News

A new chapter in hands-on learning bloomed yesterday at Stafford Early Childhood Center (ECC), where students, staff, families, and district leaders gathered for the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the campus’s brand-new Reading Garden. The project, made possible through a budding partnership with nonprofit organization Sprouting Texas, promises to root literacy, science, and environmental stewardship into the hearts of Stafford’s youngest learners.

The garden—a vibrant blend of storytelling and sustainability—was brought to life through the joint efforts of Stafford ECC kindergarten teacher Johanna Chesser and Sprouting Texas founder Stephanie Smith. The duo’s shared vision has literally taken root with a space designed to ignite curiosity and joy while connecting children to nature and literacy. “We’re sprouting something special in Stafford, Texas,” said Smith during her overview of the program, nodding to the broader mission of Sprouting Texas to establish school gardens across the state.

At Stafford Early Childhood Center (SECC), where compassion meets curriculum, one of our own is turning everyday classroom moments into meaningful literature. Alexie Jones, a beloved preschool daycare teacher, is now also a published children’s book author. Her debut title, The Kindness Kingdom: A Tale of Caring and Sharing, is bringing the magic of empathy to story time.

Girl Scout Troop #114173, part of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, received a special honor from Fort Bend County Judge KP George this month through an official proclamation recognizing the troop’s commitment to leadership, community service, and youth empowerment. The troop, co-led by Stafford ECC veteran kindergarten teacher Johanna Chesser along with Claire Perrodin and Sandra Johnson, was celebrated for its meaningful contributions to the Stafford community and its growing impact on young girls

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Ms. Monica Lopez of Stafford Early Childhood Center was named the R.T. Garcia Winter Conference Early Childhood Education Teacher of the Year. This prestigious honor, presented at the Harris County Department of Education’s annual early childhood conference, recognizes outstanding educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in early childhood education.

The halls of Stafford Early Childhood Center (SECC) were alive with color, music, and tradition as students, staff, and community members came together to celebrate Lunar New Year in an event filled with cultural learning and festive excitement.

Coordinated by the Multicultural Committee, this year's celebration was led by co-chairs Guadalupe Reiser and Ni Tang, with Instructional Leader Aisha Christa Atkinson serving as the event’s hostess. The event offered students a unique opportunity to learn about the significance of the Lunar New Year, which is widely celebrated across several Asian countries following the lunar calendar.

The 100th Day of School at Stafford Early Childhood Center (SECC) was a day filled with excitement, creativity, and a strong sense of community as students, teachers, and families came together to celebrate this important milestone.

A highlight of the day was the 100th Day Project Competition, where students showcased their creativity by representing the number 100 in unique ways. From 100 balloons and buttons to students dressed as 100-year-old men and women, the campus was filled with imaginative displays of learning. The project competition, coordinated by 100th Day Committee members Dawneshia Smith and Diamond Jones, encouraged family engagement while reinforcing the mathematical skill of counting to 100—a key learning target for Pre-K and Kindergarten students.