Big Hearts of Fox Valley Toy Drive

See below "From the Director" for more information.

General Election Holiday

5 - 5:30 PM Morning Classes

5:45 - 6:15 PM Afternoon Classes

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.

Nov 25-27: Non Attendance Days (Offices Open)

Nov 28-29: Thanksgiving Break

On November 4, 2024, Haines Center will conduct their state-required annual Lockdown Drill with law enforcement personnel present. During this time, students will review and practice the classroom procedures. Parents/guardians may opt their child out of physical participation in this drill each year by emailing Jennifer Mursu, Director of Early Childhood Jennifer.mursu@d303.org and Heather Black, Administrator Assistant to Jennifer Mursu heather.black@d303.org at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled date. Students who are opted out will receive an alternative school safety learning experience with a certified staff member.

Our younger students are learning to participate in a lockdown by standing spread out around the room away from doors and windows and remaining quiet to listen for directions while adults secure/lock/barricade the doors. Though our younger students do not assist with securing doors, drills provide them the opportunity for them to practice spacing out around the room and remaining quiet, following directions from adults, and preparing in the event of evacuation. Drills also provide the opportunity to practice strategies for remaining calm and quiet during the lockdown. Helpful strategies include singing familiar songs in their heads and taking deep breaths.

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Ms. Jennifer Mursu, Director of Early Childhood

Outdoor play continues throughout all the seasons at D303 Early Childhood at Haines Center weather permitting, and is an important part of our curriculum. Classrooms go outside as long as conditions are safe to do so and the temperature, including wind-chill, is above 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Please be sure your preschooler has clothes appropriate for outdoor play daily. If weather prohibits outdoor play (e.g., raining, too cold, or hazardous conditions like ice present) classrooms use one of our indoor motor areas. If you are in need of a warmer coat for your child please contact Tricia Sabathne, Child and Family Educator, at tricia.sabathne@d303.org

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, where we take this opportunity to raise awareness around students experiencing homelessness. Each year, hundreds of thousands of families face the challenges of homelessness, including families and students in D303. Students who experience homelessness are at a greater risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties. Since its declaration in 2007, this month has highlighted the experiences of those affected and inspired action to combat this critical issue. By educating ourselves and our local community on ways to support these individuals, we can contribute to the effort to end homelessness. Thank you to our dedicated staff for the hard work you do every day to support D303 students and families experiencing homelessness; your compassion makes a significant difference in their lives.

Your influence on how your child grows and develops is immense. We are proud to partner with you in your child's early learning journey. Making sure your child attends school for the full 2 1/2 hours when they are healthy helps us play our part.

Please contact your child's teacher or Tricia Sabathne, Child and Family Educator (CAFE), if you are experiencing barriers to arriving on time (car riders and walkers) or catching the bus (bus riders) so we can partner regarding possible solutions.

tricia.sabathne@d303.org

331-228-5727

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.

Times:

• 9:35 - 10:35 am
• 12:05 - 1:05 pm Spanish
• 1:05 - 2:05 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.

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