Western Dubuque Schools

Prekindergarten Orientation

February 23, 2011

Agenda

• District and building overview• Program overview• Nursing and health• Registration Procedures• Questions

District OverviewWestern Dubuque School District

• Size: 555 square miles • Largest Geographical District in Iowa (1/2 size of Rhode Island)

Schools • 2010-11 total: 9

• Elementary (preK-5): 5 • Middle (6-8): 2 • High (9-12): 2

Employees • Total: 473

• Teachers: 223• 42.5 percent of teachers have a master's degree or equivalent.

Demographics • African American: 2% • Asian American: 1%

• Hispanic: 2% • White: 95%

Services • Students receiving free & reduced-price meals: 31.7%

• English for speakers of other languages (ESOL): 1% • Students receiving special education services: 15%

Transportation & Meals • 58 buses transport 2940 students • Number of centers bussed to: 20 • Total miles per day driven: 5,057

• 520,627 million meals served

Enrollment • 2010-11 Projected: 2,968

• 32 Largest in Iowa • Pre-K: 158

• Elementary (K–5): 1,174 • Middle (6–8): 578 • High (9–12): 1,036

Performance • Graduation rate: 98.5%

• Post Secondary enrollment: 56% • Average combined ACT Score: 22.9

Building Overview- Epworth Elementary

EnrollmentECSE- 6 studentsShared Visions- 16

studentsPK- 40 studentsK- 43 students1st- 39 students2nd- 43 students3rd- 40 students4th- 52 students5th- 54 students

Programming• Early Childhood Special Education• Guidance Counselor• Reading Support• Technology• Special Education support- reading,

writing, math and behavior• Library/Media/TAG• Nursing• Physical Education, Art, Music• Breakfast and lunch programs• Before and after school care

Epworth Elementary Pre-Kindergarten

Angie Christensen

Matt Kennedy

Just Playing by Anita WadleyWhen I am playing in the block

room,Please don’t say I’m just playing.For, you see, I’m learning as I playAbout balance and shapes.

When I am getting all dressed up,Setting the table, caring for the

babies,Don’t get the idea I am just playing.For, you see, I am learning as I play.I may be a mother or father someday.

When you see me up to my elbows in paint, orStanding at an easel, or molding and shaping

clay,Please don’t let me hear you say I am just

playing,For, you see, I am learning as I play.

When you see me sitting in a chairReading to an imaginary audience,Please don’t laugh and think I am just playing,I may be teacher someday.

When you see me looking for bugs,Or packing my pockets with choice things I find,Don’t pass it off as just playing,I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle, Or some plaything at my school,Please don’t feel the time is wasted in play.For, you see, I am learning as I play.I am learning to solve problems and

concentrate.I may be in business someday.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods,Please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is play.I am learning to follow directions and see

differences.I may be a chef someday.

When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,Please don’t say I am just playing.I’m learning how my body works.I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.

When you ask me what I have done at school today,And I say I have played,Please don’t misunderstand me.For, you see, I am learning as I play.I am learning to enjoy and be successful in work,I am preparing for tomorrow.Today I am a child and my work is play.

Iowa Early Learning Standards1.physical well being & motor

development2.approaches to learning3.social & emotional development4.communication, language & literacy5.math & science6.creative arts

(early childhood’s “core curriculum”)

Program standards: QPPS & preschool grant

PreK4 & 5 year olds40 students / 2 rooms / 4 adults3 days / 4 days per week

typical schedule:free play recesscalendar story timemusic lunchsnack rest timelarge group free playsmall group large motor time

literacy development

math

manipulative activities

large group

art

sensory

dramatic play

music

science

block play

gross motor

fine motor

integration

Pre-Kindergarten Services• There are many unknowns at the state level

in conjunction with prekindergarten funding.• Even with the unknowns, Western Dubuque is

committed to quality early childhood education.• Western Dubuque School District will offer

prekindergarten programming at the elementary centers where the enrollment allows for a viable sized

classroom (s) for the 2011-12 school year.• We plan on offering programming that will be available

3-5 days per week. The cost for the program will likely range between $250-$350.

• While the program may have to be tweaked based on state decisions, the core program will be similar.

Philosophy, curriculum, and general operating

guidelines will continue.

In the event the Governor’s proposal for decreased

funding and tuition assistance becomes a reality,

what programs will be offered at Western Dubuque

and at what cost?

Maintain programming for three days (Monday-Wednesday) at a cost of $250 per month for families not eligible for tuition assistance.

Offer an optional fourth day (Thursday) to those interested at an additional cost of $85 per month.

The Western Dubuque program will continue to meet or exceed state preschool requirements.

Y-Care services may be available on Fridays depending on need.

*Programming and cost are subject to change upon State finalization of

program requirements and funding allocations.

Nursing and Health

Required Forms• Health Assessment Record• Certificate of Immunization• Certificate of Dental Screening• Pre-K/Kindergarten Medical History• Supplemental Health History • Student Vision Card

Registration Procedures

Questions