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KarenSteele · Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 14

I may be reaching out to the wrong audience here, as most discussion is around MS & HS, but in addition to having step-kids in HS, I have little ones too. I just learned about pre-K being offered at Atkinson Academy and signed up my daughter. It's 4 days/wk for $200/mo. Since then, I've heard differing opinions on the merits & demerits of having 4 year-olds having pre-K at their elementary school. Just looking for your thoughts, as you've all had to make those decisions before I never have. Thanks!

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TRHSparent · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 147

I must have missed that meeting when pre-k got approved by the school board. Pre-k at Atkinson Academy will be 1st year pilot program to utilize extra classroom at the school. All I know about the program is the school must maintain a specific ratio of special needs to mainstream students. 2:1 or 1:1, I just don't remember what the ratio mentioned at the SB meeting was. That's all I know. Sorry I can't be of more help.

LenMullen · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 321 Location: Danville, NH

The Pre-K project is a Stimulus carrot. Obama will fund Pre-K for a while. The SAU is going to kick off the project without a vote of any kind. You can hear the meeting here...

http://danvilledelivery.com/2009/04/18/trsd-school-board-meeting-41609/

Karen, every parent has to decide what is best for their kid based on their particular situation. The factors are, in my opinion...

1) how good is the program
2) how good is the alternative
3) affordability

I can speak a little to the Timberlane offering since my youngest was a participant at Pollard and Danville. I thought it was OK. It was organized play time. I was a little concerned because so many of the participants were special needs. Some of these kids are dangerous and some are scarey. I was a little concerned that my kid might get a toy over the head or be affected by some of the behaviors. You may want to check into the makeup of the class and ask about a curriculum -- they should at least have goals and objectives. Meet the teachers. Take your kid -- their reaction to the teachers will tell you all you need to know about how they will fare in the program. Kids are funny like that.

What is your alternative? Are there other programs that you can afford? Is it possible for you to stay with your kid? If you stayed with your kid, what kind of 'program' can you offer? If you can't stay with your kid, what is the day care situation.

I think a fully engaged parent will provide the best situation in most situations. I think a good pre-k or day care situation is better than leaving a kid in a playpen or in front of a TV all day. I think leaving a kid in a public situation is preferable to dropping one off at a private situation where maybe you have concerns about how the kid will be treated.

Most of all, Karen, don't leave your kid in the car all day while you work or forget to take the car seat off the roof of your car (I can't believe anyone would actually put a car seat on the roof of their car).
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"I've been teaching here for 20 years so please don't assume that kids can add, subtract, multiply and divide integers without problems. Especially subtraction, as I found that many have trouble with." TRMS Math Teacher

KarenSteele · Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 14

I cringe every time I think of those babies left in cars or on top of cars....don't even have words to describe my thoughts/feelings on that! Though I did appreciate the chuckle, Len!

Thanks for your other insights as well -- further investigation has confirmed your answer-- I recently received this email:
"I just spoke to a the chair of the Timberlane School District about the "new Pre-K" program at Atkinson Academy. It is a program using stimulus money from the government to service special education children. They hope to have 6 "regular" education children to provide an integrated classroom for the special ed children."

I will continue to research the other good points you raised as far as class make-up and curriculum.

BTW -- we have 6 kids, so until we win the lottery, I work full-time!!!

Lfrancoeur · Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 36

Back many moons ago, if K had passed I would have had a child eligible for the first class.

I would not have put my child in the class. First, I needed day long childcare and did not want to worry about my child going from location a to b during the day. Second, like a new car model I didn't want to deal with first year issues. An established school had a track record.

LenMullen · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 321 Location: Danville, NH

Yes, Karen, Lisa is right. TRSD is insensitive to working parents. Short days, no transporation, late starts, early dismissals, and cancellations are a nightmare for those of us in the dreaded private sector.

Unless you have a flexible job or a surrogate parent, you will have a lot of problem dealing with TRSD preschool.
_________________
"I've been teaching here for 20 years so please don't assume that kids can add, subtract, multiply and divide integers without problems. Especially subtraction, as I found that many have trouble with." TRMS Math Teacher

PBealo · Site Admin Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 307

"Dreaded private sector"?!?!?! You must listen to Howie Carr!!

I do almost every afternoon as well, and very occasionally call in.

Peter Bealo

LenMullen · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 321 Location: Danville, NH

I surf talk radio. Sports, politics, and money. I've been listening to Howie since Jerry Williams convened the governors. Remember that? Almost as titilating as his sex survey.

How about Gene Burns? He was the best.
_________________
"I've been teaching here for 20 years so please don't assume that kids can add, subtract, multiply and divide integers without problems. Especially subtraction, as I found that many have trouble with." TRMS Math Teacher

PBealo · Site Admin Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 307

While in HS in the early 70's I started listening to AM all-night talk radio from my home in Binghamton NY. I'd listen to Larry Glick almost all night every night on WBZ once the station's signal rolled in late at night.. RIP

Peter Bealo

DanvilleParent · Joined: 26 Aug 2008 Posts: 24

Funny, I'm from Binghamton too.

PBealo · Site Admin Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 307

DanvilleParent

NOW I know what's wrong with you!!
I grew up on Sherwood Ave on the South Side
Went to Longfellow Elem., MacArthur Jr High and Central High. Graduated in 1975

Peter

KarenSteele · Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 14

Thank you all for the feedback/opinions/stories. I'm not from Binghamton, but I was there several times when I worked for Corning.

So I did have a couple of chats with Principal Kathie Dayotis. The first time she didn't mention the special needs part of the pre-K, but then I didn't ask either. Maybe that's standard, I don't know - I'm a newbie at this stuff. When I spoke to her the second time, she was very forthright and did say that yes there are special needs kids in the group. When I probed to level of need she clarified that it was more IEP stuff, speech & OT issues. She said they are not prepared to handle more serious level of need. She also said that they got it approved for the Pre-K kids to take the bus. Yippee!

After processing all the info I've gotten, I'm very excited to send Amelia there in the Fall!!! But more importantly, Amelia's excited too!

I remember how traumatic it was for me at age 7 to switch schools and my not knowing anyone and being an outsider for so long. I think it'll be good for her to start some continuity at Atkinson Academy. My main priorities for her are not to start taking AP classes in kindergarten (I'm not one of those parents -- LOL), but to learn social skills, to make & maintain friends, learn how to take turns, to wait in line, etc.

As I mentioned, I do work full time, but I have a wonderful full-time babysitter who will be taking on the tasks of getting her to & from the school. And per your suggestions, when I can, I will go in and visit and observe.

DanvilleParent · Joined: 26 Aug 2008 Posts: 24

Ah Mr. Bealo,
I'm a "north of Binghamton" person.
Went to Chenango Forks.

Le Canard · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 106 Location: Danville

The one time I called in to Howie Carr, a client was listening, heard me and called me once I got off air. I haven't called since.
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Le Canard

LenMullen · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 321 Location: Danville, NH

what'd you say?
_________________
"I've been teaching here for 20 years so please don't assume that kids can add, subtract, multiply and divide integers without problems. Especially subtraction, as I found that many have trouble with." TRMS Math Teacher

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