Early Learning Center Family News
January 2022
Translate Newsletter / Traduce Boletín
Step 1 / Paso 1
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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
Monday, January 17th
- No School for Students - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- No School for Preschool- School Improvement Planning Day
Thursday, February 3rd
- Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 PM
- No School for Preschool- School Improvement Planning Day
Dear Preschool Families,
As you are likely aware, at last night's board meeting the EMSD 63 Board of Education approved that preschool students will continue with in person learning and not take an adaptive pause. Grades kindergarten through 8th grade will take an adaptive pause beginning Monday, January 10th. At the Early Learning Center we will continue to remain diligent with our safety protocols in order to keep students and staff safe.
Just a reminder that if your child will be absent please contact our front office to let us know by submitting the absence information via the Parent Portal. If your child has any COVID symptoms or you have COVID related questions, please direct them to our school nurse, Leslie White at lwhite@emsd63.org.
Thank you all for your continued partnership and support!
Sincerely,
Barb Golik
Principal
Submitting an Absence
Please note that District 63 changed the way parents report absences for their child(ren) in October. All absences will be submitted via the Parent Portal.
How to use the Parent Portal to report your child’s absence:
- All absences must be submitted on the morning of the day your child will miss school - NOT the night before. Once you log in to the Portal, you’ll choose your child’s name and navigate to a list of online forms. Select and complete the “Absence Form,” and then submit.
- Review detailed, step-by-step instructions.
- You can find these instructions at any time on our website: www.emsd63.org/attendance.
- Questions? Contact the Early Learning Center main office at 847-827-4165.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for D63 Students & Families
District 63 has partnered with Jewel-Osco to host a COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccination Clinic for D63 children aged 5 - 11.
Check out our website for details and the registration links.
APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED - NO WALK-INS.
- Pfizer vaccines for D63 students aged 5 -11
- Pfizer vaccines for any D63 family member - including D63 students - aged 12+
- Pfizer boosters for any D63 family member aged 16+
When:
Friday, January 21 (1st vaccine shot)
Friday, February 11 (2nd vaccine shot)
Booster available either date.
Time:
2:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where:
Family Resource Center
9000 Capitol Drive, Des Plaines
Enter directly through the gym doors.
ELC Behavior Expectations
This week staff reviewed expectations for Be Kind in all parts of the building. The following expectations will be reviewed over the next two weeks:
- Week of January 10th - Be Safe
- Week of January 17th - Be Ready
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.
Illinois Rental Payment Program
So many families have experienced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. For those who have fallen behind on rent payments, the Illinois Rental Assistance Program may be able to help keep you in your homes.
The Illinois Rental Payment Program provides financial assistance for rent to income-eligible Illinois renters and their landlords who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Illinois renters may be eligible for up to $25,000 and 18 months of emergency rental payments under the program. This is a grant that does NOT have to be repaid.
Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022.
Programming at the Family Resource Center
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!