Petersburg School District released more information about the new preschool opening at the Rae C. Stedman Elementary school this fall. It will be a part-time preschool running Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Principal Heather Conn spoke briefly about the preschool during the last school board meeting. She says it will follow the school’s calendar for the most part but it will start September 7th and end on May 27th.
“So starting a week later than what we have on our calendar; ending a week earlier than we have on our calendar,” Conn said, “and then following the school calendar Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.”
Conn says the application process for families wanting to enroll students will run from April 1st through May 31. Families will be notified shortly afterwards if they get a spot.
The preschool will focus on special education students ages three to five but will also enroll other students for a fee.
The need for special education in the school district has been growing in recent years.
Conn explained they will soon have over 50 special ed students between kindergarten and fifth grade.
“Special ed population–our numbers continue to increase,” Conn said. “Right now, we currently have 49 and we have nine referrals that are waiting.”
The preschool will be run by the district’s early childhood special education teacher, Barb Marifern.
The school is also hiring another special education teacher. Conn says they’ve been holding interviews for that position and hope to make a final decision by the end of next week.
