DEMOPOLIS-During a special called Demopolis City School Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, the board members voted unanimously to approve the idea of starting a pre-Kindergarten class for 4 year olds.

Demopolis City School Superintendent Dr. Wesley Hill told the board members of this plan to start a program that was geared towards 4 year olds that would be entering Kindergarten the following year. He said this program would be the first of its kind in the state and it shows a very positive message that new things have been added instead of always taking things away. He also said he thinks it is just a matter of time before the State makes it mandatory.

“This would take a little investment from the school system, but will have the backing of the City of Demopolis,” Hill said.

He said this class of 18 children would be able to utilize the benefits of Westside, which include a computer lab, library, music program, and an age specific playground. He also said the biggest draw of this program would be that a certified teacher and aide would be teaching the children.

“This program we are going to offer will give those parents a chance to have both their children at Westside instead of making two trips else where,” Hill said.

He said the pre-Kindergarten class would accommodate 18 children and would cost $50 a week. He also said the class would go from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and then extended day from 2:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. would be offered for an extra $5.

“The registration process would start at Westside Elementary School on June 14 at 8 a.m. and stop on June 30 at 2:30 p.m.,” Hill said, “When you come to registar, you must have a completed form, $25 registration fee

He said the first 10-12 children would be guaranteed placement into the class and the rest of the spots will be filled on a first come first serve basis. He also said the class would run the same calendar year as Westside Elementary.

“The board has agreed to purchase $4,589 worth of materials for this class,” Hill said.

TEACHERS

Two teachers for Westside Elementary also think this program will be very helpful for the children of Demopolis and the rest of the region. Amy Hasty and Tracy Stewart, who have been named directors of this program until a teacher can be hired, both think this program can be a huge success.

Hasty said this was a good step forward, its good that the school system can do something positive instead of having to cut something. Tracy said this program would serve as a jumpstart for the children as they plan to enter Kindergarten the following year.