Lemont Park Foundation Funds Preschool Coronavirus Safety Updates

LEMONT, IL – Since March, the Lemont Park District Preschool Academy has continued to be operational. The park district said staff developed a remote learning option in the spring and the school year ended on a positive note as teachers successfully delivered supplies, certificates and yard signs to all students' homes during “The Lemont Park District Preschool Academy On-the-Go 2020 Tour.”

As the new school year approached, the park district said it was challenged with trying to create a reopening plan. The preschool has always used large tables for group learning, but individual desks were now needed to follow health guidelines.

"Not only were individual desks needed, an abundance of other supplies was also necessary which was not budgeted for this year," the park district said.

The Lemont Park Foundation stepped in and donated funds to purchase these materials essential to operating the school, the park district said. In-person preschool programs for the new school year have now started.

The funds donated by the Lemont Park Foundation allowed the District to purchase mobile,
individual desks, storage units to separate supplies, new washable seating squares, and new real-play kitchen units that are easy to clean thoroughly.

“The Lemont Park District Preschool Academy could not be more grateful to the
Lemont Park Foundation,” Pam Carter, Park District Manager of Education and Community Liaison, said in a release. “Each classroom is ready to welcome students and staff in a very safe and conducive environment so each child can still reach their full learning and development potential safely. We really were ecstatic to receive such an incredible gift!”

Over 100 children are enrolled in the preschool academy, with 80 percent of students opting for in-person learning.

The Lemont Park Foundation is made up of volunteers in the community. The park district said the group improves, provides, and expands the Lemont Park District’s parks, programs, facilities and resources to improve the quality of life for residents.

To volunteer and be part of the Lemont Park Foundation or to learn more about the
organization, “Like” them on Facebook or contact Foundation Liaison, Pam Carter at
pcarter@lemontparks.org.