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4-24-2026 Junior Bulldogs Newsletter

Posted Date: 04/24/26 (03:35 PM)


A cartoon bulldog puppy with a purple collar and a tag with 'JR' on it.

Early Childhood Center

Junior Bulldogs Newsletter

April 24, 2026
ECC Main Entrance
Two young girls observe a potted rosemary plant in a classroom setting.
Children engage in a hands-on planting activity at a round table in a classroom.
Children plant seeds in soil in a classroom setting.
A young girl carefully waters a small plant in a clear container on a yellow tray.
Two young children are engaged in a craft activity at a green table, surrounded by art supplies.

Classroom Spotlight: Mrs. Sanchez's Classes

This week we investigated plants that grow in the garden. We discussed how several foods that we eat come from plants, especially some of our favorites-pizza! We explored a recipe on how to make our own pizza sauce at home using ingredients that are grown in the garden. Children were amazed that you can use tomato, oregano, basil, onion, and wheat for dough to make their own pizza. We used our senses to smell and explore various herbs and then planted our own in the classroom.

Here are the areas of learning this week:

Literacy: writing planter markers, journaling our gardening experiences
Math: sorting fruits and estimating how many fruits are in a jar
Art: 3D flower craft
Science: planting herb seeds
 

ECC Graduation May 21

We are excited to celebrate our students graduating from the ECC and moving on to Kindergarten next school year. Graduation will be held in the Forum at Old Orchard Junior High School on Thursday, May 21 at 9:30 a.m. for students in our morning classes and at 12:45 p.m. for students in our afternoon classes.

We have a large graduating class this school year of about 65 students. Each family will be allowed three seats for graduation to ensure that all students have people from their family in attendance. Infants who will be sitting on the lap of an adult do not count in the three seats per family.

The three parents, guardians, and/or other adults (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) per family who are planning to attend graduation will need to be screened and receive a visitor's badge from our office before entering the building for graduation. We are asking you to do this in advance of graduation in order to make the day of graduation run more smoothly. Parents and guardians of our students graduating this year will receive a message, invitation, and instructions from Ms. Canchola to complete this process in advance using Verkada, the security system we use to screen visitors. Visitors who do this in advance will be able to pick up their badge the day of graduation and walk right into the building. If a relative or friend will also be attending who is not the student’s parent or guardian, we can also screen them in advance. Please respond to Ms. Canchola’s post with the person’s name and email address, and she can also send them a message, invitation, and instructions.
 

Early Childhood Fun Fair

The Early Childhood Alliance is having the fifth annual Early Childhood Fun Fair at Oakton College on Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. There will be free crafts, activities, and games for children five years old and under. You can also learn about resources for your child.

You can register your family by completing this Google form or scanning the QR code below.
Poster for the 5th Annual ECA Early Childhood Fun Fair on Saturday, May 2nd, 10 AM - 1 PM at Oakton College.
 

Kindergarten Orientation

Kindergarten orientation dates are listed in the flyer below for each elementary school. If your child is going to Kindergarten next school year, please attend orientation at your child's future elementary school.
ECC Early Childhood Center Kindergarten Orientation Save the Date flyer with school dates.
 

Important: Registration Dates for the Upcoming School Year

We want to share some important information to help you prepare for the upcoming school year registration. Please see the categories below to find the correct registration path for your child:

  • Returning Preschoolers: If your child is staying in our preschool program for another year, you are considered a Returning Family. Please log in and complete your application at any time! You can find more information about re-registration on our website HERE.
  • Incoming Kindergarteners: All children entering Kindergarten are classified as New Students. Registration for these students will officially open on March 23rd. You can find more information about registration on our website HERE.
Please make sure to select the correct "New" or "Returning" status when you log in to the portal to ensure your application is processed correctly.

Mrs. Canchola & Mrs. Marquardt in the office at the ECC are available to help families with registration from 8:00-8:30 a.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
 

Snack Information


Your child will receive a nutritious snack daily at preschool. Snacks typically include a whole grain, a fresh fruit, and milk. Click on the April Snack Menu and the May Snack Menu to find out more.
Picture of different fruits.
 

Upcoming Events

  • April 28 6:00 p.m. - Kindergarten Information Night at Highland Elementary School for students attending Highland next school year
  • May 2 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Early Childhood Fun Fair at Oakton College
  • May 19 6:00 p.m. - Kindergarten Orientation at Devonshire Elementary School for students attending Devonshire next school year
  • May 21 9:30 a.m. for morning students & 12:45 p.m. for afternoon students - ECC Graduation
  • May 28 6:00 p.m. - Kindergarten Orientation at Jane Stenson Elementary School for students attending Stenson next school year
Example calendar with dates pinned
 

School Hours

Morning students attend school from 9:00-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Drop-off time is 8:55 a.m.

Afternoon students attend school from 12:15-2:45 p.m. Monday-Friday. Drop-off time is 12:10 p.m.

Please arrive on time because our staff is unavailable to watch your child before or after sessions. Once school starts at 9:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., you will need to walk your child to our main entrance and sign your child in.
 

Developmental Screenings

The last developmental screening for the 2025-2026 school year will be on Monday, May 11. If you have a child turning 3 over the next few months or between the ages of 3 and 5 and are concerned about your child's development, please call the number below to make an appointment for a screening.
Developmental Screenings 25-26
 

Links

 
Person using a laptop

Contact info

847-568-8901
Coordinator of Student Services & Early Learning:
John Siegler, jsiegler@skokie68.org
Administrative Assistant for the Director of Student Services:
Jill Marquardt - jmarquardt@skokie68.org
Early Childhood Secretary:
Heidi Canchola - hcanchola@skokie68.org