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Newsletter - April 2020
SPARK is the hub of a valuable wheel. An education initiative of Fox Valley United Way, SPARK (Strong, Prepared and Ready for Kindergarten) connects underserved Aurora, Illinois, families with early education and childcare opportunities that prepare their young children for success in school and life.
We are all in this together
Our staff decorated their doors with hearts to spread love and positivity in our communities. We are all in this together so let's all Live United and stay safe!

We want to thank all of our essential service workers, especially healthcare and frontline workers, that show us all what it means to Live United. Thank you for everything you do to keep us all safe and healthy.
Upcoming Events
Amid the growing concerns for COVID-19 and the new CDC and government recommendations, we have decided to postpone the following events.
 
  • Census Days at Fox Valley United Way - All are cancelled until further notice
 
  • No Small Matter Documentary Screening - April 15th

  • Week of the Young Child Resource Fair - April 18th

  • Fox Valley United Way Annual Luncheon - May 15th
 
We will also be extending our grant application deadline to April 10th, 2020
 
Fox Valley United Way is dedicated to the communities we serve. We will share up-to-date information on COVID-19 from the local, state and federal level as the virus continues to develop. Let's all Live United, and work together to help all of our local children and families.
Census Day 2020
Happy Census Day 2020! Did you know you can fill out the Census from the comfort of your own home! So, you can stay safe and fill out the census at home. It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, by phone, or by mail - all without having to meet a Census taker.
Talking to your kids about COVID-19
Here is an illustrated book to help you talk to your children about COVID-19. We won't our children to feel safe and happy while also staying safe so it is important to talk to them about what is going on.
Virtual Play. Learn. Connect. Activities
We have added a running list of virtual activities you can do with your children while you are home. We will continue to add this page as we find more activities. You can find virtual zoo tours, tours of national parks, hear a bedtime story from outer space, activities you can do with your children focusing on all different topics from math to literacy and everything in between. We are all in this together let's Live United and SPARK a love of learning while we are all staying home.
SPARK Calendar
Our SPARK monthly calendar will introduce a monthly book from the Mind in the Making book collection. Each book will be accompanied with an activity that fosters the Seven Essentials Life Skills.

About Mind in the Making

Mind in the Making,  a program of the Bezos Family Foundation, is an unprecedented effort to share the science of children’s learning with the general public, families and professionals who work with children and families.
Mind in the Making has partnered with First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides books and educational materials for educators serving children in need, to curate a groundbreaking Mind in the Making Book Collection that combines children's books with tips for building The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs (HarperCollins, 2010) by Ellen Galinsky

To learn more about the Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs visit http://mindinthemaking.org/7-essential-skills/
To learn more about the Mind in the Making Book Collection by visiting http://mindinthemaking.org/firstbook/
Kindergarten Registration
East Aurora
West Aurora
Kaneland
Plano
  • https://www.pisd.edu/kindergarten
  • Registration was scheduled for 3/20 but was cancelled. Updates with information as to when it will be rescheduled will be posted on the link above.
Batavia
Geneva
St Charles
Yorkville
  • https://www.y115.org/Page/3354
  • Parents will complete registration online or by visiting the school their child will be attending. They can also contact the district administrative office at 630-553-4382.
Oswego
  • https://www.sd308.org/Page/8091
  • D308 registration was through 2/19/20.
  • Parents can call the Central Registration Department at 630.636.2404 with questions.
Indian Prairie
Resources