The Half Hollow Hills school district is reporting a record number of children enrolled in its universal pre-kindergarten program this coming school year.
Last school year, the district received an increase in funding for its UPK program, enabling it to provide a record number of 242 UPK placements to four-year-olds throughout the community. The district worked with three local community-based organizations (REACH, Alternatives for Children, and The Chai Center) to receive the funds. Students were selected through a lottery system.
This year, the district received another increase, enabling another record enrollment of 329 students. The partners this year include REACH (housed in the district’s elementary schools), Alternatives for Children, The Chai Center, Temple Beth Torah, Park Shore and The Little Playhouse.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to offer this experience to so many families in our community, providing our youngest learners with a wonderful foundation prior to kindergarten,” said Diana Ketcham, assistant superintendent for elementary education in Half Hollow Hills.