Hello Preschool Families!
Join the Talk, Play, Grow event on Thursday, September 17, from 6:30-7:30 PM for parents and children ages 0-4. Learn practical ways to support your child's language development, school readiness, and lifelong learning through everyday interactions.
Hosted by the Madison Library District and featuring Dr. David Allen (BYU-Idaho).
✅ Fun and informative for families
✅ Ages 0-4 welcome
✅ Space is limited, so be sure to register using the following link, or the attached QR code! - https://bit.ly/4gexua6?r=qr
We hope to see many of our Madison Early Childhood families there! 💛
It appears that my message yesterday about Open House and the start of school next week was mistakenly sent to some families.
If you have not previously been contacted by a teacher or a member of our office staff regarding your child's enrollment, your child is not currently enrolled, and you may disregard any communication about the Open House and start of school next week.
I sincerely apologize for any confusion this may have caused. If you are unsure about your child's enrollment status, or if your child is not enrolled and you continue to receive these messages, please email me at spencerj@msd321.com.
Thank you for your understanding.
Josh Spencer
Principal, Early Childhood Education Center
Phone: (208) 359-3366
Email: spencerj@msd321.com
Hello parents!
Just a reminder that next Tuesday and Wednesday are our Open House days, and you are welcome to drop by during your child’s regular preschool session time to meet the teachers and get familiar with the classroom.
The first days that parents will drop off their children with their teachers, and bus service will begin are on Thursday, September 10th, and Friday, September 11th, depending on your child’s scheduled days.
Last but not least, we are looking for volunteers to join our Early Childhood Center PTO! Look for a PTO info/signup booth at the Open House next week to learn more.
We are so excited to have your children start school! Please reach out if you have any questions.
🚌 IMPORTANT BUS ROUTE REMINDERS
As we get ready for the new school year, we want to share a few important transportation reminders with our families:
Please check BusRight for your student’s bus stop location and pickup time. Bus routes have changed this year, so please double-check your student’s information before the first day of school.
BusRight Information:
Parents of students using bus transportation should have received an email from the Transportation Department through BusRight, our bus transportation app. This email includes information to help you access your student’s transportation details.
If your child uses bus transportation and you have not received an email from BusRight, please contact the Transportation Department at caldwellb@msd321.com for assistance.
Be at the Stop 5 Minutes Early:
Students should be at their bus stop at least 5 minutes before their scheduled pickup time. This helps our buses stay on schedule and ensures students are ready when the bus arrives.
Riding a Different Bus or Using a Different Stop:
If your student will be riding a different bus home with a friend or getting off at a stop other than their assigned bus stop, they will need a signed permission note from a parent or guardian.
More Transportation Information:
Please visit the Transportation page on our district website for department contacts, BusRight app information, and additional transportation resources. Link: https://www.msd321.com/o/msd321/page/transportation
Thank you for helping us make transportation safe and smooth as we begin the new school year!
As we get ready for the new school year, we want to remind all new and returning families to download the MSD321 app and sign in to your Rooms account.
Rooms is our communication platform that teachers will use to stay connected with you and your student throughout the school year.
Rooms invitations have been sent out. To log in, use the phone number associated with your PowerSchool account. A confirmation code will be sent to that number for you to enter and complete the sign-in process.
If you choose to log in using the email address associated with your PowerSchool account, you will be prompted to create a password. If you did not receive a Rooms invitation or are having trouble signing in, please email chavezm@msd321.com for assistance.
Please also take a moment to make sure the email address and phone number associated with your PowerSchool account are current and correct. If you have a new email address or phone number, please update your information as soon as possible.
Important: Please do not list a work phone number as your day or primary contact number. Rooms may not be able to send messages and notifications to work phone numbers. Please use a personal mobile number whenever possible.
Thank you for helping us make sure you stay connected and receive important communication from your student’s school and teachers.
We’re excited for a great school year!
Dear Preschool Families,
We’re excited to welcome you to a new school year at the Early Childhood Education Center!
Attached, you’ll find the 2026-2027 Preschool Calendar and the Parent Information Packet. Please take a moment to review these materials as they include important details to help you prepare for the year ahead.
Our Open House will be held on Tuesday, September 8th, and Wednesday, September 9th. You are welcome to drop by during your child’s regular preschool session time to meet the teachers and get familiar with the classroom.
We kindly ask that you bring a change of clothes in a labeled bag for your child. This will be kept in the classroom and returned to you in the spring.
The first days that parents will drop off their children with their teachers and bus service will begin, are on Thursday, September 10th, and Friday, September 11th, depending on your child’s scheduled days.
Below, you’ll find the schedule for each preschool session, so you know when to attend the Open House. To find out which classroom your child has been assigned to, please refer to the email sent in the spring. If you’re unsure or need assistance, feel free to call or stop by the office — we’ll be happy to help! Our office staff is available 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays.
Preschool Session Times:
MWF AM Session: 8:15 - 10:30
MWF PM Session: 11:15 - 1:30
T/TH AM Session: 8:15 - 10:15
T/TH PM Session: 11:15 - 1:15
Warm Regards,
Josh Spencer
Principal, Early Childhood Education Center
2413 N. 3000 W, Rexburg, ID 83440
Phone: (208) 359-3366
Email: spencerj@msd321.com
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."
~ Fred Rogers
Celebrate Youth is NEXT WEEK! 🎉 Join us Tuesday, August 18th 2-7pm for a fun day at Porter Park!
Parking is available near Porter Park, or park at MJH or MMS and ride the FREE shuttle! Shuttles begin at 1:30 PM, with the last bus leaving the park at 7:30 PM.
Raffle reminder: You or a member of your family must be present to win!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Hello Rexburg Community! Voting is next week, and we want to remind our community what the levy on the ballot is for.
The levy would be used to bridge the gap between what state funding provides and the realities of today’s costs of operating and maintaining our schools. From transportation and safety to curriculum, technology, and staffing, these are the day-to-day expenses that keep our schools running.
All district finances are transparent and publicly available. We understand school funding can often be generalized or misunderstood, which is why we encourage our community to stay informed, ask questions, and have conversations with local district leadership about how funding impacts our schools each day.
If you would like to talk through district finances or ask questions directly, our Finance Manager, Blake Snedaker, is available at our temporary district office trailers located on the west side of the Bobcat Fieldhouse. We would be happy to help answer questions and provide information so our community can make informed decisions. #wearemadison
“The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $52.97 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions. The proposed levy replaces an existing levy that expires on June 30, 2026, that currently costs $52.97 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value. Therefore, if the proposed levy is approved, the tax per $100,000 of taxable assessed value is not expected to change. The levy will be assessed for two years.”
Dear ECEC Families,
The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten results are in! Schoolwide, our students have read over 80,000 books this year alone! This is an INCREDIBLE accomplishment for our preschoolers, largely made possible because of your efforts in supporting their reading goals.
Also, we held the drawing yesterday for two ONN Kids Tablets, and the lucky winners from each grade are being notified today by their classroom teachers.
THANK YOU for all you have done this year to help your children develop a lifelong love of reading! We encourage you to continue reading to your children over the summer!
Today we’re celebrating the incredible leaders who keep our schools running strong every single day. From early mornings to late nights, our principals show up with dedication, heart, and a true commitment to students, staff, and families.
Thank you for leading with integrity, supporting your teams, and creating positive learning environments where everyone can succeed. Your impact is felt in every hallway, classroom, and conversation.
We appreciate you today and every day! 🍎
#wearemadison #NationalPrincipalsDay
Hello Parents!
Our LAST newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year is here! Please take a moment to review reminders and upcoming events, as well as a special "Thank You" for all of your support this year.
We appreciate YOU!!
Time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the break—we hope it’s a great one!
Classes will resume on Monday the 20th. We’ll see you back soon! #wearemadison
🍎💙 Teacher & Paraprofessional Appreciation Week - April 27th – 31st!💙🍎
Dear ECEC Families,
During the month of April, schools across the country will recognize and celebrate teachers and paraprofessionals for the essential work they do each day. Because we are fortunate to have so many dedicated teachers and paras serving our students in a variety of instructional roles, the Early Childhood Education Center will celebrate "Teacher & Para Appreciation Week" on April 27th–31st.
Please know that families are NEVER expected or obligated to give gifts to teachers or paraprofessionals. Your support and partnership mean more than anything to us! We recognize, however, that some families do choose to give small tokens of appreciation. For this purpose, our PTO has kindly compiled a list of our staff members' "Favorite Things." The list includes all MECEC staff members, recognizing the meaningful connections students form with paraprofessionals and specialist staff throughout the school.
You can access the list here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13cXeW-KE5g997DNVGFVoWALuEnl8vsOKSdwSCltMrUg/edit?usp=sharing
On April 27th - 31st, we invite you to express appreciation in your own way for our staff members who help make our Early Childhood Education Center such a special place! 🌟
Hello ECEC Families!
Here is the link to our April Newsletter! Please take a few moments to review important dates, tips, and information regarding Autism Awareness Month and the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten "Onn Kids Tablet" giveaway!
April is National Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month! 💙
At Madison Early Childhood Education Center, we are proud to support, include, and celebrate every child. This month, we join families, educators, and communities around the world in spreading awareness, promoting understanding, and celebrating the incredible strengths of individuals with autism.
🧩 Autism is not a label — it’s a unique way of experiencing the world. By learning, listening, and advocating, we can help create classrooms and communities where every child feels valued and supported.
💙 How you can join us this month:
• Wear blue to show your support on Wednesday, April 1st & Thursday, April 2nd
• Talk with your child about kindness and inclusion
• Share positive messages that celebrate neurodiversity
• Spread your awareness and understanding of Autism with others!
Together, we can build a world where all children feel seen, supported, and loved. Let’s #LightItUpBlue and celebrate the wonderful diversity in our school community! 💡💙✨
Autism Awareness Month: #lightitupblue: https://lighthouseautismcenter.com/blog/infographic-autism-awareness-month/
Know the Signs of ASD (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html
Fancy Nancy, Nancy Learns about Autism: https://youtu.be/o8TpZk-ITiM?feature=shared
Madison School District’s Supplemental Levy will be on the May 19th ballot.
If approved, the levy would support current programs and services, including staffing, safety, technology, curriculum, and transportation.
🗳 When: May 19th election
📍 Where: Your local polling location — found on voteidaho.gov
Learn more:
Stay informed, ask questions, and participate in the election.
👉 Visit our Levy Page to learn more and use our estimated property tax calculator to explore what this looks like for you. https://www.msd321.com/page/madison-levy-renewal-2026
“The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $52.97 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions. The proposed levy replaces an existing levy that expires on June 30, 2026, that currently costs $52.97 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value. Therefore, if the proposed levy is approved, the tax per $100,000 of taxable assessed value is not expected to change. The levy will be assessed for two years.”
Hello parents!
There will be no preschool sessions held on Monday, April 6th, due to the district-wide kindergarten screening/registration. Online Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year is currently open and can be accessed here: https://www.msd321.com/page/registrationenrollment. ***Also, just as a side note, when you're registering your child for Kindergarten, be sure to register them as a "New Student", even if they have attended preschool at the Early Childhood Education Center.
The kindergarten screening will take place in person on April 6th at your local elementary school. You can find out what elementary school boundaries you live in using this map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1OI3JPbjbBOX8Dkr6iX8YH9M7c9c&ll=43.861555237299946%2C-111.64615618454522&z=10.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at 208-359-3366!