See below for more information about our Winter Gear Drive.

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.

General Election Holiday

Save the date!

Same schedule as October 30.

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

Nov 28-29: Thanksgiving Break

We could use your help. When using the drop -off / pick-up line please remember:

• Pull up ALL the way, EVERY time.
• NO PARKING anywhere in the Early Childhood parking lot for arrival or drop off. (Parking is available on Indiana Street)

This will help us get our preschoolers started with their day - and you on your way - quickly and safely.

Our Social - Emotional Take Home Bag program has kicked off for the school year. The program is a product of a joint project with families, staff, and community members of at the Early Childhood Famly School Council meeings in 2019. Social-Emtional learning was identified as an area of need for preschool-aged students.

When it is your child's turn for a bag it will be sent home with them. Each bag has a book, tip sheet, and supporting materials to use at home for one week before returning it to school. With one set of 8 bags per teacher (morning and afternoon session), it can take a while for one of the books to make it to your home for the week. Please return it to school on the day of the week listed after checking to make sure the contents have all been returned to the bag.

Monthly Storytime visits with LIbrarian Soha have begun! Several classrooms come together for a storytime filled with stories and songs. We can't wait for our next Storytime on Friday, October 18th.

The Teacher Appreciation Committee (TAC) needs your help!! First thing on our agenda this year is to help out at Haines by doing various tasks like copying, labeling, laminating etc. Please consider signing up for a time slot (or several) if you are able to by clicking this link HERE!

We will be collecting donations of preschool size winter gear in the Haines Early Childhood lobby. Clean, gently used winter boots, snow pants, gloves, mittens, hats, and coats will be accepted and distributed within our school community.

Children and families that celebrate Halloween are beginning to feel the excitement of the approaching holiday. For many students, the changes that come along with school parties/holidays and the adjustments in daily routines can present some challenges and uncertainty.

With that in mind, we have determined that on October 31st, the children will be invited to wear a costume to school should they want to dress up. We ask that students not wear masks that cover their entire face or bring any weapons as part of their costumes. We also ask that safety for walking/navigating the school environment is considered when choosing a costume. For those who do not wish to dress up, that would be just fine.

Teachers will be carrying out their daily schedule with perhaps some special thematic stories, songs and activities but they will be doing their best to create a typical day for the students.

We will not be hosting classroom parties with parents in attendance nor serving “holiday” treats, food or candy. Please do not send those items for your child to hand out to their classmates.

Please contact your child’s teacher or the D303 Early childhood at Haines office with any questions you might have.

The following information is being provided as a reminder of District 303's attendance procedures and how information may be recorded and shared with a student's family throughout the school year.

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.

District 303 is proud to partner with the Glenbard Parent Series (GPS) to offer our families broader access to information sessions and resources that support their child’s development.

For decades, GPS has been offering free programs that aim to empower and strengthen families, individuals and communities. As a partner organization, District 303 will support promoting upcoming programs and their importance to our local community.

D303 will host the 4th annual Pathways Night at Compass Academy on October 30. This career fair welcomes employers and educational institutions supporting careers that don't require a 4-year college degree. If you are a business owner and wish to participate in Pathways Night, please complete this form. More information for students and families interested in attending will be available in the next few weeks.

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