A Note from Our Principal,
Happy New Year!
I hope you all enjoyed a healthy and happy holiday season. We can’t wait to spend 2026 with you and your children. I would like to thank all of you for your generosity over the holidays. WE ALL truly appreciated all the gifts and cards we received! These thoughts of appreciation mean so much to us. As always, thank you for choosing our school for your children.
Priority Re-Enrollment
It may be only January, but it’s time to start planning for the fall! There has been an overwhelming demand for our January Open House, so we want to make sure you secure your child’s spot for the next school year. Priority re-enrollment will be coming soon. More information will be sent via Links 2 Home.
Open House
We’re hosting three Open House events in January! Spread the word and invite your friends and family to join us on:
Thursday, January 29th from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm for an inside look at our curriculum in action
Sincerely,
Marilyn Inghram-Williams MS.Ed.
Martin Luther King Jr. School Holiday
Xplor are closed on 1/19 /2026
Parent Referral
Refer a family and after the new family is with us for 90 days, you will receive 1 free week of tuition.
Inclement Weather Reminders
We do not always follow the closure schedule of the local public schools because we don’t have to contend with the same transportation issues as public schools. Our goal is to be open as many days as possible to support our working parents. If we must close because our teachers cannot safely get to work, you will receive a notification via Links 2 Home as soon as the closure is announced. We also post notifications on our website and Facebook page.
Change of Clothes
We are having a lovely and mild (for Texas) fall and anticipate a change in weather soon. Please remember to check that your child’s extra cubby clothes are appropriate for cooler weather.
School Age Parents
School Age parents: Please let us know by 2 pm if your child will not need Xplor transportation after school. Our buses are not allowed to leave school without confirmation of your child’s whereabouts. If we are not informed in advance, this delay causes the children at the next school to be picked up on time.
Naptime Gear
Please make sure to take home all nap time gear at the end of your week. Please make your child have a complete change of clothing in the cubbies.
Hours of Operation
Please remember our hours of operation 6:30 am-6:30 pm. Please be sure to drop off and pick up your child(ren) between the above hours. It is a1$ per minute per child after 6:30 pm
Outside Food
Please No outside food due to high food allergies.
Important Dates
1/19/2026 Closed for MLK Day
1/29/2026 Open House 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm…Watch us in action
1/30/2026 PJ Day
1/30/2026 Take home month end folder
Education Article
How to Create Learning Spaces at Home
Creating an inviting and supportive home learning environment is important for your child’s development. A well-designed space helps children explore, be creative, and learn on their own. Here are some tips for how to best create learning spaces at home from Dena Christensen, a member of our Education Team. Dena joined our team in 2003 as an ECE Principal. She has over 30 years of experience working with children and is now the Manager of Educational Services for Early Childhood Education. Dena stays current on the latest research to bring new ideas and best practices to our school.
Hi Dena! How would you define a learning space, and can you share some tips for creating them at home?
Sure! A learning space is a place in your home that encourages exploration and learning. It should be easy for your child to access and have a clear purpose. Here are some ideas:
Create a reading nook for kids in your child’s room. Make it cozy with pillows, a comfy floor cushion, a soft rug, and blankets. Add good lighting and easy-to-reach books. This space helps build literacy skills and sparks imagination.
Set up an art station. This can be a table in the kitchen or living room with materials like paper, crayons, markers, glue sticks, and collage items to encourage creativity. Avoid using coloring books or workbooks to give your child more room for self-expression. This space can also be used to practice writing by providing writing utensils, paper or journals, and visual text.
Consider creating a sensory play area. Fill it with playdough, squishy toys, and materials with different textures. This space helps your child explore through touch, sparks creativity, and can provide a calming effect when emotions run high. You can also add visual aids like feelings cards to help them identify and name their emotions, promoting emotional literacy and self-awareness.
Set up a small play kitchen in your kitchen. Children learn a lot from watching adults. Give your child measuring spoons, cups, large bowls, and cookbooks. As they measure and pour along with you, they will practice math skills, like counting and volume.
Create a nature corner or garden center as part of your home learning environment. Choose a sunny spot in your house or yard to fill with plants, rocks, and natural objects to encourage curiosity and a love for nature. Involve your child in caring for the plants. An herb garden or strawberry plant is an easy way to start. This hands-on experience teaches about plant care and the importance of nurturing living things.
Are there any rules for designing these spaces?
Yes! Place quieter activities in calm rooms, like bedrooms, and noisier activities in livelier spaces, such as the kitchen. It’s hard to focus on art or a book with a TV on in the background! Make sure the space is comfortable and child-friendly with age-appropriate materials and child-sized furniture to promote independence. Keep things organized and labeled so your child can easily find and return items.
Do you have any other tips?
Keep things simple and clean. A neat space is more inviting. Use neutral colors to create a calm feeling. Choose places with plenty of natural light to help your child focus. While it’s great to have a reading nook in the bedroom, I also suggest placing books throughout the house. Also, rotating toys, books, and writing materials keeps things engaging and fresh for your child.
