This week we’re beginning a new theme in our classroom, “My Family and Friends”. In the first week of this theme, we will explore how families work and play together and how families can be alike and different. We will have lots of fun discovering how fabulous families can be!

This week’s Family Connections activities can be found at

https://portal2.frogstreet.com/wp-content/uploads/prek2/familyconn/ENG-FC-T2-W1.pdf

This week’s storybook, “Families” can be found at https://portal2.frogstreet.com/ebook/?bookname=FS20062_Families_eBook.

We look forward to exploring this new theme in our classrooms!!

Sincerely,

MREC PreK

We’re excited to kick off the school year by talking about Kindness. Our definition of Kindness is acting with understanding, generosity, and care. We believe developing skills around Kindness will help us build a strong foundation for a great year of learning, connecting, and growing together. Check out our Family Letter for more information about PurposeFull People and some fun ways you can join us in kicking off our most Kind year yet! Watch for monthly newsletters like this that outline the skills we are learning in class and provide fun ideas to grow as a family at home.

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher once said, “The only constant in life is change.” Transition periods in life as well as school are proof of this. Many children struggle with transitioning to new environments, especially in school, around their peers, while they themselves are growing and developing. No matter the transition situation, there are certain tips parents can keep in mind during these trying times.

1. Talk about emotions: Throughout their life, children will experience a range of emotions. Continually and consistently talk to your child about how they're feeling and encourage them to express their emotions in healthy ways. Reassure them that you are there to support them. When they face social pressures and conflicts, talk to them about it and help them develop strategies for navigating these challenges.
2. Stay involved: Stay involved in your child's education by attending school events, volunteering, and staying in communication with the teacher.
3. Celebrate milestones: Celebrate your child's milestones, no matter how small. Every step in life is a big step, and your child will be continuously learning and growing, no matter their age. Celebrating their accomplishments throughout their life can help them feel confident and proud of themselves.
4. Encourage independence: Independence is gained slowly throughout a lifetime. Parents can help guide children to independence in steps such as:

• Encourage your child to do things on their own, such as dressing themselves, using the bathroom, feeding themselves and carrying their own backpack.

Here are some transition specific tips you can keep in mind for transition from Home to Pre-K:

• Read books about Pre-Kindergarten: Reading books about PreK or school can help your child understand what to expect and feel more comfortable about starting school. Look for books that are age-appropriate and that your child can relate to.
• Attend orientation: Many schools offer orientation programs for new PreK students and their parents. Attend these events to meet the teachers, learn about the curriculum, and get a sense of the school environment.
• Create routines: Establishing routines can help your child feel more secure and prepared for school. Create a morning routine that includes getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing their backpack. Also, establish a bedtime routine to ensure your child gets enough sleep.
• Practice social skills: PreK is a time when children start to develop social skills. Encourage your child to interact with other children, share toys, and take turns.
• Foster a love of learning: PreK is a time when children start to develop a love of learning. Read books, play educational games, and engage in other learning activities with your child to help them develop a love of learning.
• Build a positive relationship with the teacher: Building a positive relationship with your child's teacher can help you stay informed about your child's progress and support their learning. Be sure to discuss what communication method works best for you. Remember that they are trained in education and learning, you are the expert on all aspects related to your child.

Forward-Facing Car Seat

1 – 3 Years

Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether.

4 – 7 Years

Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.

Booster Seat

4 – 7 Years

Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.

Please remember to stay in your vehicle and allow our welcoming staff to retrieve students from the vehicle and guide them safely to the designated area.

Parents, please make sure you are on time to pick up and drop off your student. The carpool times are listed below. Please report to the front office if you arrive outside of these times.

• Please email Brittny Borders at brittnyborders@melissaisd.org OR complete the online absence report, if your child is absent
• Here is the link to report an absence:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZvdidbMVunxtr5YMnuyOj38cbbdVxuLY3v2QFHT21rNE-wQ/viewform

• Submit all doctor or parent notes to the office within 3 school days of the absence

The school nurse will start conducting screenings soon. Please see the attached document for more information.

Please make sure your student has snacks and water. Snacks should be clearly labeled and water bottles should only contain water. Please check with your child's teacher for further snack guidelines.

Please make sure your child returns their red folder daily. This folder is used for communication between home and school. The folder is brought home every night and is returned to school the very next day. It has important information such as school notes, homework, student work, and classroom newsletters. The take home folders are brought home every day and are returned to school the very next day. Any notes from home, money, homework, etc. should be placed in the take home folder so the teachers receives it - because we all know how sometimes things get lost in a child's backpack. 🙂

Please pack an extra set of clothes for your child in case of an accident. Sometimes, accidents do happen. Please include an extra shirt, pants, underwear, and socks. Please ensure student’s change of clothes is seasonally appropriate. If your child uses an item from their change of clothes, the articles of clothing that were used need replacing. Please be sure to label all clothing that comes to school. Unfortunately, we do not have extra clothes here at school.

• Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15th - October 15th
  
• 10/2 - Custodian Appreciation Day
• 10/6 - Field Trip Permission forms and fees due
• 10/8-13 - Fire Safety Week
• 10/9 - No School (Student Fair Day)
• 10/16-20 - Homecoming Week
• 10/23-27 - Red Ribbon Week
• 10/26 - MREC Trunk or Treat 5:30-7:00pm
• 10/30 - No School (Parent/Teacher Conference Day)
• 10/31 - Mad Scientist Day at MREC

National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year we share and celebrate the history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present.

Don't forget! Pre-K will be attending a field trip to Lola’s Pumpkin Patch here in Melissa. ALL fees and permission forms are due back Friday, October 6, 2023. Please check your child's folder for more information.

Sit With Us is a monthly discussion group to address concerns, ask questions and determine ways to collectively work toward solutions with your child’s campus administration. The philosophy of Sit With Us is that Melissa parents are Cardinal Champions who see the best for not only their students but for all students. If it matters to one Cardinal, it matters to all Cardinals.

Be sure to check out your child’s school calendar for upcoming meetings and come "Sit With Us."

Here are some activities that you can do with your child each day. Have fun learning and practicing early literacy skills!

Thank you for everything you do in making MREC an amazing place to be! Remember, we have the incredible opportunity to shape the future through the home and school partnership. Let's work together in shaping the minds of our future.