Wayne Magazine Back to School 2020 | Page 16

school I’M BEYOND EXCITED FOR THIS POSITION, AND I’MEAGER TO WORK WITH OUR TEACHERS ANDFAMILIES.” ballot proposals to spend $2.1 million and $2.6 million for full-day kindergarten in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The first step of the school board’s plan was to move the Preakness branch of the public library out of the building —a notion that did not gain favor from its most loyal patrons. By next September, Toback says, full-day kindergarten classes should be ready to go at each of the district’s nine elementary schools. Room has been made for them because all preschool classes are now held where the library branch used to be. But, the space had to be renovated. It cost $3.6 million to prepare the 15,275-square-foot wing for classrooms, says schools business administrator William Moffitt. A playground was constructed in the rear of the preschool, and a new air-conditioning unit and new fire alarms were installed. Many people say they are excited to see the schoolhouse repurposed, according to Toback. “The early childhood center was one of the big milestones we had to achieve because it opens up space in our neighborhood schools,” he says. NUMBERS,PLEASE ■ Preschool enrollment in Wayne, 2019-2020: 223 students ■ Maximum enrollment at the new preschool:264 students ■ Monthly cost to enroll achild in the program, three days per week: $232 ■ Monthly cost to enroll achild in the program, five days per week: $428 ■ Cost for special education students assumed by the district ■ Bell schedule: 8:20-10:20 a.m., or 11:20 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. The district had not held classes at Preakness School since 1977, when declining enrollment there forced students to transfer to Albert P. Terhune and James Fallon schools. The preschool will employ 11 teachers, as well as four therapists, a behavior specialist, a learningdisabilities teaching consultant, a nurse, a psychologist and a social worker. One of its classrooms will be self-contained for children with special needs, Hammond says. Having all of the district’s preschool classes under the same roof will support students’ social development and boost their selfesteem, as they become “big kids on campus,” according to Hammond. School safety is of utmost concern to her. She wrote her dissertation on that topic at Johnson & Wales, and she says she recalls exactly when it took paramount importance in her mind. Hammond had just dropped off her boys at anew school, and for the first time, she was not working in the same building. “I drove away, and it was a pivotal moment for me— realizing the importance of safety,” she says. “I completely understand that feeling parents have when they’re dropping their students off,” she says. “I just want them to know that they’re safe, and in very good hands.” ■ Note: The Wayne Township Public Schools District has made plans for preschool students to engage in a combination of in-person and remote learning, but advises parents to check for updates on its website: wayneschools.com. To enroll in the preschool, contact the K-12 district’s preschool registrar at (973) 968-7407, orat [email protected]. 14 BACK TOSCHOOL 2020 WAYNE MAGAZINE