Butler Catholic expands preschool
Butler Catholic School will have an expanded preschool program when school resumes Sept. 8.
The school will have a three- and five-day program for 4-year-olds with half- and full-day options for each.
Sessions for 3-year-olds will remain half days on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Sister John Ann Mulhern, the principal of Butler Catholic, said the school made the move to expand from three- to five-day preschool sessions for two reasons.
“A number of parents are working,” she said. “Day care wouldn't let them pay for just two days.”
Rather than making parents pay for day care they wouldn't use, the school expanded the 4-year-old program to five days a week.
“Some children are just ready for five days a week for a formal routine,” said Mulhern. “They can grow in social skills and informal learning.
“I've said our preschool program is learning through osmosis. For them, it's a hands-on, fun experiment,” she said.
But the preschool teachers, she said, are certified in early childhood education.
Tonya Briggs, who's been a preschool teacher at Butler Catholic for 20 years, is certified in both early childhood and elementary education.As for adding two days, Briggs said, “I'm really excited about the prospect of it.“We can focus on our basic skills and our more advanced skills,” Briggs said.“Attending preschool five days a week will be great for the kids. Consistency is so important,” she said.It will mean more work for her, Briggs conceded, but she believes it will pay off with her students having the chance to bond with their peers and their teachers.Third childSara Skwirut of Butler will have her third child enter Butler Catholic preschool next month.“I love the preschool socialization,” Skwirut said. “When they're with other children and teachers, it teaches how to be in an atmosphere of listening to other adults.”Mulhern said preschool students don't have to be Catholic to attend.“We are a faith-based school and want our students to develop a relationship with Jesus,” she said. “We are not out to convert anyone.”Each 4-year-old preschool has a limit of 15 students whether half-day (9 to 11:30 a.m.) or full day (9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.).There are 10 slots in the half-day classes for 3-year-olds on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Parents will be responsible for transportation to and from the school. Full-day preschool students this year will be able to have a free lunch from the school cafeteria or they can pack a lunch.
Mulhern said every student and preschool student can receive a free lunch through the National School Lunch Program.While preschool begins Sept. 8, the classes for the 227 students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade begin Aug. 26.Mulhern said in light of the resurgence of COVID-19 infections, preschool students will be provided with a safety pouch containing hand sanitizer, tissues and paper towels, while older students will find hand sanitizer in every classroom.Parents interested in Butler Catholic School classes or its preschool openings should call 724-285-4276 for information and prices.
