April ELC Newsletter

See below for some fun ways that classrooms celebrated the learning from their previous studies. Many of our classrooms are beginning their next study of Insects, while some are investigating Roads.

Stay tuned for more family engagement opportunities!

Ms. Floming: Insects

Ms. Lawrence: Investigating next topic

Ms. Edwards: Insects

Ms. Chandler: Wheels

Ms. Linnenburger: Roads

Ms. Griffith: Insects

If you know anyone that is an expert in these topics and would be willing to be a guest at our school to teach the children about it, we would love to have you! Remember, to be considered an "expert" you just need to know more than a 5 year old! :)

Please help us shout a huge, warm welcome to our new Family Educator, Lindsey Johanson! Lindsey is passionate, energetic, and excited to meet our families and students! Welcome to our School Family, Lindsey!

In addition, as part of our focus on social-emotional learning, as a school we will be teaching social problem-solving. This is a necessary life skill that requires practice and sometimes a little help from grown ups. In early childhood, conflicts can emerge as children learn to play together. They are learning how to take turns, share materials, and share ideas. They may also experience verbal conflict or disagreements. This can lead to big emotions as they try to navigate social challenges, which is where the adults (teachers, caregivers, parents) step in to teach the skills that will help children learn how to collaborate, cooperate, communicate, negotiate, advocate for themselves, and learn to respect others.

Through our partnership with families, we can work together to use similar strategies, language, and techniques to introduce and practice social problem-solving in home and school environments. See below for some valuable resources that can be used in the home setting, that are aligned with what your children will be learning, seeing, and hearing at school. These are available in English and in Spanish. If you would like assistance printing any of these resources, please reach out to us and we will gladly send home a copy in your child's backpack.

Introducing the Solution Kit Family Handout (English) - Letter addressed to families announcing the use of the solution kit at the program.

We Can Be Problem-Solvers at Home (English) - Scripted story to help children understand the steps to problem solving at home.

Solution Kit- Home Edition (English) - Families can use these solution kit cards as prompts to assist in problem-solving.

Introducing the Solution Kit Family Handout (Spanish)

We Can Be Problem-Solvers at Home (Spanish)

Solution Kit- Home Edition (Spanish)

• 4/9--No School (Inservice)
• 4/10--No School
• 4/24 and 4/25--Developmental Screenings
• 4/25--EMSD District Family Fun Night
• 4/30--Family Advisory Council Meeting

Do you have younger children? Bring them in for a developmental check-up! Open to EMSD residents with children aged 0-5 years old. Call Pam to schedule an appointment for an upcoming April or May screening. Currently enrolled students do not need to be screened.

• 23-24 Family Folder you will find general information about our school and programming. This folder contains information about school supplies, our daily schedule, policies/procedures, communication platforms, the school calendar and more!
• Your family's health, well-being and partnership is important to us! Use this form to easily request information, resources and/or support for your family.
• 23-24 Early Learning Center School Calendar

Important contacts:

Main Office: 309-865-6900

Pam Webster, Secretary (pwebster@emsd37.org)

Lindsey Johanson, Family Educator (ljohanson@emsd37.org)

Melissa McCullough, Principal (mmccullough@emsd37.org)