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8-21-2026 Junior Bulldogs Newsletter

Posted Date: 08/21/26 (04:07 PM)


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

Early Childhood Center

Junior Bulldogs Newsletter

August 21, 2026

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!

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. You should receive a Parent Square post from your child's teacher and a letter in the mail about this event.

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.
 

Back to School Information

The following information is being mailed home to each registered family, and this will also be provided on Monday during our Meet and Greet sessions:
  • 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

BUS TRANSPORTATION: Families of special education students receiving special transportation through their Individualized Education Program (IEP) will receive a call by Sunday, August 23 at the latest with pick-up and drop-off times.

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

MEDICAL FORMS: Please send your child’s medical forms with your child for the first day of school if you have not already done so. A physical exam is required before students enter preschool.  

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)

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.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Please send your child to school with the following supplies daily:
  • A large backpack (big enough to fit a folder)
  • A water bottle labeled with your child's name
Please send your child to school with these items that will remain at school:
  • A change of clothes (pants, shirt, underwear, socks) placed in a Ziploc bag with your child's name on it.
  • Package of pull-ups or diapers in your child's size and 2 packs of baby wipes if your child is not potty trained.

STUDENT INFORMATION FORM 2026-2027: This form is being mailed to each family. Please complete for each student attending our preschool and return to the ECC.
 

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures

In addition to the directions detailed below, there will be signage and staff directing circle drive and parking lot traffic during the first week of school. See the pink route on the map linked HERE.

STUDENT DROP OFF:
Students who are walking to school with their families will enter the ECC through the main entrance off of Kenton Ave.  

Parents driving their child(ren) to school should enter the parking lot from the north entrance off Kenton Ave. Please drive straight through the north end of the parking lot into the circle drive in front of the new ECC, and form two lines in the circle drive. Once you are in the circle drive, please put your car in park and wait for a staff member to come to the car. We will ask you to open your car door so we can escort your child into the building. After all of the students and staff have cleared the circle drive, put your car in drive and follow the signs to exit through the circle drive in front of the main entrance of Old Orchard Junior High.  

STUDENT PICK UP:
Students who are walking home from school with their families will exit the ECC through the main entrance off of Kenton Ave.

Parents picking up their child(ren) from school should enter the parking lot from the north entrance off Kenton Ave. Please drive straight through the north end of the parking lot into the circle drive in front of the new ECC, and form two lines in the circle drive. Once you are in the circle drive, please put your car in park and get out to wait for your child to be brought to your car by a staff member. After a staff member has brought your child(ren) to their family, the family member is responsible for getting the child into the car and secured into their car seat. After all of the students are in their cars and staff have cleared the circle drive, put your car in drive and follow the signs to exit through the circle drive in front of the main entrance of Old Orchard Junior High.

You MUST have the number card visible on the back of the passenger side sun visor with the number facing outside and right side up or visible from the front window. When you enter the circle drive in front of the ECC, please put your sun visor down so we can see the number. If you forget your number card, you must park and check-in with the office. Be prepared to show identification.

 

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 menu linked below to find out more.

 

Upcoming Events

  • August 24 - First Day of School K-8 for the 26-27 School Year
  • August 24 Meet & Greet 9:00-10:00 a.m. for morning students & 12:15-1:15 p.m. for afternoon students.
  • August 25 - First Day of School at the ECC for the 26-27 School Year
  • September 2 - School Picture Day
  • September 2 6:00-7:00 p.m. - Curriculum Night
Example calendar with dates pinned
 
Poster announcing "DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS" for preschool-aged children (3-5) in specific school districts.
 

Links

 
Person using a laptop

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