Purpose School Enhances Morning Program for 2015/2016 School Year

Purpose School Makes Changes for 2015/2016 School Year Based on Parents’ Input

Stoneham, MA (November 17, 2014) The Purpose School of Stoneham, MA is pleased to announce changes in hours for the 2015-2016 school year. After reviewing surveys from past and present families about what hours parents would find most helpful, Purpose School has decided to enhance and expand its morning program. The reflection and new change of hours is based on the need for the increase of morning families requesting extended time and more time in the afternoon for extra-curricular activities of the students and their siblings.

Starting in the 2015/2016 school year, Purpose School will begin at 8:30 am and end at 12:00 pm, with a daily lunch bunch option from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. (Children bring their own nut free lunch). All five classrooms will offer a two day option (Tuesday and Thursday), three day option (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), four day option (days of parent choice), and five day option. Also new for the 2015-2016 school year there is an early drop off option (8:00-8:30) and an extended day option following lunch bunch from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. The addition of the early drop off and extended day options will allow parents to better coordinate drop off and pick up times for older children in the various public schools.

Kristie Colwell, director of Purpose School, is confident that the extended hours will only enhance the pre-school experience at school. “The new school time will provide more opportunities for additional gross motor skills development, enrichment experiences, language, and creative activities which can only help a child be more prepared for Kindergarten” says Colwell.

Purpose School will continue to welcome all children who are ages two years and nine months to six years old, from Stoneham, Reading, Wakefield and all other surrounding communities. Their dedicated staff will remain the same as will their developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to foster growth in the areas of social/emotional, language, physical and cognitive development. As always Purpose School will follow the State Standards and Guidelines recommended by the Early Childhood Advisory Council to the Massachusetts Board of Education.

Enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year begins on November 10, 2014 for returning students and their siblings and January 5, 2015 for all new families. Contact the school directly to schedule a tour and learn more about the Purpose School by calling 781-438-2815.

About Purpose School (www.purposeschool.com)

Purpose School welcomes all children who are ages two years and nine months to six years. The School is proud of its student population that is currently comprised of children from Stoneham, Wakefield, Melrose, Reading, Lynnfield, Saugus, Medford, Malden, Woburn and surrounding communities. Purpose School is located in the First Congregational Church in Stoneham, but it does not have a religious affiliation with the church. The School does not discriminate in providing services to children and families on the basis of race, religion, cultural heritage, national origin, gender, marital status or any other category protected by law.

During the early 1940’s, Reverend Mark Strickland had a dream of providing a community service for mothers who were busy working in the defense industry or volunteering in the war effort. In September of 1943 that dream became a reality. In 1962, the building that now houses Purpose School was built. Because of the dedication of teachers and directors that dream continues to be enhanced and enriched for families and children to be some 65 years later. Ultimately the success of a preschool program depends on the relationship between teachers, children and parents - teachers who love what they do, children who thrive in a nurturing and caring atmosphere, and parents who appreciate and encourage their children’s growth. That’s Purpose School.

Contact: Kristie Colwell for more information: 781-438-2815 or colwellm@msn.com