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Board highlights preschool expansion as students perform at April meeting
Summary
The North Brunswick Township School District showcased its expanded preschool program during the April 30 board meeting, featuring a student performance and a presentation that said enrollment grew from 85 to 578 districtwide and described curriculum, assessment and community partnerships.
At the North Brunswick Township Board of Education's April 30 meeting, the district highlighted the rapid growth of its preschool program with a student music performance and a presentation to the board and community.
Mr. Passner, the preschool presenter, opened the presentation after welcoming families and staff and invited music staff to lead three songs performed with sign language. "We have seen tremendous growth going from 85 students to 578 districtwide," Mr. Passner said, describing the program's mixed-delivery model that uses both district-run classrooms and community provider sites.
Kerianne Egan Ragavas, the preschool supervisor of instruction, outlined the district's curriculum and assessment approach. She said the district uses Creative Curriculum in play-based classrooms and tracks student progress with the LinkIt platform to inform instruction and transitions through third grade. "We input all of their data into LinkIt," Ragavas said, explaining how the district monitors growth and adjusts programming.
Two preschool teachers, Sheena Chan and Jessica Bal, described daily routines and instructional strategies that support young children's development. They highlighted structured circle time, small-group differentiated instruction for ages three through five, and the integration of related-service providers (occupational, physical and speech therapy) into classroom routines to support students with diverse needs.
Presenters also reviewed the program's five goals: coordination across 10 locations, creating welcoming environments for families, strengthening family engagement, expanding community partnerships, and celebrating student success. The presentation named several community partners and new providers added this year and noted monthly coordination meetings between district staff, building administrators and external partners to maintain program fidelity.
The preschool segment concluded with references to Week of the Young Child events, a district art show that included contributions from all preschool sites, and community activities organized with county partners. Board members and the superintendent praised the staff and students and invited families to view student artwork on display.
The board moved on to the regular agenda after a short recess for families to transition out of the meeting space.
