. Early attendance sets the stage for better literacy, math, and overall cognitive development, contributing to long-term academic success.

6. Parent Involvement and Support

Regular attendance fosters stronger connections between families and schools. Parents who prioritize attendance send a clear message to their children that school is important. Schools can also provide resources and support to families to help overcome barriers to regular attendance.

7. Avoiding Long-Term Consequences

Chronic absenteeism, even in the early grades, can have long-term effects. It’s linked to lower achievement in later years, a higher likelihood of dropping out of high school, and reduced opportunities for post-secondary education and employment. Setting the expectation for consistent attendance from the start helps avoid these negative outcomes.

For questions regarding your child's attendance, please contact our PEIMS/Attendance Clerks:

lupita.cabrera@southsideisd.org or meranda.zapata@southsideisd.org

As we continue to prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and families, we want to remind everyone of the importance of staying alert during drop-off and pick-up times. To ensure a smooth and safe process, we kindly ask that you refrain from using your cell phones while driving in the school zone and especially in our drop-off and pick-up areas.

Distracted driving, even for a few seconds, can create dangerous situations for children, staff, and other vehicles. By staying focused and keeping your hands free, you are helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone at Menchaca.