What’s Happening in Preschool?
We are so excited to be back at school! The beginning of the school year is very exciting for both staff and students. There are all sorts of new things to learn and explore. We are glad you stopped by to join us for another year of learning and fun. PLC I and PLC II are diving right into learning as they explore the ocean. PLC III is helping to bridge the transition to school by learning about homes and communities. PLC IV starts the year off with a roar as they learn about the zoo. Check out our gallery for more preschool fun!
School is fun!
K.C.K.E.C.C. Spotlight: New Staff Members
Our incoming students aren’t the only ones who are new to our building. We are welcoming 9 new staff members to our building this year! Welcome to our new classroom teachers, Melissa Arnold, Niki Jeffers, Karen Ramsey, Erica LaBlanc, Janelle Wheeler and Megan McPherson. Welcome to our new speech language therapists, Manisha Patel-Tatum and Peggy Weins. Welcome to our new para-educator, Tammy Berry. Our students and staff are fortunate to have each and every one of you on our team! Check out our staff page to see all of our new editions and transitions.
Spotlight on You: Grandparents
September 11 is a nationally recognized holiday celebrating grandparents. Grandparents are a huge part of many of our student’s lives, in some cases even being the primary care giver. We appreciate all of the time and effort our grandparent’s put forth to ensure that their grandchildren have a positive and successful school experience. You all hold a very special place in our hearts. Happy Grandparents Day!
Instructional Focus: Small Group Instruction
Research shows that the most beneficial way to deliver instruction to young children is in a small group setting. A small group setting provides a safe environment for children to explore and learn. Children are more likely to express themselves in a smaller group. Teachers have fewer students to focus on, making instructional time that much more effective. Instruction can also be tailored for each individual child or group of children. The list of benefits goes on and on. Almost all of our instruction at KCKECC is delivered in small groups. This includes center play, story time and all of our pre-academic activities. Small groups are the key to engaging, interactive and purposeful learning!
Small Groups At Work!
Website of the Month: www.kckps.org
Please take a moment to check out the Kansas City, Kansas School District #500 website. This website gives you access to district programs, forms and calendars. Community maps and school contact information are also available. Be sure to check out the link to our district superintendent’s blog, as well as links to the district Facebook page and twitter account. All the information you could hope to learn about the Kansas City, Kansas School District is right at your fingertips!
September at KCKECC…
-September 5: Labor Day, No school
-September 11: Grandparent’s Day
-September 21: FAS Day, Families welcome!
-September 21:ScholasticSchoolBook Fair
-September 27: School picture day, Say cheese!
-September 28: Home visits, Families welcome teachers to their homes.
How You Can Help
We appreciate all the donations of time and resources that we receive daily here at K.C.K.E.C.C. If you are interested in helping there are a few things we could always use:
- We are strong participants in the “Box Tops for Education” program! For every box top we collect we receive money that goes straight to our students. This might be to help fund a field trip, purchase classroom supplies or bring in special visitors. Please check your grocery store items (cereal, crackers, Kleenex, plastic bags, etc.) and consider donating your General Mills box tops to K.C.K.E.C.C.
- Best Choice UPC Codes: This is similar to the box top collection program, but it takes many more. For every 1,000 Best Choice UPC labels collected our school receives $30.00. The UPC label can be from any best choice product. Please remember us!
- We have an ongoing collection for the homeless. We can always use nonperishable food items and monetary donations to pass along to those in need. Thank you.
- In honor of a very special pre-k colleague, we have established the Baby Garrett and Jessica Love Fund. Baby Garrett and Jessica were two unforgettable individuals who passed on all too prematurely. To honor the memory of these individuals, KCKECC has set up a LOVE FUND to be used for expenses that directly relate to our early childhood program students…eyeglasses for a child who cannot afford them, scholarship events for any special events, funeral expenses if we were ever to suffer a loss. Your contribution is welcome. Contact us for further information (see the “Contact Us” link on our blog).
