Tuesday, May 21, 2013

News
New Pre-K Program at Troy Elementary Set to Open
By Jessica Gertler


Construction is complete on an extension to Troy Elementary School. It will house the school system's first ever preschool program.

This is the first time Troy City Schools has been able to offer a Pre-K program.

So far, 30 students are registered for the fall, and those parents that have signed their children up say it's everything they've been looking for.

Brenda Scott knows her four-year-old son Jordan will be thrilled when he steps inside his new classroom.

"He is going to be safe here. It's not just going to be all play. We know that he's going to be taught and will learn what he needs to learn to move forward," she says.

Troy Elementary has expanded, and will now house a brand new Pre-K program.

The extension includes four classrooms complete with smart boards and a set of iPads.

Once the furniture arrives next week, Principal Juan Henderson says each room will mimic the Kindergarten classrooms.

"This will have the basic components of a four-year-old program. It will look at the development pieces there, but we're going to add some academic pieces," Henderson says.

And that's what sold Scott: a structured and educational environment.

"He would have been home with Grandma or something, you know, watching television at home. Maybe playing games. We don't want that for Jordan. He is a very smart kid, and he deserves the best," says Scott.

Registration is still open. Tuition fees are $440 per month. That includes two meals and snacks. Teachers will also work out the length of time you need to keep each student.

The Pre-K program will begin August 20, but the school will hold an open house on August 13 at 6 p.m. Parents will be able to sign their students up.