Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center

School News - Fall 2016

Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center 549 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601

www.barnstable.k12.ma.us T: (508)790-6493

Dear Families,

We are off to a great start to the new school year! Students are settled in their classrooms and all are beginning to grasp new routines and the expectations of school. It has been a joy over the last month to greet each new little face. This year, one of our goals as a staff is to strengthen collaboration with families in an effort to carry some of the early learning experiences the children experience here at school into the home setting. Since many of our students are only with us for a small portion of the week, it is important to present the concepts and skills taught at school at home so that each child is ready for Kindergarten success when the time comes! We will be offering some workshops, events and newsletters with suggestions for how you can promote learning at home throughout the year. We look forward to a year of learning and fun! - Principal Caucci

New Parent-Teacher Organization

The ECELC is forming a PTO - The purpose of the PTO is to enhance and support the educational experience at the Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center, develop a closer connection between school and home by encouraging parent involvement, and to improve the environment at our school through volunteer and financial support. Members of the PTO will meet monthly (schedule to be determined) with school staff (teachers or therapists and the Principal) to collaborate on fundraising projects for school improvements, enrichment activities, and family events in an attempt to help us continuously live our school vision! Email [email protected] if interested!

of 2 Important News

Parent Feedback Last school year, we asked parents to answer 5 questions regarding their families experience at ECELC. Of 45 families who responded;

- 88% felt their child had an excellent overall preschool experience - 80% felt child made progress toward Kindergarten readiness - 100% felt consistently welcomed by staff - 94% felt well informed about classroom/school happenings - 80% felt well informed about their child’s progress Not bad for our first year!  Thank you to all those who responded.

Preschool Assessment

In an effort to strengthen data-informed decision making, this year classroom teachers will begin using the Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment System to monitor student progress and inform instruction. The goal is to ensure each child gets differentiated instruction that allows every child to continually learn and grow. Data is collected during natural play times via observation. No separate testing is needed, making this a developmentally appropriate tool for young children. Although all preschool standards are taught, staff has selected 20 priority concepts and skills in the areas of social/emotional development, thinking/learning, literacy, and mathematics to report on, so you will be seeing those on your child’s report card in January. Feedback is welcome!

Immediate Openings for Peer Model Students

We are in need of peer models for one of our afternoon sessions, as multiple students have moved away . The sessions are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1:15-3:45. We will be holding a special screening (date to be determined) for those interested. Please contact Betsy McKane at 508-790-6493 if you would like to consider this option.