Jones Early Childhood Development Center 5/2026 Newsletter

April 30, 2026

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Ms. Saulsberry's Message: Jones ECDC is very proud to be recognized as a Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase School for the second year in a row. We received this recognition based on the work of our staff and Process Champions Team (teacher leaders), your family surveys, and visits to our school by our CKH strategist. We submitted evidence of impact about our implementation of good things, social contracts, greeting students, and building relationships with students and staff, and family engagement.

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. We would like to offer our deep and sincere gratitude to all the families who signed up to donate items to help celebrate our staff next week. At Jones, we believe that all the adults in our building are teachers. We are all teaching students how to interact with others, work hard, face challenges, and be lifelong learners. Your donations have helped us plan things each day next week to celebrate our entire staff and thank them for their hard work and dedication.

I can't quite believe this school year is almost over. We have lots of fun and exciting things planned as we wrap up this school year. If your child is moving on to kindergarten, don't forget to fill out the kindergarten pre-registration link on the district website. Students planning to return to Jones should fill out the preschool pre-registration link as well. We hope to see all our three-year-old students again next year!

Would you like to recognize a member of the Jones staff? Click here!

Important Dates

May 1 - District Early Release - PM students ONLY
May 5 - Teacher Appreciation Day
May 8 - 3s Spring Walk to Peter Pan Park
May 14 - Water Play Day outside at Jones
May 15 - Emporia Public Library visits
May 20 - Last day for PM students
May 21 - Last day for AM students

Ms. Rhonda's Tip

Keep building healthy home habits to encourage your child’s learning through the summer!

#1: Find out what interests your child and check out similar book topics.

#2: Limit screen time at home and on the go.

#3: Explore audio books.

#4: Encourage imaginative play!

#5: Keep learning! Remember that every experience your child has at home or on the go, they are learning! The Emporia Public Library’s Summer Reading Program encourages reading, with rewards, all summer long. Their kickoff event is May 27 from 3-4:30.

Questions can be directed to Ms. Rhonda, Mobilizing Literacy Family Liaison, at 620-412-8231 or rhonda.beatty@usd253.net.

News from the Hive:

In May, we’re learning about the Capturing Kids’ Hearts character trait—Integrity!
Integrity means being honest and making good choices to become the person you want to be.

You can help your child practice integrity at home in simple ways. Talk about telling the truth, even when it’s hard. Remind them to keep their promises and fix mistakes when they happen. Let them know it’s okay to mess up—as long as they are honest and try to make it right.

You might say, “Telling the truth helps you grow,” or “Doing the right thing shows who you are.”
Share stories from your life or your culture about being honest and doing the right thing—kids learn a lot from their families.

When your child helps at home, cleans up, or stands up for others, they are showing integrity in small but powerful ways.

We’re so proud of the students at Jones and how much they’ve grown this year. Thank you for all you do at home to support them! - 💛 Mrs. Bea 🐝

2026-2027 District Enrollment Reminder

Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year will open on Wednesday, July 15, for all returning students through the Parent Portal in PowerSchool. Any family who needs assistance with enrollment is welcome to visit the Jones Early Childhood Development Center beginning July 20, where staff will be available to help in person.

Please note that any student new to the district who has not pre-registered must complete enrollment on-site. If you have any questions, please call 620-341-2396 or email enrollment@usd253.net

Warm Weather Tips

The weather is warming up and that means more time spent outside. Here is an article with 8 quick tips to help keep children safe. Enjoy your summer!

(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)

English:

https://www.healthychildren.org/english/safety-prevention/at-home/pages/backyard-safety.aspx

Spanish:

https://www.healthychildren.org/spanish/safety-prevention/at-home/paginas/backyard-safety.aspx