March 12, 2008

Dear Parents of Preschool Age Children:

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some changes that will be happening next school with respect to the Orleans Southwest Preschool Programs. In the past four years, we have offered preschool programs for both 3 and 4 year olds. We have enjoyed our work and have provided a quality early education program utilizing the Vermont Early Standards and best practices in early education.

For the 2008-2009 school, OSSU, will no longer provide preschool programming for 3 year olds. We will only provide programming for children who will be 4 years of age by Sept. 1. The basis for this decision includes several factors:

1. Developmental readiness of the 3 year olds regarding curricular expectations.

2. Loss of funding from federal grants to support preschool education.

3. Decline in the number of 3 year olds enrolled in the program.

With this in mind, the district is committed to preparing the 4 year olds towards Kindergarten Readiness. Our Kindergarten teachers have been very clear how valuable the early education programs have been in preparing children for them.

Another change is that we will be returning back to Wolcott this fall. Wolcott Town approved funding to rehabilitate the Depot building. OSSU will provide a preschool program, both at Wolcott Depot building, when it is ready and at Hardwick Elementary School. These 2 sites are open to all 4 year old children who reside in OSSU.

Due to all of the changes, we invite you to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 26^th from 6-7PM at Hardwick Elementary School Multi-Purpose room to discuss these changes and to get your input into the schedule for next year and input regarding the new site and preschool registration information.

On behalf of the Early Education team, we look forward to meeting with you then.

Sincerely,

Joanne M. LeBlanc

Director of Student Services