FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER!
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Thurs., Feb. 1 – Tuition due. A Late Fee of $25.00 will be applied after February 7th.
Thurs., Feb. 1 - Summer and Fall registration opens for 2024-2025 school year for currently enrolled students and their siblings.
Fri., Feb. 2 – Preschool & E.P.C.C. Kindergarten CLOSED. Parent/Teacher Conferences for E.P.C.C. Preschool and Kindergarten. Afterschool care for Encino Charter Elementary students is a regular day.
Tues., Feb. 6 - JAM for Preschoolers. 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 7 – Parent Volunteer Group meeting, 9:15 a.m. in room 201.
Fri., Feb. 9 – Dr. Michelle To, DDS a pediatric dentist will share some information with your child about how to keep their teeth healthy at 9:30 a.m.
Mon., Feb. 12 – Spring Break sign- ups.
Wed., Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day Class Parties.
Wed., Feb. 14 – Summer/Fall 2024 registration for siblings of EPCC alumni.
Thurs., Feb. 15 – McDonald’s Fundraiser from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Ventura & White Oak. Dine In or Drive Through.
Mon., Feb. 19 – SCHOOL CLOSED for President’s Day.
Tues., Feb. 20 - JAM for Preschoolers. 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 1 – Fri., Mar. 15 – Spring See’s Candies Fundraiser.
Mon., Mar. 4 – Summer & Fall registration open to the public 9:00 a.m.
Mon., Mar.11 - Fri., Mar. 15- Spring Scholastic Book Fair.
Wed., Mar. 20 - See’s Candy Delivery.
Mon., Mar. 25 – Mon., Apr. 1- Spring Break. Alternative care available Mon. Mar. 25 -Thurs. Mar. 28. We will be CLOSED on Fri., Mar. 29 for Good Fri., and Mon. April 1.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH!!!
CONGRATULATIONS PAULA MAGANA EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Miss Paula is our soft spoken, caring, friendly hardworking teacher in Room 106 and in our K-1 afterschool class. She is extremely patient and brings much joy to the lives of the children and staff with whom she works. Miss Paula creates a warm and nurturing environment where every student feels valued and loved. We are truly fortunate to have Miss Paula as a member of our staff. Miss Paula’s favorite color is green, she loves Christmas, sunflowers and shopping at Target and Amazon.com. The restaurants she enjoys the most are Salsa & Beer and Chick- Fil-A. For dessert Miss Paula likes vanilla cake, chocolate chip cookies, Reese’s and Hershey candies.
Thank you, Miss Paula, for all your hard work. You are a perfect fit. 😊
FROM THE DIRECTOR:
TAX I.D. # - 95-1831056
CONFERENCES: Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 from approximately
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SCHOOL IS CLOSED! Sign-up sheets are posted outside your child’s classroom. Parent/teacher conferences are so important – this is your chance to hear about your child’s progress in school as well as bring up any concerns you may have. For our Pre-K classrooms…kindergarten readiness will be discussed, as well as placement for the upcoming school year. Your prompt arrival at your conference is vital. If you are late you will have to reschedule at the teachers’ convenience.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING CHILDREN TO YOUR CONFERENCE, AS THIS IS YOUR TIME WITH THE TEACHERS.
KINDERGARTEN: Our kindergarten class continues to fill for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested in learning more about this exceptional program, please contact Cathleen or Anie.
REGISTRATION: Please note the very important registration dates noted in this newsletter. Registration packets have gone home. We will register currently enrolled students first, siblings, siblings of EPCC alumni and then new students. Remember, if your tuition is not up to date, you will be unable to register for the summer and fall.
HELP OUR SCHOOL GROW!!! Recommend us to your friends.
YOU receive $100.00 credit * toward your child’s tuition when your friend enrolls their child in our school. *credit will be applied after 3 months of your referrals enrollment. Be sure to have your friend write YOUR name on their child’s application as a referral so you can get the $100.00 credited to your account.
ILLNESS POLICY: In an effort to keep children and teachers healthy please keep your child home if he/she is sick. If your child vomits, has diarrhea, runs a fever, is lethargic or is simply not him/herself, we will send your child home immediately. Children must be symptom free for 24 hours before they can return to school. In addition, if you have given your child Motrin or Tylenol in the morning to reduce fever or ease pain, he/she may NOT come to school on that day. While we understand that a “green” runny nose and cough are not necessarily indicators of infectious disease, we will require a doctor’s note if there is any question about your child’s health. Remember that when we send a child home, we are using our best judgment in determining whether or not your child should remain at school. This has been a particularly tough covid, cold and flu season, especially for young children. Please respect this policy as well as the families and staff at EPCC by adhering to it. Parents in this horrible flu and cold season, please refer to the illness policies at the end of this newsletter and when to keep your child home. This policy is enforced in order to keep a healthy, happy school. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
Let’s have a healthy 2024!
NUT FREE SCHOOL: A nut is a fruit composed of a hard shell and a seed, which is generally edible. At E.P.C.C. this includes: peanuts, walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, brazil nuts, chestnuts, pine nuts, candlenuts, beechnuts, filberts. Our “nut free” policy is in place to ensure the health and safety of the children under our care. When you drop off your child
each day, we want you to feel comfortable leaving, knowing that we are doing our best to keep all of the children under our care safe and healthy.
Please note: Nutella is a cocoa and hazelnut spread, and therefore not allowed at school. Sunflower or cookie butter are acceptable alternatives and can be found at Target, Trader Joes and other markets.
HEALTHY SNACKS AND LUNCHES: Please remember that children are required to bring their own ready to eat lunch, 2 snacks and water bottle. Please keep snacks healthy. Fruits, veggies, cereal bars, string cheese and crackers are always popular choices. Remember to send utensils with your child’s lunch if he/she needs them. Teachers cannot leave the classroom to get spoons and forks for the children. Additionally, be sure that all snacks and lunches are sent to school” ready to serve.”
SNOW DAY: What fun!! On Wednesday, Jan. 24 the children had a blast playing in all that snow; we had 12 tons of snow blown onto our court yard.
PARENT VOLUNTEER GROUP MEETING: On Wed., Feb. 7 at 9:15 a.m. we will have a parent volunteer group meeting in Room 201 to discuss upcoming events for the spring.
VALENTINE’S CARDS: All children are encouraged to bring Valentine’s for their classmates on the day of the class party. Please do not address or label the envelopes with your child’s friend’s names, just sign each card with your child’s name only. This makes passing out the cards so much easier. Due to Covid-19, RSV, and the Omicron variant, (please DO NOT LICK the envelopes).
COMMUNITY HELPERS: February is community helpers’ month. During this time, we welcome parents and family friends to come in and talk to the children about their jobs. Doctors, dentists, police officers, fire fighters, musicians, artists, hairdressers and many others are welcome to come in and share their careers with the children. If you enjoy an interesting hobby, please consider sharing that with the children as well. Please let us know if you or a friend would be willing to spare an hour to share your time with the children.
MCDONALD’S FUNDRAISER ENCINO: We will have our second McDonald’s Fundraiser on Thursday, February 15th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on the (Corner of White Oak and Ventura) Dine In, Take Out and Drive through. Family, friends and neighbors are welcome! McDonald will donate 20% of ALL sales from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. back to E.P.C.C.
EXTRA CLOTHES: Please be sure that your child has extra clothes in his/her cubby or bag. We often run out of school clothes because they are not returned when we lend them out.
LABEL EVERYTHING: Be sure to label all sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters, backpacks, share toys or any item your child brings to school. Labeled items have a far greater chance of being returned to you.
NAPPING SUPPLIES: All children who stay for nap must have 2 crib sheets and a blanket for naptime. These items will be sent home at the end of each week and must be returned the following week. Children who do not have the appropriate napping items will no longer be able to stay for nap. Remember that the state of California requires children in daycare to have a brief resting period each day. Even if your child does not sleep, he/she must rest quietly on his/her cot for 45 minutes.
SPRING BREAK CARE: This year school will be closed Monday, March 25 – Monday, April 1 for Spring Break. Alternate care will be offered Monday, March 25 thru Thursday March 28 at an additional cost of $70.00 per day. Registration forms will be sent home beginning of February. Sign-ups begin on Monday., February 12. Please note: We will be CLOSED on Good Friday., March 29 and Monday, April 1.
TESTIMONIALS: If any parent/grandparent would like to write a testimonial about any of our programs we would like to post a few each month on our website. This would give prospective families a little insight into our school. If you would like to take the time to do this you can turn them into Cathleen or Anie. Thanks!
EPCC WEBSITE: Please be sure to check out our website epcckids.info and our Instagram account @ epcc_kids and Facebook account @ EPCCKIDSS to see activities, art projects and more.
PARKING LOT SAFETY:
Please enter through the Balboa entrance and exit onto Paso Robles. Our parking lot is a one-way lot. Our parking lot can be a busy place at certain times of the day. Please help keep it as safe as possible for your child. We offer the following tips and ask for your cooperation:
Please hold your child’s hand in the parking lot.
Please make sure your child doesn’t run ahead of or behind you upon arrival and pick up.
Please drive slowly in the parking lot.
Enter the parking lot through the Balboa entrance (closest to the church building).
Exit under the apartment building onto Paso Robles.
If you park on the street, please note the following:
Parking is limited on specific days – note the street signs for times and street cleaning.
Cathleen & Anie
TEACHER TALK:
ROOM 101: In February, you will see us working on our special Valentine’s Day projects. We will need two forever stamps and a shoebox from each child by Monday, February 5th. Our Valentine’s Day party will be on Wednesday, February14 at snack time. Please have your child bring in 15 Valentines for his/her classmates. The children will be passing out valentines to each other. Thanks to all who helped with all our snow gear. We are continuing to work on following directions and problem-solving simple tasks as well as spelling and writing our names. A special thank you to all the parents who attended conferences. We enjoyed the chance to share this important information about your child with you.
Mrs. Geni & Ms. Jazmin
ROOM 102: The New Year has certainly started with a bang! We have been so busy and have had so much fun learning about winter, snow, polar bears and penguins. In February, we will learn about Valentine’s Day and how we can show our love to others. We will also learn about eating healthy and staying healthy. February is also Community Helper’s month. If you would like to come in and share your job with the children, please let us know. Friday, February 2nd will be our parent-teacher conferences. The conference will be in person Please make sure that you are on time for your conference. Our Valentine’s Day party will be on Wednesday, Feb. 14. A sign-up sheet will be posted soon. Please have your child bring 10 Valentines for the entire class. The children will be passing out Valentines please send them unsealed and do not address the Valentines to each child. Sign your child’s name on the card only. This makes it much easier to pass the cards out. We will also need 2 forever stamps from each child by Tuesday, Feb. 7th for a special Valentine. Please take a moment to welcome Milan Shahmiri and his family to our classroom!!! Have a happy February!
Mrs. Asma & Miss Ana
ROOM 103: We are erupting with love in Room 103! We will begin with a study of Geology and make our own “volcanos.” We, of course, will experience an exciting eruption and locate various volcanos around the world on our map. As we prepare for Valentine’s Day, please have your child bring enough Valentine’s for each student (9) in the class. We will have our Valentine’s Day Party on Wednesday; February 14h. Room 103 will round out February with our study of endangered animals. We will discuss our role and how we can protect them. Be sure to check our world map for where to find these amazing creatures. Fun in 103! Friday, February 2nd will be our parent-teacher conferences. The conferences will be in person Please make sure that you are on time for your conference. Please remember to sign in and out daily.
Mrs. Jennifer & Miss Hayden
ROOM 104: Love is in the air in room 104. In February, we will be talking about Valentine’s Day, love, feelings and Presidents’ Day. We will continue building our small muscle skills by cutting with scissors. We will also continue reviewing the alphabet. Our Valentine’s Day party is on Wednesday, Feb.14 at 10:30 a.m., a sign-up will be posted soon. Please have your child bring 11 valentines for the entire class. Do not address the valentines to each child; sign your child’s name on the card only this makes it much easier to pass the cards out. Friday, February 2nd will be our parent-teacher conferences. The conference will be in person Please make sure that you are on time for your conference. Have a wonderful February!!
Mrs. Silva & Mrs. Shahla
ROOM 105: Valentine’s Day brings us the wonderful opportunity to explore what love and what sharing means to all of us and how warm those feelings make us feel deep inside. We will listen to our hearts and learn about our circulatory system and how to keep our body healthy. The children will need two forever stamps for a special valentine. Watch for a unique surprise coming your way. Please have your child bring 10 valentines for his/her friends for our party on Wednesday, Feb.14 at 10:30 a.m. Put only your child’s name on the cards, Do not address the valentines to each child; sign your child’s name on the card only. This makes it much easier to pass the cards out. We want to remind you to save one of your child’s shoes for our Mother’s Day project. Save the date! Our Mother’s Day Tea will be Fri., May 10th at 11:00 a.m. Reminder: Once a week, send a note to school with your child stating an accomplishment that he/she achieved that has not come easily. Our goal is to help foster the children’s self-esteem and independence. Friday, February 2nd will be our parent-teacher conferences. Please make sure that you are on time for your conference.
Mrs. Wall & Mrs. Sossi
ROOM 106: Love is in the air! Friday, February 2nd will be our parent-teacher conferences. The conference will be in person Please make sure that you are on time for your conference. Our Valentine’s Day party will be on Wednesday, February 14th at 10:30 a.m. Please send Valentine cards/treats signed by your child or you, but DO NOT label the envelopes. A party sign-up sheet will be on class Dojo. After all the festivities we will take time and honor our Presidents, and talk about not so common community helpers. We will end the month with yet another party as we celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday! An extra special thanks to all the parents for taking the time to conference with us. We enjoy the opportunity to exchange information with you regarding your child. We would like to welcome Jack Shirk and his family to our classroom. Please make sure your child has warm extra clothes during this chilly weather. Enjoy your February
Mrs. Karine & Miss Paula
PEEKING OVER THE FENCE WITH MRS. GAEL: This month we will paint, paint, paint, with big brushes, small brushes, no brushes, tempera color, water color and sometimes no color, just water! On some days that aren’t too windy we will create a collage. Look for our creations in the hall outside 102.
AFTER NAP: As Valentine’s Day approaches, we will be having lots of “LOVE” art. During this month we will learn about our past Presidents with art projects and fun books. Make sure to stop by our bulletin board in the hallway and check out our festive art. Please make sure you label your child’s jackets and sweaters. Have a happy February and stay warm!
Miss Vianey, Mrs. Narine, Miss Katie and Miss Ana
KINDERGARTEN: Time has been flying by and we have been doing so many exciting things. We came back to school with a bang and have had a busy month. We started having our weekly spelling tests. And you know what? We are great at it. We are listening to the sounds and spelling out words. Yeah us!! We are also reading all the time. We all feel so proud when we read a book all by ourselves. Then it “snowed” in Encino. We had so much fun playing in the snow and sliding down a ramp of snow. We were very lucky to have great weather on that day. It was hard to get our work done in anticipation of our time out in the snow, but we did it. We also learned about penguins and read Mr. Popper’s Penguins and celebrated with a Penguin Power Day where we dressed in black and white and ate black and white foods! (Thank you, parents, for donating to our party). We are getting very excited for our 100th day of school, which is happening on Tuesday, February 6th. We have been working hard to get to this day. We are loving all the 100th Day posters coming in. Everyone is so creative. We have a lot of special activities planned for that day. We are anxiously awaiting seeing all our 100-year-old students on that day. It’s sure to give us all a good laugh! Then on February 9th we will be going to the Bob Baker Marionettes. We’re also looking forward to learning about Our Presidents for President’s Day and sharing our love and friendship on Valentine’s Day. It will be here before we know it, so start having your child sign valentines for their friends to be shared on February 14. And last, we have been
enjoying talking to all the parents during their conference times. We have a few left for Friday, February 2 during the conference day. Thank you to the parents for scheduling their conferences over the last two weeks. It’s been helpful so we can spend quality time with each family instead of rushing through a tight schedule. Here’s to a great second semester of kindergarten and seeing all the gains the children are going to make!!
Mrs. Lori, Ms. Danielle & Ms. Kim