Early Childhood Center Kicks Off 2011-12 School Year

Beginning this fall, Dr. Cyndi Hebenstreit will get access to something she said she hasn't had in 11 years: a part-time administrative intern.

"I am excited," said Hebenstreit, who is principal of the Maplewood Richmond Heights Early Childhood Center (ECC). She spoke Monday night before introducing the new intern to parents.  "I get very excited when good things are happening. "

The intern, Jessica Green, also will serve as an instructor in the 's English for Speakers of Other Languages program and as a coordinator for a district tutoring program.

Green told the audience she has worked in education for 15 years.

Other speakers on Monday included nurse Michelle Davis, who encouraged parents to contact her with information about their children's medical conditions so the school can be prepared to help them.

Tarra Andrews, who works as a reading and writing interventionist at the school, will serve as president of the PTO. She explained the group's fundraising activities on Monday and encouraged parents to purchase a copy of the forthcoming cookbook titled The Family Table, compiled from recipes of district families. She also said participation in the Box Tops for Education program is another way for the school to get money for projects.

Classes begin Wednesday at the ECC, and preschoolers begin their work Aug. 24.