A pre-kindergarten program in Bentley School provides a solid academic and social groundwork for three and four-year-olds.
Lane Moore, principal of Bentley School, spoke to Wolf Creek Public Schools board of education at its regular meeting May 15, discussing the program and how it has benefitted the community and the school.
“We try to get a sense of community and culture within the schools,” he said.
Moore said the Pre-K program consists of 42 three- and four-year-olds who come from the greater Bentley area. The school has three half day classes with about 15 students in each class which is taught by a certified teacher with an educational assistant support for the integrated special needs students.
“We support early entrance programming for those students with severe and mild moderate disabilities. We also program for ESL students and create a rich language program for their development.”
With the help of a PowerPoint presentation and handouts, Moore explained the Pre-K program to the board, noting the philosophy included promoting self-worth, socializing with other children, learning through play and, most importantly, having fun.
“Our program believes in the play philosophy of education our students,” he said.
Board chairman Trudy Bratland said Moore had been invited to the board meeting to talk about the Pre-K program to give board members a better understanding about the program and its positive impact on the school.
Bentley School is a rural ECS to Grade 12 school with about 370 students, half of which are bused.
By Treena Mielke