Patrick County public schools are continuing to accept pre-kindergarten (pre-K) applications for the 2016-2017 school year.
Applications are available at each elementary school and at the school board office in Stuart.
The Virginia Pre-school Initiative (VPI) provides programs for at-risk four-year-old children. Students must turn four on or before Sept. 30. For the upcoming school year, students must meet one of four for enrollment in a VPI slot.
The specific economic and educational risk factors that are to be considered are: (1) family income at or below 200% of the poverty level; (2) homelessness; (3) student’s parents or guardians are high school dropouts; or (4) family income is less than 350% of federal poverty guidelines in the case of students with special needs or disabilities.
In addition, school divisions will be allowed to enroll a small percentage of students not meeting the criteria into the program for the 2016-2017 school year.
The official poverty index uses money income before taxes and does not include capital gains or non-cash benefits such as public housing, Medicaid, and food stamps. Income used to compute poverty status includes all family members within the household. Non-relatives, such as housemates, do not count.
The Virginia Pre-school Initiative defines homelessness as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes sharing housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship.
Families are encouraged to contact their local elementary school to submit applications for preschool. Eligible students will be served in the VPI classroom that is in the school in their residential zone.
The applications are available at Stuart, Meadows of Dan, Woolwine, Patrick Springs and Blue Ridge elementary schools. (Hardin Reynolds Memorial School serves students in grades four through seven.)
Eighty-three slots are available and all families with four-year-olds are encouraged to apply.
In order for Patrick County public schools to process a child’s application, the following documents need to be submitted: completed pre-K application; verification of household income (such as a paycheck stub, income tax form, or assistance award letter); verification of your child’s age (a birth certificate); Social Security card; proof of residency (such as a power bill, home phone bill or cable bill); physical and immunization record (must be on file before starting school in August; and permission to review records.
Any questions about the application process can be directed to Andrea Cassell, instructional coordinator for Patrick County public schools. Her contact information is andrea cassell@patrick.k12.va.us or 276-694-3163.
