Braves Preschool opens with 11 students

Build it and they will come.

This famous line from a popular movie is also a mantra for the new Little Braves Preschool on the La Conner Schools campus.

Eleven students attended last week’s reopening of the district preschool, which has been resurrected on a one-year trial basis following successful lobbying of the school board last summer.

The school district had operated a Pre-K program but stopped it a year ago when the classes shifted to the Swinomish Tribal Community.

Parents and school staff convinced the board earlier this year that a preschool supported by a variety of funding sources, including monthly tuition, would benefit all stakeholders – children, families and the district itself.

A compelling argument was that students tend to remain enrolled in the district where they attend preschool. Enrollment declined this year, which translates to reduced state financial support and staff cutbacks.

The district, which a decade ago boasted more than 600 full-time students, projected a K-12 enrollment of 530 this fall. Superintendent Will Nelson told the Weekly News that 531 students were enrolled here in September – just one above summer projections.

“Our first day with students was on Wednesday,” said Director of Special Programs Andy Wheeler, who had presented to the board the merits of preschool. “So, we’re up and running and the kids are doing really well.”

Students were greeted by a three-member staff led by retired longtime Elementary School teacher Jenny Mortenson. She is joined by Coral Harper and Joreen McDonald in the modular building behind the district administrative offices.

Elementary Principal Heather Fakkema-Hovde is administering the program, which will balance age-appropriate academic skills instruction with social-emotional development, Wheeler said.

The board approved a preschool format of up to 15 students, so four slots remain open, he said.

“Parents interested in enrolling a child can call the elementary school for more information,” Wheeler said.

According to Wheeler, monthly preschool tuition is $275. However, that is waived for families who are Head Start eligible.

Wheeler said he is grateful for the widespread support the Little Braves Preschool has received. The La Conner Co-Op Preschool, Swinomish Preschool and regional Head Start program based in Mount Vernon have all stepped up. Head Start has purchased furniture for the Little Braves classroom, said Wheeler.

“It’s really been a collaborative effort,” he said,