Skip To Main Content

Superintendent's Message: GES Preschool Program Thrives

Superintendent's Message: GES Preschool Program Thrives
Dr. David Daigneault, Superintendent

Grenada Elementary School’s pre-school program has made remarkable strides since its inception in the 2016-2017 school year. Initially starting with just three classes of four-year-olds, the program now proudly serves 70 three-year-olds and 100 four-year-olds, marking significant growth and success.

Grenada Elementary School’s pre-school program has made remarkable strides since its inception in the 2016-2017 school year. Initially starting with just three classes of four-year-olds, the program now proudly serves 70 three-year-olds and 100 four-year-olds, marking significant growth and success.

The preschool program follows the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) guidelines and utilizes a hybrid approach to the OWL curriculum and MS Beginnings. Engaging in hands-on activities, students participate in special events and field trips to ensure that learning is not only age-appropriate but also fun. Last year, Pre-K students began with an average score of 440 on their MKAS assessment and ended the year with an impressive 656. It’s noteworthy that kindergarten readiness requires a score of 530, and our preschool students significantly surpassed that benchmark.

In Spring 2024, the Mississippi Department of Education conducted a monitoring visit to current providers in the Grenada Early Learning Collaborative. The results highlighted the program’s consistent excellence, achieving a 100% rating for several years due to high scores in CLASS, MKAS2, and CELA. This success has positioned the Grenada Early Learning Collaborative third in the state of Mississippi.

Mr. Cole Surrell, Elementary Academic Coordinator, reflects on the program’s growth: “When I began in the 2018-2019 school year, our preschool program was limited to just two classes for three-year-olds and four classes for four-year-olds due to space constraints. However, with the addition of the new third-grade wing at the 3-5 building, we’ve expanded to five classes each for both age groups. This significant growth has been crucial in preparing our students for kindergarten.”  

This expansion not only accommodates more students but also enhances the learning environment.  With smaller class sizes and more diverse educational experiences, children receive individualized attention, fostering their social and cognitive development.  This increase in capacity is vital for meeting the growing demand for early childhood education.

Mr. Surrell adds, “The foundational skills they acquire, from navigating the halls to managing the cafeteria, give them a real advantage when they reach kindergarten, often after two years in our school environment. Last year, our MKAS Kindergarten scores were the highest ever at Grenada Elementary School, and I am confident that our Pre-K program is the key contributor to this success.”

These foundational experiences equip children with essential life skills that extend beyond academics.  Learning to interact with peers, understand routines, and adapt to a school setting prepares them for future challenges.  The impressive MKAS Kindergarten scores underscore the effectiveness of this early education, demonstrating a strong correlation between early exposure and later academic success.

Mrs. Kim Ezelle, Coordinator for our Preschool program, adds, “Early childhood education is the key to unlocking every child’s potential, laying a foundation for lifelong learning and success. Research consistently shows that early educational experiences significantly impact a child’s cognitive and emotional development.  Programs that focus on early learning not only enhance academic skills but also foster resilience and adaptability, which are essential traits for future success.”

She continues, “Investing in Pre-K programs is investing in the future; children who attend early education are more likely to excel academically and socially throughout their lives.  Preparing for kindergarten involves fostering a love for learning and ensuring children feel safe and supported.”  Numerous studies have demonstrated that children who participate in quality Pre-K programs exhibit better academic performance and stronger social skills compared to their peers who do not.  By creating a nurturing environment that encourages exploration and curiosity, early education plays a crucial role in helping children transition smoothly into formal schooling.

The Grenada School District is thankful for this foundational program that has clearly enhanced the lives of our youngest children in the community. It lays a firm foundation for the rest of their lives, ensuring they are well-prepared for future academic success.  Our commitment to this program promises to foster continued growth and excellence in early childhood education.