News Summary
Woestina Elementary School in Schalmont, New York, is set to reopen after 15 years. The school will introduce a new Pre-K program, with community support and renovations. An open house recently showcased the upgrades made to accommodate the program, which aims to serve 54 students. Local interest is high, with over 40 families looking to enroll. The initiative underscores the district’s commitment to early education and community engagement, aiming to meet the needs of local families.
Schalmont, New York – After 15 years of closure, Woestina Elementary School is set to reopen its doors in the Schalmont Central School District. This significant development comes as the district prepares to launch a new Pre-K program scheduled to begin in the 2025 school year.
Woestina Elementary was previously closed at the start of the 2010-2011 school year due to a decline in student enrollment. However, in response to the needs of local families, the district is revitalizing the space with one primary goal: to offer a Pre-K option that is easily accessible for residents.
To mark this milestone, an open house was held on August 18, allowing the community to view the renovations before classes commence on September 10. The event showcased updates made to the school and the planned facilities to accommodate the Pre-K program.
Under the new program, three classrooms will be available, with a capacity to serve 54 students. The administration is optimistic about the program’s future, expressing hopes to expand to six classrooms as demand grows. Currently, more than 40 families have shown interest in enrolling their children, and applications will remain open until April 11. In the event that applications surpass available capacity, a lottery system will be implemented to ensure fair distribution of spaces.
To be eligible for enrollment, children must be four years old by December 1 and must reside within the district’s boundaries. The Pre-K program will operate Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 2 PM. To support working parents, before and after school programs will also be available, with services beginning at 7:30 AM and extending until 5:30 PM.
Meals will be provided to Pre-K students, including free breakfast and lunch, to further assist families. The district has allocated $5,400 in state aid per student, totaling approximately $291,600 for the program. Additional funding will come from the district’s budget designated for such initiatives, ensuring sustainability despite potential future challenges, including threats of federal funding cuts.
The reopening of Woestina Elementary has not only practical implications for early education but also serves as a symbolic resurgence for the community. The decision to revive the school comes after necessary maintenance and preparations, particularly in light of adjustments needed for post-COVID educational operations.
Local parents attending the open house expressed relief and gratitude for the introduction of a Pre-K option nearby, which has been challenging to find in recent years. The district’s initiative to provide local Pre-K solutions is aimed at enhancing community engagement, enriching after-school programs, and expanding academic offerings for young learners.
Superintendent Tom Reardon emphasized that careful planning has gone into the reopening process to ensure the long-term viability of the Pre-K program. With a commitment to keeping Woestina Elementary operational for years to come, the district is focused on meeting the needs of families in the Schalmont Central School District.
This historic reopening of Woestina Elementary is not just about physical space; it represents a renewed commitment to early childhood education and community building, marking a hopeful new chapter for local families.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
