News Summary
The Schalmont Central School District has announced the reopening of Woestina Elementary School, which has been closed for 15 years. This revival includes a new Pre-K program set to begin in the upcoming school year. Families had the opportunity to tour the renovated school during an open house. The program will feature multiple classrooms, before and after school care, and provide free meals. Though transportation will not be available, the initiative aims to enhance early childhood education and community involvement.
Schalmont, New York – The Schalmont Central School District has announced the reopening of Woestina Elementary School, which has remained closed for the past 15 years. This significant development will bring a new Pre-K program to the community, set to begin in the 2025 school year.
Woestina Elementary was originally shut down at the start of the 2010-2011 academic year due to a notable decline in student enrollment. Following extensive renovations and preparations, the school now aims to serve as a vital local resource for families seeking early childhood education options.
On August 18, the district hosted an open house, providing an opportunity for families and community members to tour the renovated facility prior to students’ return to classes on September 10. The event showcased the meaningful transformation of the school and the district’s commitment to its educational mission.
The new Pre-K program at Woestina Elementary will initially feature three classrooms designed to accommodate up to 54 students, with plans for future expansion to a total of six classrooms as demand grows. The school will offer before and after school care, with morning services beginning at 7:30 AM and afternoon sessions running until 5:30 PM, catering to working parents’ needs.
In an effort to promote student well-being, the program will also provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled children. According to the district’s strategic planning, this initiative aims to foster early learning and community engagement, aligning with broader educational goals.
The district’s Superintendent indicated that the reopening of Woestina Elementary has been meticulously planned to ensure the long-term viability of the Pre-K program, despite potential challenges such as federal funding cuts. Officials have reassured the community that Woestina is “here to stay,” signifying a strong commitment to its educational infrastructure.
The reopening comes after a careful maintenance process and adjustments necessary for post-COVID operations, with the previous lease agreement with Capital Region BOCES having expired in 2020. The district aims to provide a stable learning environment for early childhood education.
Notably, the district will not offer transportation for students due to difficulties related to car seat regulations and state law. Parents are advised to plan for alternative transportation as needed.
Classes for the Pre-K program will take place Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 2 PM. Already, more than 40 families have expressed interest in enrolling their children in the program, and applications will remain open until April 11. Should the number of applications exceed the available spots, a lottery system will be implemented to fairly allocate placements.
To be eligible for enrollment, children must be four years old by December 1 and reside within the Schalmont Central School District. The state has pledged to provide $5,400 in aid per student, amounting to approximately $291,600 for the entire Pre-K initiative. Funding for the program will also draw from the district’s budget designated for educational advancements.
The reopening of Woestina Elementary is expected to not only expand academic offerings but also enhance community engagement and after-school programming opportunities, thereby benefiting both students and their families.
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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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