R-VI District adds preschool

The Marquand-Zion School District is expanding its instruction to younger students by adding a preschool class.

With the help of a grant, the R-VI district recently added a preschool class for students who are three to five years old. The district began the preschool at the end of March, but will officially begin the class, full-time, when all Marquand-Zion classes resume in August.

Superintendent Scott Blake said the preschool class is like a regular class and will run with the normal classes.

“We have 10 students enrolled in the classes and students have to register just like regular classes, Blake said. “The class is currently taking students who are in the most need.”

Blake said the preschool provides an excellent opportunity for the district.

“The district received a grant and it’s great for students entering kindergarten,” he said.

Blake said the big goal for the district is to have ten students in the class. The preschool is 100 percent state funded for the first two years. Then after the first two years, the state funding drops, as the district takes on a larger percentage.

“We will use Title One funds to offset the cost, so we won’t have to use local funds to pay for the program,” said Blake.

Blake said the students at that age are so excited to come to school for an entire day.

He added, “Some students did attend some classes during summer school with Kindergarten Roundup.”

Right now Blake said the program is filled. However, there is a waiting list and anyone who wishes to be added to the list can call the Marquand School District at 783-3388.

Marquand-Zion began its new preschool for students in March. The class currently has ten students enrolled and will run through the regular school year. 

Maridee Lawson is a reporter for the Democrat News and can be reached at 573-783-3366 or mlawson@dailyjournalonline.com