HEUVELTON — Heuvelton Central School District will receive $224,748 from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to expand their Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program.

The district, which currently offers two half-day sessions for students in UPK, applied for the NYSED Universal Prekindergarten Expansion Grant with the goal of improving the educational program of their youngest learners. Having been awarded the competitive grant, the district will begin offering two full-day sessions for Prekindergarten classes in September 2024.

“Our half-day prekindergarten program has served our students well since its inception, but the research base is clear on the long-term benefits of full-day prekindergarten,” said district superintendent, Jesse Coburn. “Heuvelton staff are excited to offer this expanded benefit to our children and families.”

Parents in the Heuvelton Central School District that have already registered their child for Prekindergarten for the 2024-25 school year do not need to take additional action. Children who have already been registered will be placed in the full-day program.

Although the May 10 registration deadline has passed, several spots in the program remain open and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. All sessions are limited to 18 students. Applications are available online at https://www.heuvelton.k12.ny.us/

Those who have questions about the program may contact Brenda Simmons at 315-344-2414 x28871, or bsimmons@heuvelton.k12.ny.us.

To learn more about the New York State Education Department’s Universal Prekindergarten Expansion Grant, visit https://www.nysed.gov/news/2024/state-education-department-awards-34m-universal-prekindergarten-expansion-grants