Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Pre-K program underway at GPS

The Pre-K program at Gurdon Primary School is going well, with 27 of the 40 spots filled at last count.

Superintendent of Schools Bobby Smithson said at the August School Board meeting that 25 were expected for the first year.

Program teacher Diana Boyce said Tuesday, "We already have 27 signed up and we hope to use two rooms."

Boyce will have Bonita Grayson as a para-professional assistant to the program. Grayson said she is anxious to get the program started.

Boyce said, "This is something we have wanted a long time. Initially, we will have just four-year-olds but we hope to eventually expand to three-year-olds. I believe this Pre-K will be a program that will continue from now on."

Smithson said at the August meeting of the Gurdon School Board he believed the state was leaning toward continuing funding for such a program.

The Pre-K program will be presented right along with the calendar of school. Boyce said subjects presented to the youngsters include: routines, family, feelings, five senses, and home.

Boyce normally teaches kindergarten and has been a teacher 22 years; 16 in the Gurdon School District.