Hannah Cole Primary School Principal Chelsea Jackson spoke to the Boonville Board of Education regarding the Prekindergarten program in the district at a recent board meeting.

According to Jackson the program has four goals: to guide children in their construction of knowledge; provide opportunities for students to explore, experiment and interact with peers, adults and objects in a safe environment; create a safe and caring environment for children and their families by communicating and collaborating; and to prepare students for entry into kindergarten.

The district currently has 34 children in the program divided into two classrooms. Jackson indicated that they receive calls on a weekly basis from parents inquiring about enrolling their child. There are currently 42 students currently on the waiting list.

In other news from the meeting, Parents as Teachers (PAT) Coordinator Allison Zeller gave a presentation on the program in Boonville. PAT offers personal family visits either in home or at the PAT Center, located at 901 Sixth Street, on a month or bi-weekly basis. They offer annual screening for development, social and emotional skills, health and vision and hearing. PAT also offers monthly group connections, weekly play groups and resource connections. There are 37 families currently served.