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8-10-2026 Junior Bulldogs Newsletter

Posted Date: 08/10/26 (06:30 PM)


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

Early Childhood Center

Junior Bulldogs Newsletter

August 10, 2026

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!

Dear Families,

We are so excited to welcome all of you to our new Early Childhood Center (ECC) this school year! The construction crew has been busy finishing the center, and our custodial team has been busy moving our boxes and ensuring the space is clean and ready for students. Our teachers have begun to unpack their rooms and set-up their new classrooms and spaces.

To all of our new families, welcome to the ECC. To all of our returning families, welcome back in our new space. It is going to be a wonderful school year!

I would like to introduce and welcome some new staff members to the ECC:

  • Mrs. Haleigh Buchfink is joining our staff as another early childhood teacher.
  • Ms. Jasmina Buzaljko is joining our staff as an occupational therapist and will be supporting students in all of our classrooms at the ECC.
  • Ms. Paige Lindaur is joining our staff as a speech language pathologist will be supporting students in Ms. Kray's and Mrs. Buchfink's classrooms.

I would also like to formally welcome the following two individuals back to the ECC full-time in different capacities:

  • Ms. Lia Moreno is returning to us as a our health clerk at the ECC.
  • Mrs. Fehmina Banu is returning to us as a teacher assistant with Mrs. Buchfink's classroom.

We are excited to partner with you and your family this year to help your child learn, grow, and become a competent, lifelong learner. Please get involved, stay informed and connected, and reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mr. John Siegler
 

Back to School Information

The following information is being mailed home to each registered family:

  • Your child's teacher assignment along with a letter from your child's teacher.
  • Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures
  • Student Information Form - Please complete for each student attending our preschool and return to the ECC.
  • Certificate of Child Health Examination form: Please send your child’s completed medical form with your child to the first day of school if you have not already done so. A physical exam is required before students enter preschool.
  • School Supply List

PARENT SQUARE
Parent Square is our primary communication tool between home and school. Here is the link along with information about how to set-up an account and get started with Parent Square:

  • If you don't have the invitation: Go to ParentSquare's sign-in page. 
  • Enter the email address or phone number that is on file with the school. 
  • Follow the prompts to verify your account and create a password. 
Parent Video - Getting Started with ParentSquare (3 minutes)

ECC MEET & GREET: 
Our Meet & Greet event will be held on Monday, August 24th. All students, along with their parents/guardians, are invited to find their classrooms and meet their teachers from 9:00-10:00 a.m. for morning students and 12:15-1:15 p.m. for afternoon students.

Please refrain from using this time to conference with the teacher. If you have questions or need to conference with the teacher, please email or call the teacher.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Our first day of school is Tuesday, August 25th. 

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 supervise your child before or after sessions.
 

Preschool for All

The Preschool for All (PFA) program is a state-funded grant program that provides free, high quality educational experiences and instruction to our preschoolers with the most needs.

In order to qualify for a spot in the PFA program, a family must complete an interview and provide proof of income. We are still processing registrations and completing these interviews. All new families will know if they qualify for a spot in our PFA program or if they are on our wait list on Tuesday, August 18. Returning students who qualified for a spot in our PFA program last school year continue to have a spot in the program this school year.
 

Early Childhood Center Ribbon Cutting - August 20th

Please join us to celebrate the opening of the district's newest educational facility! This is an exciting opportunity for the district community to explore the new learning spaces, highlighting the district's commitment to student success and investment in early learning.

Please RSVP to djuarez@skokie68.org by August 10th.

Upcoming Events

  • August 20 5:00-6:00 p.m. - ECC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
  • August 24 - First Day of School K-8 for the 26-27 School Year
  • August 24 Meet & Greet 9:00-10:00 for morning students & 12:15-1:15 for afternoon students.
  • August 25 - First Day of School at the ECC for the 26-27 School Year
Example calendar with dates pinned
 

Links

 
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Contact info

847-568-8901
Coordinator of Student Services & Early Learning:
John Siegler - jsiegler@skokie68.org
Early Childhood Secretary:
Heidi Canchola - hcanchola@skokie68.org
Early Childhood Health Clerk:
Lia Moreno - limoreno@skokie68.org