News Summary
Woestina Elementary School has reopened after 15 years, marking the introduction of a Pre-K program in the Schalmont Central School District. The district aims to enhance early childhood education options for local families, following significant renovations and community engagement activities. The new Pre-K program is set to accommodate up to 54 children, with a focus on providing essential support and fostering community involvement. Enrollment is currently open, demonstrating strong interest from families.
Schalmont Reopens Woestina Elementary to Launch New Pre-K Program
Schalmont, NY — After being closed for 15 years, Woestina Elementary School has officially reopened as part of a new initiative to offer a Pre-K program within the district. This move marks a significant step in expanding early childhood education options for families in the Schalmont Central School District.
Background and Closure
Woestina Elementary was originally shuttered at the start of the 2010-2011 school year due to declining student enrollment. The district had not operated the school for over a decade, during which it remained inactive and unused. The decision to reopen is rooted in the district’s efforts to better serve the community’s educational needs and to increase local access to early childhood education.
Renovations and Community Engagement
In preparation for reopening, the district invested in extensive renovations to update the school facilities. An open house was held on August 18 to showcase the improvements before students returned to the building for its new purpose. The event allowed families and community members to tour the school and learn about the upcoming preschool offerings.
Pre-K Teacher Erika Quick highlighted the emotional importance of bringing the school back to life, noting that having both helped close and now reopen the facility has personal significance for district staff. The district emphasizes community engagement as a vital component during this transition.
Details of the Pre-K Program
The new Pre-K program is scheduled to commence in the 2025 school year, with the school accommodating three classrooms and potentially expanding to six in the future. The current capacity will serve up to 54 pre-kindergarten students, with the possibility of future growth based on demand.
The program will run from Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. It will provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students, adding to the district’s efforts to support young learners and their families.
Before and after school care will be available, starting at 7:30 AM and concluding at 5:30 PM, respectively. However, the district has decided not to provide transportation services, citing logistical challenges related to car seats and compliance with state law requirements.
Enrollment and Funding
More than 40 families have already expressed interest in enrolling their children, with applications open until April 11. Children eligible for enrollment must be at least 4 years old by December 1 and reside within the district boundaries. In cases where applications surpass the available spots, a lottery system will determine admission eligibility.
The district anticipates funding the program through a combination of state aid and local budget allocations. The state will provide approximately $5,400 per student in aid, totaling an estimated $291,600. This funding aims to support the operational costs and sustainability of the program.
Long-Term Goals and Community Impact
Superintendent Tom Reardon affirmed the district’s commitment to maintaining the program despite potential federal funding cuts. The reopening of Woestina Elementary is viewed as a long-term investment in early childhood education, community engagement, and after-school programming possibilities.
The project follows recent maintenance efforts and COVID-19 safety preparations, including a lease agreement with Capital Region BOCES that expired in 2020. The district’s decision to reopen Woestina Elementary is seen as a strategic move to strengthen local educational resources and serve the community more effectively.
Future Outlook
The Schalmont Central School District aims to establish a robust Pre-K offering that meets the needs of local families. The district hopes that the improved access to early childhood education will foster greater community involvement and set a foundation for continued growth in after-school and educational programs for young children.
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Additional Resources
- News10: Woestina School Reopening
- Wikipedia: Pre-kindergarten
- CBS6: Schalmont Central School District Reopens Woestina Elementary
- Google Search: Early Childhood Education
- Daily Gazette: Schalmont Rotterdam Pre-K
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pre-kindergarten
- Times Union: COVID-19 Case on Mohonasen’s First Day
- Google News: School Reopening
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