Alton School District's Early Childhood Center Welcomes Students for First Day of School
At the Early Childhood Center, Alton’s youngest learners began the 2026–2027 school year with staff cheering them on, greeting them by name, and helping them find their classrooms.
GODFREY/ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 welcomed students back to school, and staff at the Early Childhood Center couldn’t be more excited.
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On Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, students and teachers returned to their classrooms in the Alton School District and kicked off the 2026–2027 school year. At the Early Childhood Center (ECC), the district’s youngest learners were eager to begin their education.
“The program just really gives children a great first start to school and being ready to have a successful school career,” said Principal Cynthia Schuenke. “We have amazing staff here with a lot of years of experience and dedication to the school district.”
As they do every day, ECC staff members kicked off the morning with a dance party and cheer. The cheer on Aug. 13, 2026, was special as the teachers prepared to welcome new and returning students.
Schuenke is proud of her staff’s dedication to the kids. She said staff members have commented before that the cheer allows them to start the day “on a positive note” and welcome the students with excitement.
On Aug. 13, teachers greeted kids by name and guided them to their new classrooms. Returning students were eager to reconnect with last year’s staff members, while new students navigated the school and found their classrooms for the first time. Schuenke noted the importance of engaging with students as they walk in the door.
“It’s very important to us to make kids feel welcome, like they belong. We let them know that we’re happy to see them. We’re glad they’re here,” she said. “We’re greeting them with that smiling face. We’re calling them by name. We’re telling them we’re happy to see them at school and just letting them know that they’re important. Even if it’s just for those five seconds from getting them out of the car and walking in the door, getting them off the bus and walking in the door, they’ve had that one-on-one time with an adult letting them know that they’re special and they’re important.”
This mindset guides all of the staff members at the ECC. They are eager to see the students and kick off the new school year.
Schuenke added that the staff set goals for the 2026–2027 year and created a bulletin board where they wrote down a motivating word to guide them through the fall semester. She believes the staff members are as eager as ever to start their year with the students, and she is looking forward to another great year at the Early Childhood Center.
“For the beginning of this year, we started off with celebrating the new year. We looked at where we’ve been and where we’re going. We reflected on the accomplishments our program has already made, and then we talked about where do we need to go from here, and everybody set goals,” Schuenke added. “I just think it’s a phenomenal program.”
For more information about the Early Childhood Center, including how to enroll your student, visit their official website.
This featured article is sponsored by Alton Community Unit School District #11. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
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