Turtle Times
Mary Kay McNeill Early Learning Center
A Message From Michele Barkley, Coordinator of Early Learning
Dear ELC Families,
Many of us have fond memories of kindergarten. What we might not remember is the anxiety and excitement we may have felt leading up to our entry into elementary school. The final weeks of school can be scary, fun, and exciting all at the same time, and not just for children! It’s understandable for you to experience a range of emotions about your child moving from preK to kindergarten.
When children go through big life changes, such as the transition from preschool
to elementary school, they may have big feelings that they aren’t able to easily communicate. In our program, we welcome you to come and talk to us about how to support children at home and ease any anxiety they may feel. We know that this is an important milestone in your child’s life. We are here to support your family.
What You Can Do at Home
- Acknowledge your child’s feelings. Know that some behaviors may be because of anxiety about the transition.
- Keep your home routines and rituals consistent. This will help your child feel a sense of security and stability at home.
- Read books about moving on to kindergarten, and talk with your child about the characters and their feelings.
- Encourage older siblings to share their kindergarten experiences, and share your own fond memories.
- Learn what you can in advance about your child’s kindergarten teacher, classroom, and routines. If possible, visit the kindergarten class before the start of the school year.
- With your child, write down any questions you have for the teacher or school staff.
- Talk with families of children who already attend the school. Ask them questions about their experiences and for any advice they have for new families.
iPad Return
If your child is attending school remotely, please bring your child's iPad to our school office by June 3rd. Our school office will be open between 7:30am-4:00pm.
CDC Mask Update
Today, the Communicable Disease Section of the Illinois Department of Public Health put out a communication to Local Health Departments regarding the CDC’s Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. In that communication, with respect to masks in schools, it states, “schools should continue to follow the CDC’s school guidance until more people and children are vaccinated.” The referenced school guidance can be found here and continues to call for the, “universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing.”
Today’s entire release can be found here.
At this point, we do not have plans to change our protocols or mitigations as they pertain to the wearing and use of masks. We will continue to monitor recommendations from ISBE, IDPH, and LCHD.
Dates to Remember
ABC Countdown:
May 17th: Rainbow Day: Wear as many colors of the rainbow as you can
May 18th: Silly Sock Day : Wear silly socks
May 19th: Thank You Day: Say thank you to someone today
May 20th: Unity Day: Wear clothing that represents your culture
May 21st: Video Day: Watch a fun video
May 24th: Walk Day: Take a walk
May 25th: X-tra Play Day
May 26th: Yellow Day : Wear yellow
May 27th: Last day of school
Play is Learning
Mary Kay McNeill Early Learning Center
Email: mbarkley@antioch34.com
Website: https://www.antioch34.com/MKMELC
Location: 817 Main Street, Antioch, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 838-8901