Woestina Elementary School Reopens for Pre-K Program

News Summary

Woestina Elementary School in Schalmont Central School District is reopening after 15 years to launch a new Pre-K program. An open house was held to showcase renovations, with classes starting soon. This initiative aims to fill gaps in early education, offering families local Pre-K options and before/after school care. Superintendent Tom Reardon emphasized the program’s long-term sustainability despite potential funding challenges. Interest is high, with over 40 families already aiming to enroll, ensuring accessible education for the community.

Schalmont, NY – After 15 years of closure, Woestina Elementary School is set to reopen its doors to students as a new Pre-K program launches in the Schalmont Central School District. The school had been shuttered at the start of the 2010-2011 school year due to a notable decline in enrollment.

Starting in the 2025 school year, Woestina will function as the home for the district’s new Pre-K initiative. The district organized an open house on August 18 to allow the community to see the renovations completed in preparation for the upcoming academic year, with classes scheduled to commence on September 10.

The reopening of Woestina Elementary is part of a broader strategy to provide local Pre-K options for families in the region, addressing a long-standing gap in early education services. Many parents attending the open house expressed their relief and gratitude for the availability of Pre-K programs, highlighting challenges they faced seeking suitable options in the past. This initiative comes in response to the demand for quality early childhood education closer to home.

Woestina Elementary will feature three classrooms, accommodating a total of 54 Pre-K students, with plans to potentially expand to six classrooms in the future. The school is also introducing before and after school care for enrolled children, with morning care beginning at 7:30 AM and aftercare available until 5:30 PM. Meal provisions will include free breakfast and lunch for all students participating in the Pre-K program.

Superintendent Tom Reardon emphasized that the reopening process has been meticulously planned to ensure the Pre-K program’s long-term sustainability. The district intends to continue operations at Woestina Elementary even amid potential federal funding cut threats, assuring the community that the Pre-K school is “here to stay.”

The reopening comes after significant maintenance and adjustments were made to prepare for post-COVID operations, following the expiration of a lease with Capital Region BOCES in 2020. Although the district has opted not to provide transportation due to logistics involving state law and car seat requirements, the new Pre-K program will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 2 PM.

Interest in the program has already been promising, with more than 40 families expressing their intention to enroll. Applications for the Pre-K program remain open until April 11, and if the number of applicants exceeds the available spaces, a lottery system will be implemented to fairly allocate spots. Eligible children must turn four by December 1 and reside within the Schalmont Central School District.

The anticipated state aid for the Pre-K program is $5,400 per student, translating to around $291,600 for the total intake of students. Funding for the program will also be supplemented by the district’s budget, which has been set aside specifically for such educational initiatives.

The reopening of Woestina Elementary not only marks a significant step in enriching educational opportunities for local children but is also expected to enhance community engagement and after-school programming. The district’s efforts represent its commitment to fostering accessible, quality education for families within the Schalmont Central School District.

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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