Early Learning Center Family News
December 2021
Translate Newsletter / Traduce Boletín
Step 1 / Paso 1
Step 2 / Paso 2
Step 3 / Paso 3
Contact Information
Email: firststeps@emsd63.org
Website: emsd63.org/firststeps
Location: 10000 Dee Road, Des Plaines, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 827-4165
Twitter: @D63_FirstSteps
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, December 8th
- Erin's Law Presentations
Monday, December 13th
- Spirit Week: Jersey/Sports Day
- Spirit Week: Crazy Hair Day
- Spirit Week: Superhero Day
- Spirit Week: Pajamas All Day
- Erin's Law Presentations
- Virtual Winder Pajama Party - 6:00 PM (Link will be emailed)
- No School for Students - Winter Break
- Classes Resume
- Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 PM
Dear Preschool Families,
With the winter months upon us, please do your best to help students arrive at school on time. When students are tardy they miss out on important parts of the preschool curriculum. Doors will open 5 minutes before the start time and close at the start time.
- Students arriving after 8:45am or 12:20pm are marked tardy and will need to be signed in by a parent.
Also, please be sure to pick up your child at the end time for each session.
- AM Session starts at 8:40 AM (doors open at 8:35 AM) and ends at 11:10 AM.
- PM Session starts at 12:15 PM (doors open at 12:10 PM) and ends at 2:45 PM.
There are many exciting things happening prior to winter break in December and we have a few events coming up that I would like to make you aware of. The week of December 13th we will have a spirit week (flyer is attached below). In addition, the First Steps team would like to invite you to a virtual winter pajama party night with stories, music, and more. We hope to see you the night of December 16th at 6:00pm. More information will be emailed the week of December 13th.
Thank you all for your continued partnership and support!
Sincerely,
Barb Golik
Principal
Parking Lot Procedures
Parking Lot Guidelines: Safety is a top priority of the preschool staff. Following the school's traffic patterns in the school zone provides for a safe environment. There are designated pick-up and drop-off zones for students which do not interfere with bus traffic. Your cooperation will help to ensure the safety of all of our school children. Please click here for the map.
A few safety reminders:
- For drop off and pick up, enter the parking lot from the drive located off of Harrison Street. Cars will proceed down the drive alongside the Early Learning Center (Watch the video in this newsletter).
- Make a right turn to enter the parking lot of the Early Learning Center. Park your car and proceed to the arrival and dismissal door that your child’s class is assigned to.
- As you proceed through the parking lot, please be sure to drive slowly as we have many students and families crossing to get to their cars. New signs that will be installed as a reminder to slow down.
- To exit the parking lot, please proceed to the exit that is located off of Dee Rd.
- Schools zones are also cell phone free zones. This means that any cell phone use, even hands free, is prohibited.
ELC Behavior Expectations
When we return from break, staff will be focusing on reteaching these expectations and rules providing opportunities for them to practice the expectations. Click here to find a great resource about being consistent with positive guidance for young children that could be helpful at home.
Winter Weather Emergency Closing Information
Winter is here -- and that means there may be times when District 63 schools close due to weather-related conditions or other emergency situations.
This year, that doesn't mean learning will stop! When our buildings close, "school" will simply pivot to remote learning for that day. Because students are already equipped with District Chromebooks, making the temporary shift to remote learning should be fairly seamless.
- For more information click here
Winter Weather Reminder
- As the temperatures become colder each day, we want to remind families to please send students to school dressed appropriately for the weather.
- Our students spend 20-30 minutes outdoors on most days. Students go outside between 25° F and 90°F.
- If your child is in need of winter clothing (coats, mittens, hats, boots, etc) please contact the Early Learning Center office at 847-827-4165 or firststeps@emsd63.org.
Extra Masks for Students
- Parents we ask that you please send your child to school with extra masks daily.
- Masks can be disposable or cloth.
- If you have any questions about masks please contact the Early Learning Center Main Office to speak with the principal.
Parents: Make a Difference at Your School!
- Teacher subs earn $160/day and Teacher Assistant subs earn $130/day. Lunch Supervisors earn $26.83/hour.
We welcome parents who would like to join our Team D63! Subs must hold a four-year college degree - and obtain an Illinois Substitute License. Learn more and apply today!