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Pre-k classes to continue

By Jared Felkins
The Times-Journal

Published May 19, 2009

In 2022, many of the first class of pre-kindergarteners will graduate high school, but administrators aren’t waiting that long to assess the programs that are expected to continue next year.

The first year of pre-kindergarten classes at Wills Valley Elementary School wraps up on Thursday. According to assistant principal Sally Wheat, who applied for the grant to allow Fort Payne schools to start two classes, the year has gone well.

“There are always challenges with a start-up program, but everything went well,” Wheat said. “We tested them at the start of the program and again at the end, and the results showed they were progressing. They will be better ready for kindergarten and more familiar with the building.”

Wheat said the school has not officially gotten notice of future funding for the program, but expects a letter in June.

“We were awarded a four-year grant, so I feel like we will be funded,” Wheat said.

The program has already had a registration day, but is accepting registrations currently. Those interested can register at the school or call 845-3201.

A random selection of 36 students will take place in late summer.

At DeKalb County schools, administrators are gearing up for registration at three sites on Thursday.

Registration will be at Geraldine and Sylvania schools and at Fyffe School for special education students. The pre-kindergarten programs at Sylvania and Fyffe schools just completed their first years. Geraldine, a pilot program, is going into its 10th year.

Early Intervention Coordinator Melinda Gardner said she recently completed a refunding application for the program at Geraldine.

“I really expect that to be refunded based on our test scores,” Gardner said.

The programs at Sylvania and Fyffe are funded through a four-year grant, and Gardner said she expects to be approved again for next year.

Gardner said 88 percent of former pre-kindergarten students benchmarked in testing in kindergarten.

“What sets our program apart is that we have certified teachers in each classroom,” Gardner said. “We use a research-based curriculum that is developmentally based for the children. It’s active learning.”

Registration for DeKalb pre-kindergarten is Thursday from 8 a.m. until noon in the pre-k classrooms at the individual schools. Students will be picked at random and only 18 students will be picked per school.

Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2009 and must live in DeKalb County or in Fort Payne if registering at Wills Valley.

To register, bring the child’s birth certificate, blue slip, Social Security card and Medicaid card, if applicable. Call 638-4131 for more information.

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