Medina to offer full-day preschool program in 2022-23 school year

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – The Medina school district will be offering a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program to provide area 4-year-olds a full day of educational opportunities to play, learn, develop socially and emotionally, and thrive as they start their educational career.

The program will begin in the 2022-23 school year, Monday through Friday from 7:35 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Oak Orchard Primary School under the direction of Principal Jennifer Stearns.

“We are very excited to be able to offer UPK full-time,” she said.  “We believe that students can use additional support and opportunities for social interaction before starting kindergarten. Each of our classrooms will have a certified teacher and classroom aide. Classes will be structured with a strong emphasis on purposeful play, early literacy and numeracy and specials like physical education, music, art and library. We will also be incorporating behavioral supports and early intervention that will help us identify and provide strategies to help students build the foundation needed to succeed in school and life.”

The program is no cost to families in the Medina school district and transportation to and from school is provided by the school district, following the district’s regular transportation policies.  Breakfast and lunch will also be provided to students as well, at no cost. Eligible students must be a Medina district resident and 4 years old on or before December 1, 2022. Spaces will be limited and a random lottery will be held if needed. The application can be found at the Medina CSD website at www.medinacsd.org under the District News link.

Families will receive a letter in the mail in early May, informing them of their child’s placement. “Once you receive word that your child has been accepted, families will need to complete the student registration process,” Stearns said.  “Students will have the opportunity to meet our staff at our annual summer picnic in August. Full-time UPK is a great step for the Medina Central School District in early childhood education. We are pleased to be able to continue to build on the strength of our academic offerings and help to shape our children’s future.”