Esma Orgeron
July 2, 2007
NSU business college dean elected to state CPA board
July 4, 2007The Lafourche Parish Public School system’s pre-Kindergarten program received a boost this week: $3.2 million.
The monies from a LA 4 pre-K grant will allow the pre-school program to double its enrollment.
The notice, which arrived last Wednesday, clears the way for the school district to open new pre-K classes beginning with the 2007-08 school year, officials said.
Prior to the LA 4 funding, the Lafourche Parish School Board used Title I, 8 (g) and IDEA grants to provided services to the parish’s four-year olds.
Superintendent Jo Ann Matthews said the school board applied for the grant to expand the parish’s pre-K program and increase the number of children it services per year.
The parish currently services 500 pre-K students, and is expecting those numbers to double with the additional funding, she explained.
Last year, the school board only offered pre-K services to those students who were identified through a screening process as academically at-risk. The LA 4 grant provides funding for pre-K services on a per student allocation to four-year olds that meet the free/reduced lunch status.
“The parish program will add 20 classes throughout the district, where students engage in a full-day program with developmentally appropriate curricula taught by highly qualified teachers at a smaller student teacher ratio,” Matthews said.
Parents are encouraged to register now. Eligible children must be four years old on or before Sept. 30. Transportation will be provided, and before- and after-school enrichment activities will be available.
When applying, parents should bring the child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, immunization record and proof of residence/address.
Registration is on-going at Bayou Blue Elementary, Bayou Boeuf Elementary, Chackbay Elementary, Cut Off Elementary, Galliano Elementary, Golden Meadow Lower Elementary, W.S. Lafargue Elementary, Larose Lower Elementary, Lockport Elementary, Raceland Lower Elementary, St. Charles Elementary, Thibodaux Elementary and South Thibodaux Elementary schools.
For more information, contact Pre-school Coordinator Judy Roberson at (985) 532-2508.
