RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Randolph Elementary will begin registering children in the school's free pre-kindergarten program on July 27.
Children who will be four years old before Sept. 1, live on Randolph Air Force Base and have at least one active-duty military parent are eligible to sign up for the half-day program that is designed to give them the educational enrichment needed before tackling kindergarten.
"Participation in a quality Pre-K program launches four-year-olds into a lifetime of learning and sets a solid foundation for education," said Karen Bessette, Randolph Elementary School principal. "I hope all our military families take advantage of this great opportunity. Pre-kindergarteners at Randolph Elementary learn as they have fun -- it is awesome to watch them blossom and grow."
Randolph Elementary School's half-day Pre-K program, which Ms. Bessette said has been taught since the school's inception, will run from 8-11 a.m. and from 12:15-3:15 p.m. daily during the school week.
Parents will need to provide transportation to and from the program that starts Aug. 24, but the school provides a 7:30 a.m. breakfast and daily lunch.
But the program is a lot more than keeping kids busy and feeding them.
Ms. Bessette said the curriculum for the program follows state-approved Pre-K guidelines and includes language development, literacy activities, math readiness, developmental play in centers, social/physical development, "and lots of fun."
Classes will be taught in a ratio which Ms. Bessette said is typically less than 15 students per teacher. The program's sole teacher is Sandra Swint, a 20-year veteran Pre-K educator.
Ms. Swint said the biggest challenge with teaching Pre-K students is dealing with their varying maturity levels. Some are barely four years old when they start; others are almost five.
"So, some need a little more nuturing," Ms. Swint said.
Ms. Swint also said the subject matter, which she relishes teaching, is changed frequently to keep it fresh for her largely-four-year-old audience. They seem to appreciate it.
"They are so eager to learn," she commented.
For more information or to register, contact 357-2345 on July 27 or any time after that or email bessette@rfisd.net.