Looking Toward A Universal Pre-K Program
By Michelle Van Horn
New Lebanon Central School Superintendent Leslie Whitcomb told the February 12 meeting of the school board about an opportunity to start a Universal Pre-K program, which requires the District to partner with a private agency. Healthy Kids, a well-known New York child program provider, would collaborate with the District and write the state grant to expand the district’s current half-day morning classes into a Pre-K program for 4 year olds with a full-day curriculum. Walter B. Howard Elementary would provide classroom space for the 4 year olds. Half the day would be the WBH elementary curriculum, and the other half of the day would be the Healthy Kids curriculum, which would take place in the same classroom but with a different teacher. This would support parents who otherwise wouldn’t have access to the current half day Pre-K program because of lack of funds, or work conflicts with a half-day program. Healthy Kids is also proposing to start a 3-year old off-campus program, which would be free to all participating children. This again would support parents who otherwise wouldn’t have access to the current half day Pre-K program because of previously stated reasons.
Whitcomb proposes the District provide transportation to the Universal Pre-K program for the 4 year olds since all other funding would be provided by the state grant.
Administration Reports
WBH Principal Andrew Kourt mentioned several recent visitors to classes at WBH who contributed to support the health and safety of students. School Resource Officer Deputy McMahon spoke with students about internet safety while the school’s Kitchen Manager Patty Metzler explained the lunch serving operation of the school, with emphasis on healthy eating habits and reading food labels. A REACH center advocate also spoke to students about healthy boundaries and reporting situations that are uncomfortable, as well as feeling safe in home and school environments. Along with the special visitors to classrooms, the 5th/6th grade classes are moving through their ‘Growing to Maturity’ curriculum. Principal Kourt encourages parents and providers to talk to their children about their recent experiences in school.
He also mentioned that the PTA is hosting an activity night on Friday, February 28 for kids to participate in physical education movement activities.
Junior/Senior High School
New Lebanon JSHS Principal Matthew Klafehn reported on his monthly attendance at the Principals Collaboratives meeting with this month’s emphasis on balancing parent/teacher needs, which are often in conflict with one another. He said principal involvement in this area can help to resolve such conflicts
The Academic awards were held this month, with nearly 100% of the students receiving awards present despite the full-on flu season happening lately. Principal Klafehn spoke of concern for parents not being able to attend as a result of the morning ceremony as opposed to it previously being celebrated in an evening ceremony. Klafehn was pleased with a better parent turnout than expected.
He mentioned that The Spirit Club held a pep rally, which featured a human foosball game, with an inflatable foosball table, which students and staff thoroughly enjoyed.
Sports
Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Josh Noble reported that JV and Varsity spring sports try-outs begin March 9, with modified teams starting two weeks later since the wet season requires indoor use of gyms and hallway space. Another reason for the delayed start time is the opportunity for modified teams to begin practice earlier in the day, which supports younger athletes. Often times older athletes have more alternatives for transportation to and from practice as well. Lastly, modified teams have later season games, which keeps younger athletes more engaged. This two-week difference provides alternate, shared practice spaces for both team types.
The Winter Athletic Banquet will be held on March 5 at Berlin High School in the auditorium, with dinner starting at 5 pm, and awards to follow at 6 pm.
Business Office
Kevin Fottrell from the Business Office reported that construction on capital project improvements is ahead of schedule, which will offer the kitchen renovation a much-needed several extra weeks with work starting in June rather than in July. All stainless steel and appliances will be stored in the bus garage until they can auction the items on Govdeals.com.