Footsteps

St. Catherine of Siena ECEC news & updates

Volume 11 Issue 4

Preschool is such a fun time because the brain is growing so rapidly. The brain continues to grow after this time period, however the majority of brain development happens before kindergarten. There are so many ways to support development in young children including setting healthy boundaries, expectations and limits. Although giving your child minimal boundaries and expectations may initially feel as if you are making them happy, it is actually hindering brain development. Clear expectations, boundaries and limits help children feel secure and understand the world around them. It aids them in developing self-regulation, resilience and decision making skills. This article is really interesting and may give you some insight into your child's growing brain! Why Children Need Boundaries: A Guide For Parents

Reminder! Christmas Break begins 12/22/25 School resumes 1/6/26

We will be having our Christmas Programs on 12/18 and 12/19 in the Church. Dismissal will be from the Church for classes at the program. Dismissal will be as usual for classes not a the program. All are welcome however we ask that you do not approach the altar while the students are on it.


If you are not familiar with a Catholic Church, we ask that you remove your hat upon entry and leave food/drinks in the car. Please clean up the area you sat in and leave the area the same as you found it.


Programs typically last around 20-30 minutes and are a great way for your child to build confidence. If your child does not attend school on the day of the program, you may switch their day for the week or bring them to the classroom no earlier than 1 PM.



Thursday 12/18 beginning at 1:30 PM

PK2-Mrs. L & Mrs. A

PK5-Mrs. Charlotte

PS1- Mrs. Ashley

PS2-Ms. J and Ms. Christine


Friday 12/19 beginning at 1:30 PM

PK1- Ms. Karissa & Miss. Caitlyn

PK3- Ms. Jenny

PK4- Mr. Tiburcio & Miss. Sarah

PK6-Mrs. Becky


  • Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year will open in January for our current families only.
  • This includes any younger siblings
  • Enrollment is not automatic for next year, you must enroll annually
  • Tuition IS INCREASING FOR NEXT YEAR. If you enroll by January 31st, you will lock in this year's rate and not experience the rate increases. If you enroll after 1/31, you will be paying the new rate next year.
  • Look for enrollment packets during the first week back to school
  • If your child receives an ECE grant this year and you still meet the requirements (they will be no older than 4 on Oct. 1st & you still live in Ohio), they will automatically receive that grant for next year.

Enrollment for NEW students begins at our OPEN HOUSE. Open House will be 2/22/25 from 11 AM-1 PM. Enrollment packets will be available online in February and at the Open House. Spread the word!

Late Arrival Policy


Unfortunately we have had MANY students arriving late to school. As we head toward the second half of the year, this is a good opportunity to remind everyone of our policy. Enforcement will begin immediately.



Our day begins at 8 AM. Since we operate as a school rather than a daycare, we firmly believe that arriving late is not beneficial to your child. If a child arrives to school after 8:20 AM without a valid reason (appt., car troubles etc.) he or she may not be admitted. It is extremely important that students arrive on time. Our student learning begins immediately with morning routines, work and circle. When your child arrives late, they risk missing essential learning and disrupt the flow of the classroom as the teacher must backtrack to catch your child up. Please adhere to our drop off policy so that your child is able to participate in all of the important learning that takes place early in the morning.


Continual late arrivals may result in your child not being admitted for that day.

1. Extended Day drop off ends at 7:45 AM

2. Main door drop off runs from 7:55 AM-8:20 AM

3. Drop off between 8:20 AM-9:00 AM allowed with notice and as long as it is not habitual

4. Late drop off between 9:00-10:00 AM with a doctor/dentist or appointment note only

You can apply for Free and Reduced lunches at any point in the year. If your family circumstances change, please find the application on the bulletin board in the lobby


We still have ECE grants available if you feel your child may be eligible. Contact the office


Accounts must be brought current by 1/6/26 in order to remain enrolled and/or continue using the extended day services.


Please be sure to catch up on all attendance "punches" on the tablets or app before break.

Did you know that we are inspected and rated annually by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth? Recently we had 2 licensing inspectors visit our classrooms and review our files, policies, procedures and practices. I am so pleased to let you know that they said that your children's teachers were exceptional. They said our program is one they would like to model for other programs! Congrats to the St. Catherine of Siena ECEC Faculty!

Handbook

Please read through the linked handbook and sign the last page either digitally or by printing it out and signing it. 2025-2026 Handbook

School Year 2025-2026 Calendar

Important Dates for January & February

1/19 No School MLK Jr. Day

2/13 No School Teacher PD Day

2/16 No School Presidents' Day

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