🐛 The Caterpillar Buzz – ELC Parent Newsletter

Monday, September 15, 2025

🌟 We’re Off to a Great Start!
Our school year is off to a wonderful start! The students are quickly adjusting to routines, processes, and procedures. Remember, for some of our friends, this is their very first time in a school setting and/or being away from home — but I promise they are doing great! Our loving staff is working diligently to meet their needs and provide a safe, nurturing learning environment.

Everything we do is guided by our mission and vision: to create a warm, inclusive space where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. These upcoming events are designed to strengthen the home–school connection and support the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally.

🎉 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 – October 15, we’ll celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with activities that honor and uplift diverse voices, helping students see themselves and others reflected in their learning:

1. Door Decorating Contest – Teachers and students will decorate classroom doors to represent Hispanic culture through art, music, food, traditions, and influential figures. Judging will take place on October 10.

2. Shoebox Parade – October 10, 2025 — Families are invited to create a shoebox float representing a Hispanic country of their choice. Students will participate in our parade, showcasing their shoeboxes.  The parade will be streamed live on Facebook live, so please do not forget to join our Facebook Page and invite family members and friends to share in the fun. 

How to Participate:

• Choose a Country – Select one of the Hispanic countries celebrated (September 15 – October 15): Venezuela, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, etc.
• Decorate Your Shoebox – Look up your country and decorate a shoebox with its colors.
• Add 3D Details – Include buildings, flags, figurines, clay models, or toys. You are welcome to dress up the day of the parade to show off your shoebox!

3. Classroom Activities – Teachers will incorporate lessons featuring books, crafts, music, and stories from Hispanic cultures.

💡 Parent Involvement: We encourage parents to volunteer as guest readers or share their own heritage, traditions, or stories with the class. These experiences help us build understanding and appreciation for the world around us — a key part of our vision for developing compassionate, curious learners.

🏫 Family-School Partnership (FSP) Day – Sept. 26, 10:00–11:30 AM

Join us for “A Day in the Life,” where families will step into the world of Pre-K.
You’ll see firsthand how our daily routines, lessons, and play experiences are intentionally designed to nurture the whole child and prepare them for future learning. This event supports our mission to partner with families in shaping a strong foundation for lifelong success.

☕ Save the Date: Coffee with Admin – October
Grab a cup of coffee, cider, or a pastry and spend time with our administrative team.

• Learn about our mission and vision
• Hear important school updates
• Share your ideas and questions

This is your chance to build relationships with school leaders and work with us toward creating the best possible learning environment for every child.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent Council – We Need Your Help!
Our Parent Council is an important way to ensure every classroom has a voice.

Goal: 1–2 parents per classroom

Purpose: Partner with school staff to strengthen family engagement, plan events, and share input on school decisions.

When parents and staff work together, we create a stronger, more connected community, exactly what our mission and vision are all about.

If interested, please contact our assistant director, Ms. Felicia Milam at fmilam@wcpss.net or call the front office at (919) 694-8270 by Sept. 30.  Thanks so much. 

🚗 Transportation – Thank You!

A big thank you to all of our parents for following our arrival and dismissal procedures! Your cooperation has helped improve traffic flow and made arrival and dismissal much smoother for everyone.

Please keep these reminders in mind:

• Stay in the carpool lane during arrival and dismissal.
• Stay in your vehicle – our staff will assist your child with getting in and out of the car safely.
• Display your carpool number clearly during dismissal so we can get your child to you quickly.
• Car Seats & Booster Seats: According to NC law, all students must be in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age, weight, and height. This is an important step to keep our students safe.
• Check before you pull out: We will do our best to keep drivers protected, but please look carefully before leaving the lane. We have had some close calls, and everyone’s safety is our priority.

🌐 Stay Connected
We want you to feel connected to everything happening at the ELC!

ELC Website: Visit our website for weekly updates, calendars, and upcoming event details

Facebook Page: Follow us on Facebook for highlights of school events, photos, and special recognition of our students and staff.

👕 Spirit Wear Fridays

Don’t forget to order your ELC Spirit Wear!
Spirit Wear will be worn every Friday to showcase our school pride and build community.
🛒 Order here: ELC Spirit Wear – The Feisty Firefly

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to give your child the best possible start!

Yours,

Sherry Williams, Director