‘On-Track Pre-K Center’ Will Open In Chaparral

CHAPARRAL, NM – Chaparral Elementary Schoolwill bethe site of a new “On Track Pre-K Center” gearedat expanding early childhood education in the area.

The center will accommodate a total of 128 studentsandwill include 16 slots for special education students and will have morning and afternoon sessions.Each session will accommodate 64 students with a ratio of one teacher and instructional assistant per 16 students.

This new Chaparral center is part ofGovernor Bill Richardson’splan to expand the Pre-K program throughout the state. Gadsden Independent School District received $1.1 million of the $14 million that the governor invested into early childhood education this year.

Approximately 19 new sites will open Pre-K services, bringing the total to 58 in 43 communities across the state. The state expects to educate approximately 3,568 four year olds this year.

In addition to the new Chaparral site, GISD operates three other centers within its boundaries. There is one in Anthony, New Mexico at the Anthony Elementary School. The second one is located in Santa Teresa, New Mexico adjacent to the Gadsden Administrative Building. The third one is located in the North Valley area at the former La Mesa Elementary School.

The districtis currently taking applications for all locations and registration requires that children reach their 4th birth date by 12:01 a.m. on September 1, 2007 and live within the GISD boundaries.

All four centers follow the year round calendar and classes begin on Monday, July 23, 2007. Busing will be available at all four sites. For registration information please call the following numbers:

Santa Teresa: (505) 882-6740,

La Mesa: (505) 233-3475,

Anthony: (505) 882-1904,

Chaparral: Temporary number (505) 649-7724.