RSS Feed
 |
|
|||||||||||||
Popular Plainedge pre-K program in final year of operation After 30 years, the Plainedge Library's Little Patron Program may be coming to an end. The class, called by some parents "the best kept secret in Plainedge," is an hour and a half of skill-building exercises for 3 and 4-year-olds. It acts similarly to a Pre-Kindergarten program but now, due to low enrollment, it may be in danger of closing at the end of the coming year. The program has been funded primarily through tuition fees, with some help from the Library. However, for the past two years, enrollment has been lower than expected, sparking debate over whether it can continue. Marilyn Kappenberg, of the Plainedge Library said at a Plainedge School Board meeting recently that although the library knew the enrollment was low in January, when sign-ups began, they were hoping that as in year's past people would sign up later in April and May, after fliers were sent out to the schools. This year that was not the case, however. Parents of children who were already registered for the class said they were very upset at the thought of the program being canceled. The parents immediately came together to bring their concerns to the Library Board. "We want to do for our children and this is for our children," said Nicole Marquez, a parent and Plainedge resident. After two meetings, at which library officials sought some solutions, it was decided that the pro- gram would continue for the upcoming school year. There are no guarantees, however that it will be offered after that. "It would be a real shame if a program that has been in existence for the last 30 years and is also the only one around like it should be terminated," said Patricia Wojcik, another Plainedge resident and parent. The parents were also upset by the idea of losing Miss Linda, the program's teacher for the past 19 years. "My daughter Danielle cried on the last day of school because she was going to miss Miss Linda. The only consolation that she had was that she was going to be seeing her again next year," said Wojcik. "She can't wait till September and keeps asking if it is here yet." In addition, Little Patron's is one of the most affordable classes for the children, said parents, costing $550 for 3-year-olds and $750 for 4-year- olds. But the financial strain on the library is too much, said officials. Between making up the difference when the program runs a deficit, paying for insurance costs for the program, and advertising, the library cannot afford to support the program any longer. "Every time we send out 400 fliers, that's book money," said Nancy Cronan, a Library Trustee. "That's not our function." For more information about the program or enrollment, call the Plainedge Library at (516)735- 4133.
|
for larger version       Ads have a Patent Pending. Click Here for More Information |
||||||||||||
