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GHEC offers summer preschool

GRANADA — This is the first summer that the Granada Huntley- East Chain school has offered a pre-school program. Nineteen students ages 3-5 from the area have enrolled for the first summer, consisting of two three week sections. For the time being, the program is being called Camp Jaguar.

Emily Counter is the pre-school and ECFE teacher throughout the school year and is also the teacher for the summer pre-school program. Also assisting are Sherri Ettesvold, the ECFE and pre-school coordinator, and Brenda Stevens, who is a para-professional at the school.

“This was started because we wanted a kindergarten readiness for our 5-year-olds,” explained Counter. “Then we also opened it up to 3 and 4-year-olds because there’s not a lot of activities for them to do at such a young age in the area.”

While the majority of the students are from the GHEC area, the program is open to all children in the area.

With this being the first year, some people found out through word of mouth, but the children were also sent home with information about it at the end of the school year. There was also some information about it listed in the Jaguar Journal.

A unique aspect of the program is that it provides transportation. The school owns 2 vans and Ettsvold and Stevens will pick up several children in the morning from their homes or a daycare, and then bring them back after pre-school lets out.

“It helps tremendously that we can provide transportation. I think that’s why our enrollment number is so high,” Counter commented.

The theme for this years program is ocean inspired. The children are learning about ocean animals and the majority of their activities revolve around anything to do with the ocean.

The first section lasted for 3 weeks in June, with this week being the last. And the second section will go for 2 weeks in July and 1 in August. Pre-school is every Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.

“I would love to do it again next year,” Counter said. “I think we’ve had an awesome turnout and it’s a great opportunity for the kids.”

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