Thank you all so much for your support and collaboration as we kicked off a wonderful start to the school year! We are very excited for a year full of learning and growing!

We have included various reminders and information for you in this newsletter. One big reminder I want to mention first is please check Brightwheel daily. That is the MAIN source of communication and connection between the classroom teachers and you as parents. The teachers are not able to have lengthy conversations at drop off or pick up, so messages are the direct line. For situations that require more information, the teacher will call you or reach out to set up a time to talk in more detail.

We use the Creative Curriculum for Preschool and are currently in the study of The First Six Weeks which helps to set the foundation for the whole school year. The classrooms are each focusing on expectations, routines and procedures to help build a community and safe environment. They are also beginning to teach emotions and how to use the calming spot in the classroom.

THANK YOU to families who have donated items so far!! We appreciate it!

DONATIONS NEEDED! 💕

*Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers

*Old cell phones, tablets, key boards, mouse, etc. for pretend play

*Little people sets, SMALL play dollhouses, doll furniture, fire stations, etc.

*Cozy Coupe cars

We are also looking for donations to help support our dramatic play areas in our rooms. We would like to create bins that can be rotated to create the following environments:

*Doctor office

*Post Office

*Bakery

*Vet Clinic

*Coffee Shop

If you have anything you would like to donate, please let me know!!

If you’re looking to donate by purchasing something for our school, here is our wish list link! Thank you all 🙏🏻

Amazon Wish List

NEW ECEC Director and ECEC Staff Installation

Join us in celebrating another school year in our Early Childhood Education Center with our staff installation during Homecoming Sunday at St. John's. Our New ECEC Director, Amanda Parks, and Lead Teachers and staff will be installed at worship on Sunday, September 10. The worship service begins at 10:30am. Join us in celebrating this signature ministry of our congregation.

Homecoming Sunday Luncheon

Your family is invited to join us on Sunday, September 10 for a Homecoming celebration luncheon in the Fellowship Hall following the worship service.

If you and your family plan to attend the Staff Installation and Luncheon, please RSVP using the link below:

Please click to RSVP here

Please be aware that we are a NUT-FREE center. Any birthday treats that come in must be free of peanuts AND tree nuts. We also have students with other allergies, such as eggs, so please be mindful of this when deciding on treats. Children love the attention and crown we give, so please do not think you have to send cupcakes. We prefer other small snacks, actually! If you have ever had a birthday party with a group of children, you can imagine what the afternoon is like with a class of 10-20 after cupcakes :) Ideas such as granola bars, rice krispy treats, and even a brand called "Made Good" are all great options. Reach out if you have questions or need help!

In addition, morning snacks should NOT be coming in unless your child is arriving here as one of our early arrivals (7:00-7:30am). Breakfast is much earlier now than it was in previous years, which is when the morning breakfast snack began. We need to limit the amount of outside food that comes in the center. Please also remember that this must also be nut free! Thank you for understanding!

For the school year, we will no longer be applying sunscreen or insect repellent. If you have a need for your child to still have this applied, please let us know. You will need to complete the NEW form and send in the product. We will not be supplying any over the counter products from ECEC.

Moving forward, this is the new form to use for ANY non-prescription products you will need us to keep and use here at the center. You will need to complete this for diaper cream, lotions, chapstick, etc.

We will have blank paper copies available at the sign in counter if you need one. Thank you, all!

Place an order of $25 or more and you can pick a FREE $5 book (use code READS at checkout) to add to your reader's TBR pile!

Family Order Due Date: 09/27/23

SHOP OUR CLASS PAGE:  Scholastic Orders

SHOP FLYERS: https://clubs.scholastic.com/prek

Invite relatives and friends to help your child discover the pure joy of reading when you share our Class Page link. Every order benefits our school, helping us earn FREE books and resources that every child can enjoy.

Soccer Shots begins for the fall season. It is every Thursday! Children go upstairs to meet their coach from 4:30-5:00. An ECEC staff member is also with them. You may still sign up below!

Soccer Shots Registration

Upcoming Dates

• September 22nd- Favorite Color Day! Wear your favorite to school!
• October 9th- NO SCHOOL
• October 26th -Fall Picture Day
• October 30th --Trunk or Treat @ 6:00pm
• November 6th- NO SCHOOL

https://www.sjlc.com/ecec | 703-971-3581