The Head Start preschool program operated by the Monroe County Intermediate School District (ISD) will be housed at the Monroe Public Schools’ Arborwood North School for the 2016-2017 school year.  The program has been located in South Monroe Townsite School for the last several years.  The move was approved by the Monroe Public Schools Board of Education Tuesday night (February 9.)

     “We asked the ISD to make this move so we can provide additional support for preschool services at Arborwood.  The move also allows us to assist in the transition of pre-school students, many of whom will attend Arborwood, into kindergarten,” said Dr. Barry Martin, superintendent, Monroe Public Schools.

     Dr. Martin explained that Arborwood North, which once was known as Hollywood School, will have sufficient capacity to meet the needs of the current Head Start program and provide sufficient space to house many existing Arborwood North classrooms, too.  Also, having Head Start located in an active elementary school setting will be a benefit for that program as well as Arborwood Elementary School.

     “The ISD appreciates the partnership with Monroe Public Schools to provide early childhood programs to our youngest learners,” said Dr. Stephen McNew, superintendent, Monroe County ISD.  “There are two important factors to remember about these learners. Brain development is the most significant from birth to age three.  The brain’s capacity develops 90 percent before a child reaches five so it is crucial that we continue to work together to educate these students in a clean, safe environment so they are prepared to learn when they get to kindergarten.”

     Dr. Martin said that in coming weeks the board will discuss the future of South Monroe Townsite School.  Also to be determined in the near future is where the district will house its successful Monroe Virtual High School, the longest running virtual school in Monroe County. 

     Both schools on the Arborwood Elementary Campus are Title I schools.  Title I provides federal funding to schools to help students who are at risk of falling behind academically. The funding provides supplemental instruction for students who are economically disadvantaged or at risk of failing to meet state standards.

     “One of the ways a Title I school’s effectiveness is evaluated is by having a successful plan to transition preschool children from programs like Head Start to local elementary school kindergarten programs,” Dr. Martin said.  “With this move, we are aligned with the federal requirements and are confident this will help strengthen our overall instructional program at Arborwood, as the students move from preschool to kindergarten.”