Carla Heintz, Principal, Early Childhood Education Center

Tracy Smarr-Dolezal, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator

Can you believe October is already here? We have almost completed the first 9 weeks and it's been a wonderful journey with you and your children! October and November have many exciting things happening. As we end the first quarter, there is an opportunity for you all to connect with your child's teacher at a conference and see how the year is going so far. In addition we will have fall parties resuming on the 31st, another opportunity for parents to engage with your child at school. And finally our Parent/Child activity night in November is a great time to come, play, and learn along with your child. Additional information about these activities can be found below!

As the weather starts to get cooler, please make sure you are dressing your child for the weather. Outdoor recess continues as the temperature drops.

October 20- Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:30

October 21- Parent/Teacher Conferences 8-3:30

October 31- Fall Celebrations- 10:25-10:55; 2:40-3:10

November 17- Parent/Child Literacy Night 6-7 pm

Our building follows the district calendar and PreK schedule, with the exception of no school on Fridays. You can access the district calendar here. District Calendar 22-23

Parent teacher conferences are coming up October 20 and 21. If your child's teacher has not already reached out to schedule a time, they will be doing that soon. All parents will have the opportunity to meet with their child's teacher and discuss their progress. I encourage you to make sure you schedule that time with them in order to allow us to continue to partner with you to support your child. This time is set aside for us to meet with you and team with you regarding your child's success. If at other times throughout the year you find a need to meet with your child's teacher, all you need to do is to reach out and schedule that time with them. We are here to support both you and your child.

October 31st is the day set aside for our fall parties. Parties will begin at 10:25 for the am session, and 2:40 for the pm session. Parents are invited to attend and may sign up to bring treats or party favors to help us celebrate. We highly encourage healthy treats and snacks for the party as opposed to cookies and candy. Teachers will be sending a sign up soon for those interested in helping. Children may feel free to dress up in costumes on that day or wear pajamas, whichever they choose. Please leave masks and other costume accessories at home.

Please reserve November 17th from 6-7, on your calendar for our parent/child activity night. Our theme will be "Cozy Up with a Good Book" and we will have lots of literacy games and activities for you to do with your child. We are so very excited to be able to have our parent/child activity nights in person once again!!! More information will be coming as the night approached!

SMECEC is seeking organizations that will partner with us to support the students and staff at our school. We are a building without a PTA due to the limited time the students attend our center and the quick turn over of families make it difficult to support a PTA. Because of that, we often find ourselves in need of some additional resources typically provided by a PTA. Our district budget allows us to provide and care for our students well. However, what we need is support, motivation, and appreciation items for our staff. The staff at SMECEC pours out daily as they support their students, I am seeking a business or businesses who will pour into our staff, long term or with a one time donation. Things such as gift cards or swag for drawings as we celebrate the success at our building, meals for teachers during conferences, a celebratory staff meal a couple times of the year, or any other creative things anyone would like to do. In addition, donations for "special" items and activities for the students in individual classrooms, or for give aways at family events would also be appreciated. Please ask those businesses you work in, or those you frequent if they would consider being a community partner with us. Either with a one time donation for long term. Any amount is appreciated. Dollars aren't the only way to speak appreciation for staff, notes of thanks and encouragement are always appreciated. If you would like more information, or need a contact for the business, please have them reach out to me. Carla Heintz, principal carlaheintz@smsd.org, 913-993-2601. Thank you in advance.

Food service will continue to offer breakfast and lunch next year. Unfortunately the USDA nationwide waivers allowing for free school meals for all students will conclude at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Prices will be as follows:

Elementary Breakfast: $1.55

Reduced $0.30

Elementary Lunch: $2.85

Reduced: $0.40

Families can complete a child nutrition meal benefit application to see if they qualify for free for reduced meal prices after July 1, 2022. The information and link will be on the Food Service web page after July 1 and families are encouraged to apply as soon as it is available so that any benefits the family may receive are processed prior to the start of the 2022-23 school year.

Breakfast

Breakfast is available each school day. The breakfast menu includes an entrée, grain, fruit and milk. Students are served all items to receive a full breakfast; including the required ½ cup of fruit.

Lunch

Lunch includes an entrée, grain, fruit, vegetable and milk. Students are served all of these five components on their lunch tray, including the required ½ cup fruit and/or vegetable.

Food Services has updated the School Meal Information flyer for parents. It is available on the main page of the Food Service web page and linked here for you convenience.

The “pig” symbol on the menu means that the item contains pork.

Menus, nutritional and allergy information are available online at https://www.schoolcafe.com.

Special Diet

If you have an allergy or specific dietary concerns, contact your school nurse for a medical form to be filled out by your doctor.

Food service information is available on the district’s web site at www.smsd.org/about/departments/food-service or you can call the Food Service office at 913-993-9710.

SMSD offers an early childhood developmental screening which includes the areas of vision, hearing, problem-solving, personal-social development, gross/fine motor skills, and speech/language skills. The purpose of the screening is to identify children who may have substantial developmental delays and who may be eligible for special education services. SMSD’s Early Childhood Screening (ECS) is appropriate for children ages 2 years 9 months to 5 years old who reside within the Shawnee Mission School District boundaries.

How often are screenings offered?

Screenings for 2020-2021 occur monthly on a Friday morning and are by appointment only. Parent or other legal guardian must complete a request for screening and submit the required documents before an appointment is offered.

How do I request a screening for my child?

More information about the ECS program can be found on the district’s Early Childhood Special Education home page under Early Childhood Screening.

We have new social media sites this year! Please feel free to follow us and like us!!

Twitter: @theSMECEC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THESMECEC/

Or search for #EarlyEDSMSD to see what's happening district wide in PreK!