The deadline to apply for the lottery was March 22, 2013. The computerized lottery will run at 5pm on April 10, 2013. Emails will be sent to all parents by 6pm with their child’s placement in the lottery. Letters will also be mailed to parents on April 11, 2013.

After your child is selected in the lottery, you will have until 5/3/2013 to register your child. After that date, schools begin calling children from the Wait List.

If your child is on the Wait List and you are contacted about an open space, you will have 48 hours to register your child. After that time, schools call the next child on the Wait List. More info here.

The Habersham School plans to bring life back to the beautiful tudor-style Gould Cottage next to Hull Park in Savannah. The Habersham School, a private K-12 parochial school that opened last fall on Wilmington Island, has the Ardsley Park landmark under contract for purchase. Learn more about the school & the final push to secure the site as their future home at a public info session Thursday, March 7, 4:30-6:40 PM @ the Gould Cottage, across Atlantic Avenue from Hull Park.

email info@thehabershamschool.org
www.thehabershamschool.org

Read more about The Habersham’s Plans to relocate to the historic Gould Cottage in Ardsley Park here.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School Open House
6 PM Tuesday, March 5 2013. The application window closes on March 8 and the school’s lottery is March 18.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a popular, well-loved Montessori Learning Community serving children three years old through 5th grade that is now accepting online applications for the Pre-K3 through 5th grade for the 2013-14 school year.

If you would like more information on enrolling your child please contact the school office at 912-238-1973 or visit the school website at www.cemco.org .

The internationally-recognized Montessori method of teaching helps children reach their full potential in all areas of life by teaching them to take responsibility for their own learning. Montessori learning activities promote the development of critical-thinking skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination. The Montessori method of education has long been seen as an approach that successfully meets children’s individual needs while teaching them to become contributing citizens to our society.

An Organized Environment

The entire school is set up to support the child’s self-directed learning. Together, the teacher and student form a relationship based on trust and respect that fosters self-confidence and a willingness to try and explore new things.
Highly-Trained Teachers

The Montessori teacher functions as a facilitator, resource person, role model, demonstrator, record-keeper, and meticulous observer of each child’s behavior and growth. At Coastal Empire, all teachers are Montessori-trained and Georgia elementary teacher-certified.
Proven Teaching Methodology

At Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, children are provided a basis for critical and abstract thinking through activity-based education. Montessori educational practices are characterized by:
• Child-centered rather than teacher-directed
• Hands-on and activity oriented as opposed to textbook curriculum
• Based on continuous progress
• Self-directed with a control-of-error system
• Based on recognition of progress as opposed to numerical grades
• Dynamic in that children are encouraged to move around and make choices of activities
• Set on a three-year age span of children within the classroom; older children teach younger children, building self-esteem and a sense of community
• Materials are introduced through individualized instruction; Montessori teachers help children to take responsibility for their own learning
• Emphasis is on concrete learning that leads to the abstraction of concepts and skills
• Children working for the joy of working and the sense of discovery
• An environment that provides a natural sense of discipline.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, supported by the Montessori philosophy and method, educates the Whole Child. By nurturing the total development of the child and fostering respect for self, peers, community, and nature, the child will be prepared to take their place in society and work toward a peaceful world.

For more information on Montessori Education please visit the following websites:
www.montessori-ami.org (Association Montessori International)
www.amshq.org (American Montessori Society)

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, 301 Buckhalter Rd., Savannah, 31405, (912)238-1973, www.cemco.org  Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

JEA Preschool Savannah will host a Meet & Greet for prospective parents and caregivers on Wednesday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m.

The new preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, will open to children ages 16 months to 4 years in August 2013. Enrollment is now open.

During the Meet & Greet, attendees will have an opportunity to meet the director Jodi Sadler and teachers, learn about a typical preschool day, and view architectural renderings of new classrooms and an outdoor learning space, which are currently under development.

Free childcare will be available during the presentation. Healthy snacks will be served. Reservations are required; please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 228) or email preschool@savj.org  to reserve a spot.

JEA Preschool Savannah has been in the planning stages for the past two years. The school was created to provide for the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The age-appropriate curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, will focus on literacy, writing, math, science, music, art and movement all within the special facilities of the JEA.

“I am truly excited about the creation of our program of excellence, JEA Preschool Savannah,” said Sadler, a longtime educator and former assistant principal at Chatham Academy. “When parents and children walk into the school, I want them to see and feel two things: love and security. I know that the quality of the program, excellence of the facilities, and perfect location will make this one of the most attractive and dynamic programs in the area.”

The dynamic preschool will include spacious classrooms and an innovative outdoor space where children can explore, interact with and connect to the environment. The preschool’s core curriculum will be available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children have the option of attending three or five days per week. Extended hours are available daily as early as 7 a.m. and until 6 p.m. to serve the needs of working families.

JEA Preschool Savannah is open to both JEA members and non members.

About JEA Preschool Savannah
JEA Preschool Savannah, located in the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, will open its doors in August 2013. The school, which will serve the needs of children ages 16 months through 4 years, focuses on the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The core curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, is available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enrollment is now open. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org  or visit www.savannahjea.org .

Searching for the ideal school for your child? Come see what St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island has to offer.

Lunch & Learn

Friday, March 22 – UpperSchool (Grades 9 – 12)
Friday, April 19 – Middle School (Grades 5 – 8)
Enjoy lunch on St. Andrew’s, take a tour and learn what St. Andrew’s has to offer. Reservations at 897.4941, x. 306

Walk About Wednesdays
Drop in to see classes in session and meet with school administrators
Middle & Upper School 9:00 a.m.
Lower School 10:30 a.m.
Reservations at 897.4941, x. 306

 St. Andrew’s School  – a Pre-K 3 through 12th grade independent private school on Wilmington Island, Savannah – is now accepting applications. Learn more here.

ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL, An Independent School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, WWW.SAINTSCHOOL.COM St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Georgia’s FREE Pre-K Program is not only available at public schools.

Many private child-care centers in Savannah also offer Georgia’s FREE Pre-K Program including Maggies’ Morning School, Savannah Youth University, Candler’s The Children’s House, and YMCA Childcare Plus: but many have a different application process than that @ Savannah-Chatham public schools. If you’re interested in a private child care that has it, call the school to find out when their applications are due. Many are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Below are a list of Savannah-area child-care centers that offer the FREE Georgia Pre-K Program (A big thank you to SouthernMamas reader Lynn Adams for compiling this list).

To participate in the Pre-K Program, children must be four years of age* on or before September 1, 2013, and must be a resident of Chatham County.

Click here for more info on Georgia’s FREE Pre-K program.

Locating a Georgia’s Pre-K Program
To locate a Georgia’s Pre-K Program, use the online Provider Search (instructions provided on the search page), contact the Georgia’s Source for Finding Quality Child Care toll-free at 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254) to speak with a child care resource and referral consultant, or call Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning at 404-656-5957 (toll-free at 1-888-4GA-PREK) and ask for the Pre-K consultant of the day.

Savannah-area child care centers that offer Georgia’s FREE Pre-K Program

“In His Arms” Educational Center 7816 Hwy 80 East Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 897-6826

ABC Child Care Center #1 1106 E. 48th Street Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 355-1442

A. J. Ward Montessori Preschool, Inc. 7501 Waters Avenue Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 355-1900

Another Adventure Day Care 8805 White Bluff Rd. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 927-4313

Bright Horizons Little One Center 1300 East 66th Street Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 303-0668

Childcare Network #20 12441 White Bluff Rd. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 925-7338

Childcare Network #21 7360 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 355-2299

Childcare Network #22 350 Johnny Mercer Boulevard Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 897-0085

Children’s House 600 E. 7lst St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 819-7200

El Shaddai Academy 5650 Skidaway Rd. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 351-0064

EOA Head Start and Early Administration Building 1120 May Street Savannah GA Head Start (912) 238-2865

First Steps Preschool of Pooler 205 N. Skinner Avenue Pooler Child Care Learning Center (912) 341-8012

Hunter Army Airfield Child Development Services 1284 Middleground Rd. Savannah Department of Defense (912) 315-9034

Kicklighter Academy 7219 Seawright Dr. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 355-7633

Little Country Day Care Preschool #1 7951 Hwy. 21 Port Wentworth Child Care Learning Center (912) 844-0042

Little Miracles Learning Center 4 Chestnut St. Bloomingdale Child Care Learning Center (912) 748-3686

Lady Bamford Early Childhood Education Center 1410 Richards Street Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 944-1671

Dutchtown Childrens Center 911 Dutchtown Rd. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 925-4566

Savannah Youth University 204 Tibet Ave. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 927-9537

Maggie’s Morning School 6610 Abercorn St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 352-8404
Terry’s Childcare and Learning Center 1728 Staley Ave. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 233-5868

West Broad Street YMCA Early Learning Center 1110 May St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 233-1951

West Chatham YMCA Child Learning Center 165 Isaac G Laroche Drive Pooler Child Care Learning Center (912) 748-1408

Windsor Forest High School 12419 Largo Dr. Savannah Local School System (912) 395-3400

Windy’s Preschool 425 Tattnall St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 234-0575

Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School 151 Coach Joe Turner Drive Savannah Local School System (912) 395-6750

Wright’s Child Care 1121 E. 35th St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 233-4306

YMCA Childcare Plus 6400 Habersham St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 354-6223

Georgia’s FREE Pre-K Program @ Savannah-Chatham Public Schools

Pre-K Lottery Applications for the 2013-2014 school year at Savannah-Chatham public schools will be available at Savannah-Chatham school sites and online on February 25, 2013. The deadline to submit the application is March 22, 2013.

The FREE Georgia pre-k program is a full-day program available at some public and private schools.

To participate in the Pre-K Program, children must be four years of age* on or before September 1, 2013, and must be a resident of Chatham County.

In order to apply for the lottery, parents must provide the following documentation to the school prior to the March 22, 2013 deadline:

Proof of Residence (current gas, water, electric bill, or lease)
Certified Birth Certificate
*Five-year-old children who have not previously attended the Pre-K program and who have developmental delays that impact their readiness for school may also enroll at the request of their parents.

Registration for FREE Pre-K @ Savannah-Chatham Public Schools

After your child is selected in the lottery, you will have until 5/3/2013 to register your child. After that date, schools begin calling children from the Wait List.

If your child is on the Wait List and you are contacted about an open space, you will have 48 hours to register your child. After that time, schools call the next child on the Wait List.

Parents must provide the following documentation at registration:

Proof of Residence (current gas, water, electric bill, or lease)
Certified Birth Certificate
GA Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231)
GA Ear, Eye and Dental Certificate (EED)
Social Security Card
IF APPLICABLE, proof of the following: (food stamps, SSI, Medicaid, TANF, Peachcare for Kids)

For a list of pre-K sites @ Savannah-Chatham public schools, click here.

Pre-K classes @ Savannah-Chatham public schools

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has 59 Georgia Lottery funded Pre-K classes with additional classes at Coastal Empire Montessori. The Pre-Kindergarten program provides services to age eligible four year olds (must be four years of age on or before September 1 of the school year) residing in Chatham County. Our program provides a full day (6.5 hours) of appropriate instructional services to students for the regular school calendar year. The purpose of the Pre-K Program is school readiness and transition to Kindergarten for success in later school years.

With the exception of our two Montessori schools, all of our classes use the High Scope Curriculum. All teachers are certified with at least a four-year degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education. Teachers provide instructional activities and learning experiences in the areas of language/literacy, math, art, science, social studies and creative expressions. There is a minimum of 5.0 hours of instruction per day. The remaining hours (1.5) of the instructional day includes rest/nap, meals and outside play. Field trips are an integral part of the Pre-K experience.

A maximum of twenty-two (22) students receive services in each class. More information about the Georgia Lottery funded Pre-kindergarten Program can be obtained by going to www.decal.ga.gov .

For more info contact:
Mrs. LaWanda Ransom
Project Director, Pre-Kindergarten
208 Bull Street, Room 210
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: (912) 395-1154
Fax: (912) 201-4166
Email: lawanda.ransom@sccpss.com

Let the nail-biting begin.

Pre-K Lottery Applications for the 2013-2014 school year at Savannah-Chatham public schools will be available at Savannah-Chatham school sites and online on February 25, 2013. The deadline to submit the application is March 22, 2013.

The FREE Georgia pre-k program is a full-day program available at some public and private schools.

To participate in the Pre-K Program, children must be four years of age* on or before September 1, 2013, and must be a resident of Chatham County.

In order to apply for the lottery, parents must provide the following documentation to the school prior to the March 22, 2013 deadline:

Proof of Residence (current gas, water, electric bill, or lease)
Certified Birth Certificate
*Five-year-old children who have not previously attended the Pre-K program and who have developmental delays that impact their readiness for school may also enroll at the request of their parents.

Registration

After your child is selected in the lottery, you will have until 5/3/2013 to register your child. After that date, schools begin calling children from the Wait List.

If your child is on the Wait List and you are contacted about an open space, you will have 48 hours to register your child. After that time, schools call the next child on the Wait List.

Parents must provide the following documentation at registration:

Proof of Residence (current gas, water, electric bill, or lease)
Certified Birth Certificate
GA Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231)
GA Ear, Eye and Dental Certificate (EED)
Social Security Card
IF APPLICABLE, proof of the following: (food stamps, SSI, Medicaid, TANF, Peachcare for Kids)

For a list of pre-K sites @ Savannah-Chatham public schools, click here.

Pre-K classes @ Savannah-Chatham public schools

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has 59 Georgia Lottery funded Pre-K classes with additional classes at Coastal Empire Montessori. The Pre-Kindergarten program provides services to age eligible four year olds (must be four years of age on or before September 1 of the school year) residing in Chatham County. Our program provides a full day (6.5 hours) of appropriate instructional services to students for the regular school calendar year. The purpose of the Pre-K Program is school readiness and transition to Kindergarten for success in later school years.

With the exception of our two Montessori schools, all of our classes use the High Scope Curriculum. All teachers are certified with at least a four-year degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education. Teachers provide instructional activities and learning experiences in the areas of language/literacy, math, art, science, social studies and creative expressions. There is a minimum of 5.0 hours of instruction per day. The remaining hours (1.5) of the instructional day includes rest/nap, meals and outside play. Field trips are an integral part of the Pre-K experience.

A maximum of twenty-two (22) students receive services in each class. More information about the Georgia Lottery funded Pre-kindergarten Program can be obtained by going to www.decal.ga.gov .

For more info contact:
Mrs. LaWanda Ransom
Project Director, Pre-Kindergarten
208 Bull Street, Room 210
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: (912) 395-1154
Fax: (912) 201-4166
Email: lawanda.ransom@sccpss.com

Private schools also offer the free pre-K program including Maggies’ Morning School, Savannah Youth University, Candler’s  The Children’s House, and  YMCA Childcare Plus: but many have a different application process. If you’re interested in a private child care that has it, call the school to find out when their applications are due.  Many are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you are interested in checking out the various speciality programs offered by Savannah-Chatham public schools, applications are now available and open house dates are set!  (These public schools such as Garrison Elementary, J.G. Smith Elementary, Charles Ellis etc either don’t have an attendance zone/neighborhood district or they also accept children outside of their attendance zone/neighborhood district).

Specialty Application Timeline
Specialty Applications will be available at all sites beginning Monday, January 7, 2013.
The Specialty Application deadline at each site is Friday, February 8, 2013, at 12:00 p.m.
A Lottery will be conducted on Monday, February 25, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at each site.
Notification Letters will be sent sent on March 4, 2013.
The final date for student registration is Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.

To view the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Specialty Programs 2013-2014 Open House Schedule, click here.

Open houses 2012 targeting the 2012-13 School Year (to have your school’s info added, email the info to anne@southernmamas.com)

Savannah Christian Preparatory School
The only Lower School in the area to have earned a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Prospective Parent Open Houses
Meet the teachers, tour the facilities and see how the school prepares students to do well in class and for life!
The Lower School at Chatham Parkway Campus: PreK-5th grades
Thursday, December 6th at 10 am
Thursday, January 31st at 10 am

The Lower School at DeRenne Avenue Campus: PreK-5th grades
Thursday, November 29th at 6:30 pm
Tuesday, December 4th at 10 am
Wednesday, January 30th at 10 am

The Middle School at DeRenne Avenue Campus: 6-8th grades
Thursday, November 29th at 6:30 pm

“Developing the whole person to the glory of God”
For more information visit Savannah Chrisitan Preparatory School website at www.savcps.com  OR contact the Director of Admissions, Debbie Fairbanks ’81 at 912.234.1653 ext. 106 or dfairbanks@savcps.com

Just a reminder: Savannah-Chatham public school start times are a bit different for the 2012-2013 School Year. Check out the times above.

The bell schedule is separated by school levels and includes a different tier for each grouping based on elementary, K-8 Schools, Middle and High.

School starts in Savannah-Chatham County on Mon. Aug. 27, 2012.

Bell time change for May Howard and Hodge

District officials approved this new bell schedule for schools earlier this summer, but parent groups from May Howard and Hodge asked that their school bell times be changed.

Instead of starting at 9:15 a.m. and getting out of school at 4:10 p.m., those schools will start earlier in the morning and release students earlier in the afternoon. Hodge parents complained that working parents need to drop their children off at school as early as 7 a.m. but there is no supervision at that time. May Howard parents complained that the late release time conflicts with after school activities.

Healthy School Start Times

If you think middle and high schools are starting too early, check out a growing grassroots coalition working for safe, healthy school hours for all students at www.StartSchoolLater.net  and their online petition (http://signon.org/sign/promote-legislation-to.fb1?source=s.fb&r_by=1521139 ).

Interested in putting your child’s name into the lottery for the 2012-2013 Savannah-Chatham public schools FREE pre-kindergarten program? Here are some important dates:

Applications for the 2012-2013 Pre-Kindergarten Program will be available Monday, February 27, 2012 through Friday, March 23, 2012. The child must be four years of age on or before September 1, 2012. Parents must provide proof of residence and a certified birth certificate when submitting the application. Please note: Contact Coastal Empire Montessori for that school’s application dates as the school has a seperate enrollment process.

Only one application per child may be submitted at a maximum of three sites. If applying at three sites, your first choice must be in your attendance zone. The application with the appropriate documents must be submitted to each school. Submission of more than 3 applications will result in the child being disqualified.

Children will be selected through a lottery drawing which will be held April 3, 2012 at school sites. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status at the end of April.

Parents may go to any of the sites with the program to obtain an application. The Information Desk at 208 Bull Street will also have applications. Click here for local schools that offer the free pre-K program. Learn more about the program here.

Interested in putting your child’s name into the lottery for the 2012-2013 Savannah-Chatham public schools FREE pre-kindergarten program? Here are some important dates:

Applications for the 2012-2013 Pre-Kindergarten Program will be available Monday, February 27, 2012 through Friday, March 23, 2012. The child must be four years of age on or before September 1, 2012. Parents must provide proof of residence and a certified birth certificate when submitting the application. Please note: Contact Coastal Empire Montessori for that school’s application dates as the school has a seperate enrollment process.

Only one application per child may be submitted at a maximum of three sites. If applying at three sites, your first choice must be in your attendance zone. The application with the appropriate documents must be submitted to each school. Submission of more than 3 applications will result in the child being disqualified.

Children will be selected through a lottery drawing which will be held April 3, 2012 at school sites. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status at the end of April.

Parents may go to any of the sites with the program to obtain an application. The Information Desk at 208 Bull Street will also have applications. Click here for local schools that offer the free pre-K program. Learn more about the program here.

For open houses when you can check out the pre-k schools, click here.

Trying to find the perfect school for your child for the upcoming 2012-13 school year?

Check out our school open house listing here to find open houses happening this winter at Savannah-area public and private schools.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School Open Houses
6 PM Jan 26 & Feb 3 2012; 11 AM Feb 18 & Feb 25 2012

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a Montessori Learning Community serving children three years old through the second grade. The school is growing and will add a grade each year until a full compliment of elementary classrooms is reached. Currently, the school has openings in the 3-year old program, 4-year old program, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade and Fourth Grade for the 2012-13 school year.

If you would like more information on enrolling your child please contact the school office at 912-238-1973 or visit the school website at www.cemco.org .

The internationally-recognized Montessori method of teaching helps children reach their full potential in all areas of life by teaching them to take responsibility for their own learning. Montessori learning activities promote the development of critical-thinking skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination. The Montessori method of education has long been seen as an approach that successfully meets children’s individual needs while teaching them to become contributing citizens to our society.

An Organized Environment

The entire school is set up to support the child’s self-directed learning. Together, the teacher and student form a relationship based on trust and respect that fosters self-confidence and a willingness to try and explore new things.
Highly-Trained Teachers

The Montessori teacher functions as a facilitator, resource person, role model, demonstrator, record-keeper, and meticulous observer of each child’s behavior and growth. At Coastal Empire, all teachers are Montessori-trained and Georgia elementary teacher-certified.
Proven Teaching Methodology

At Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, children are provided a basis for critical and abstract thinking through activity-based education. Montessori educational practices are characterized by:
• Child-centered rather than teacher-directed
• Hands-on and activity oriented as opposed to textbook curriculum
• Based on continuous progress
• Self-directed with a control-of-error system
• Based on recognition of progress as opposed to numerical grades
• Dynamic in that children are encouraged to move around and make choices of activities
• Set on a three-year age span of children within the classroom; older children teach younger children, building self-esteem and a sense of community
• Materials are introduced through individualized instruction; Montessori teachers help children to take responsibility for their own learning
• Emphasis is on concrete learning that leads to the abstraction of concepts and skills
• Children working for the joy of working and the sense of discovery
• An environment that provides a natural sense of discipline.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, supported by the Montessori philosophy and method, educates the Whole Child. By nurturing the total development of the child and fostering respect for self, peers, community, and nature, the child will be prepared to take their place in society and work toward a peaceful world.

For more information on Montessori Education please visit the following websites:
www.montessori-ami.org  (Association Montessori International)
www.amshq.org  (American Montessori Society)

For more local school open houses happening this winter 2012, click here.

The General Assembly reduced the Pre-Kindergarten (lottery) budget substantially. As a result of this funding reduction, the academic calendar for the free Pre-Kindergarten program was reduced.

Those budget reductions mean pre-K students in Savannah-Chatham Public Schools don’t start the 2011-12 school year until Tues. Sept. 20. (The start day for the rest of the Savannah-Chatham public school students is Aug. 22. ) Pre-Kindergarten staff and students will then follow the district’s academic calendar for the remainder of the 2011-2012 school year.

We wonder how these changes for the Pre-Kindergarten school year for Savannah-Chatham public schools is affecting the pre-K waiting lists at coveted public schools? Has anyone noticed parents opting out of free public pre-Ks or taking their names off the waiting lists as a result of the delayed school year start or because of pre-K teachers transferring out of pre-K to other grades?

Vacancies are now available for the Pre-K program in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. The following locations have openings:

• East Broad Elementary- 400 East Broad
• Gadsden Elementary- 919 May Street
• Haven Elementary- 5111 Dillon Street
• Heard Elementary- 414 Lee Blvd.
• Low Elementary- 15 Blue Ridge Ave
• Spencer Elementary- 100 Bouhan Street
• Thunderbolt Elementary- 3313 Louis Street
• Woodville-Tompkins- 151 Coach Joe Turner Drive

For info on qualifications for pre-k, click here

Jumpbunch is an International Sports and Fitness program serving children and families throughout the US and India!

JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is currently offering classes in Savannah and Richmond Hill at Children’s Village, PALS, Early Learning, Maggies Morning School, Richmond Hill Montessori, Southern Montessori and many more locations.

FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS July 11 AT 9:30 am

JumpBunch is offering a 10 week session beginning on July 18 – September 26
The class offered will be Monday morning at 9:30 am located at New Life Church at 16252 Hwy 144 E in Richmond Hill, GA. (No class held Monday 5 September)

The cost for the 10 weeks is only $65 (Jumpbunch offers a military discount of 10$ off)

Each week, Jumpbunch offers a cardio workout, muscle resistance training and introduces a new sport activity in a fun, hands-on, non-competitive environment. At this stage, Jumpbunch is building confidence and coordination.

Some of the fun sports Jumpbunch offers are: Lacrosse, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Bowling, Kickball, Cheerleading and parachute games and best of all equipment for each class will be available for each child. No equipment to buy!!

Jumpbunch offers a Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

www.jumpbunch.com
And check Jumpbunch out on Facebook: Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah by clicking here.

If you have any additional questions, please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312

Jumpbunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Searching for a nurturing and challenging Pre-K for your child for 2011-12? Stop by to visit First Presbyterian Preschool’s private Pre-K half-day program at 520 Washington Ave. in Ardsley Park.

The Pre-K is open to the community and offers families an educational, warm Christian environment. The school day is from 9 AM-noon. For interested families, an optional Lunch Bunch is offered three days a week from noon-2 PM. Other optional enrichment classes offered after school for an additional charge include: Spanish, soccer, Jump Bunch and art.

Visitors are welcome to visit the school classrooms, meet the teachers and ask questions. Call Ann Anderson, First Presbyterian Preschool Director at 912-351-0609.

In addition to Pre-K, First Presbyterian Preschool also offers a morning program that includes a class for 1-year-olds (walking); a class for 2-year-olds; and a class for 3-year-olds. The school follows the Savannah Chatham School calendar, beginning the day after Labor Day and ending on the last Friday in May. During summer, two three-week “camp” sessions are offered.

Teachers approach learning “developmentally”, offering age-appropriate activities to meet each child’s developmental needs. The school’s comfortable, welcoming environment allows children to gain socialization skills as they work in a combination of large and small manipulatives and participate in Circle Time, a daily story, art, music and outdoor play. First Presbyterian’s associate pastor shares a Bible story weekly.

The First Presbyterian Preschool program boasts a dedicated staff of qualified teachers. Class size is limited to eight. The “Ones” and “Twos” have two teachers each, while the “Threes” and “Pre-K” have one teacher each. Director Ann Anderson is a veteran Early Childhood educator and floats among the four classrooms. Instructors are CPR certified and trained in First Aid.

On a personal note, as a First Presbyterian Preschool parent, I couldn’t be happier with the school, the engaging and energetic teachers and the director Ann Anderson, who greets families at the door each school morning, making children feel welcome and excited about the school day ahead.  The staff, the parents and the children all enjoy being at First Presbyterian Preschool, the true sign of a quality school.  

First Presbyterian Preschool, 520 Washington Ave., Savannah, GA 31405, 912.351.0609, http://savannahfpc.org/pre-school/

Registration is under way at many Savannah-area preschools for the 2011-12 school year. Click here for a list of our readers’ picks for local preschools.

Veritas Academy at the Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull St., Savannah will have a preview morning and information session Wed. April 23 8:30-9:30AM. For more info on Veritas, call 912-238-1222 or visit www.veritassavannah.org.

Good luck to everyone enduring the nerve-wrecking lottery drawings this week for Savannah-Chatham Public Schools Free Pre-K. And congratulations or condolences to those of you who found out your Pre-K fate at any of today’s lotteries.

I am a little embarrassed to admit I teared up a bit when my son’s name wasn’t among the top 40 called at today’s Charles Ellis lottery (We’re No. 56 out of 98 for 40 slots, so there’s still a slim chance on the waiting list for a coveted spot, right? Right?)

Of course, lottery attendance isn’t mandatory for those of you who applied to a Savannah-Chatham Pre-K Program. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status at the end of April. But for those who can’t wait until then, here is a schedule of the rest of the week’s lotteries. (Thank you to Mindy Nash for this schedule!)

2011-2012 SCCPSS Pre-K Lottery Drawing Schedules
Whitney Administrative Complex
2 Laura Street, off President’s Extension

Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM: Thunderbolt, Butler, Georgetown
11 AM White Bluff, Spencer, J. G. Smith
12:30 PM Shuman, Port Wentworth, Pooler

Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM Windsor High, Howard, Heard
11 AM Gould, Hesse, Gadsden
12:30 PM Garrison, Haven, Bartow

Thursday, March 31, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM: Southwest, Marshpoint
11 AM: Isle of Hope, Bloomingdale
12:30 PM: East Broad, Godley

We all know how hard it is to make the right decision on where to send our children to school.

Pooler MOPS tries to make the decision a little bit easier by hosting a School Fair each year.

This year, the Pooler MOPS School Fair is Wed. Feb. 2 from 9 AM-noon at First Presbyterian Church of Pooler 305 HWY 80SE, Pooler. There will be public, private and home schools represented. The event is open and free to the public.

Interested schools can contact Liz St.Lawrence at poolermops@gmail.com if they would like to attend. A list of confirmed schools can be found by clicking here.

The madness that is the Savannah pre-k lottery (i.e. the race to get into your choice of free pre-Kindergarten) starts soon.

Applications for the 2011-2012 Pre-Kindergarten Program will be available Mon. Feb. 7, 2011 through Fri. March 4, 2011.  The FREE Georgia pre-k program is a full-day program available at some public and private schools.

The FREE pre-K classses are funded by the Georgia Lottery and open to children who will be 4 years of age prior to or on September 1, 2011.

At Savannah-Chatham public schools, children will be selected through a lottery process, which will be held in late March 2011. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status. Applications will continue to be accepted after the classes are filled, but they will be placed in a “waiting” folder in the event that openings occur in the Pre-K classes.

To obtain an application, go to any of the sites with the program. The Information desk at 208 Bull Street will also have applications.

Private schools also offer the free pre-K program including Maggies’ Morning School, Savannah Youth University, Candler’s  The Children’s House, and  YMCA Childcare Plus: but many have a different application process. If you’re interested in a private child care that has it, call the school to find out when their applications are due.  Many are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Savannah-Chatham Public Schools: Speciality Elementary Schools (These public schools either don’t have an attendance zone/neighborhood district or they also accept children outside of their attendance zone/neighborhood district)

Bartow Elementary
Math, Technology and Design Program
1804 Stratford St. Savannah, GA 31415
912.395.5300
Has 20 lottery-funded (Free) Pre-K spots; children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Charles Ellis (P-8)
Montessori Academy
220 E. 49th St., Savannah GA 31405
912.395.5470
Has 40 lottery-funded (Free) Pre-K slots and no specific attendance zone/neighborhood district.

Garrison Elementary (P-8)
School of Visual and Performing Arts
649 W. Jones St., Savannah, GA 31415
912.395.5975
Has 20 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots and no specific attendance zone/neighborhood district.

Heard Elementary
Advanced Learning with Core Knowledge Program
414 Lee Boulevard, Savannah GA 31405
912.395.6630
Has 40 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots. Children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Hodge Elementary
Medical/Allied Health Program
3609 Hopkins St., Savannah, GA 31405
912.395.5200
Pre-K slots number not available

Jacob G. Smith Elementary
Traditional program with Core Knowledge
210 Lamara Drive, Savannah GA 31405
912.395.6530
Has 20 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots. Children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Largo-Tibet Elementary
International Baccalaureate Primary Years
Programme Candidate School
430 Tibet Ave., Savannah GA 31406
912.395.3450
Pre-K slots number not available

Marshpoint Elementary
International Baccalaureate
Primary Years Programme
135 Whitemarsh Island Rd, Savannah GA 31410
912.395.4000
Has 20 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots. Children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

A slew of open houses at schools are happening this season. If you are looking into schools for the 2011-12 school year, below are a few open houses to check out. If you’d like to have a school included in this list, please email the info to anne@southernmamas.com:

A slew of open houses at schools are happening this season. If you are looking into schools for the 2011-12 school year, below are a few open houses to check out. To access this list throughout the school year, visit the Savannah private school open house page, included in the Pages list on the left side of the main page of SouthernMamas.

If you’d like to have a school included in this list, please email the info to anne@southernmamas.com:

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a Montessori Learning Community serving children 3-years old through the second grade.

The school is growing and will add a grade each year until a full compliment of elementary classrooms is reached. Currently, the school has openings in the 3-year old program, Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade. If you would like more information on enrolling your child please contact the school office at 912-238-1973 or click here.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, supported by the Montessori philosophy and method, educates the Whole Child.