Glassboro’s Genesis Preschool Program Moves to Its New Location and Registration Begins   

            GLASSBORO – Genesis Preschool Program moves to J. Harvey Rodgers School this fall with a new focus and an enhanced program. The program will serve up to thirty 3-year-olds, primarily from low-income households.

            “Over the past two decades, the Genesis Program has touched the lives of our community members and tapped the potential of our youngest students. We are very excited to take this next step in the evolution of the Genesis Program by bringing these students to Rodgers and by providing instruction that will
prepare our children for the challenges of the 21^stcentury,” said J. Harvey Rodgers Principal Richard Taibi.   

            Students will benefit from a curriculum aligned with the Creative Curriculum used in Glassboro’s pre-kindergarten classes. The district selected Creative Curriculum because it is a comprehensive, scientifically-based, early-childhood curriculum that has been shown to improve cognitive and social/emotional outcomes in young children, according to Danielle Sochor, Glassboro Schools District’s director of curriculum and personnel. Creative Curriculum encourages children to become independent, self-confident and inquisitive learners. Its goal is to help students become enthusiastic, lifelong learners.   

            Sochor noted, “The Glassboro preschool philosophy is based upon the belief that young children learn best in a safe, nurturing environment which provides opportunities for children to learn and develop through activities which are age- and individually-appropriate. The program provides a rich environment that promotes children’s active exploration in all areas of development: physical, emotional, linguistic, aesthetic, and cognitive. Teachers integrate curriculum into the classroom through a thematic approach whereby learning activities are concrete, real, and relevant.”   

            At J. Harvey Rodgers School, Genesis students will have access to a media/library center, gym and playground. Teacher Kelly Franklin-Moxey will provide a literacy-rich program. Classes will run 5 days a week with morning and afternoon sessions. Math and literacy coaches, Julie Jellig and Steve Hempel, will support instruction and join others in providing parent presentations. Transportation to and from school will be provided during the school day.  

            “This program continues to serve a critical need for at risk students. This goes along with our strong commitment to early childhood education,” said Dr. Mark Silverstein, Glassboro School District’s superintendent.   

            Finding adequate funding for programs has been challenging in recent years. This year, support from the Glassboro Board of Education and a $50,000 Community Development Block Grant, awarded through the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Gloucester County Department of Economic Development’s Division of Housing and Community Development, will make the Genesis school-year program possible. Earlier this summer, Genesis ran a summer enrichment program made possible through a $1,500 grant from the Glassboro Housing Authority.    

            “While we are fortunate to be able to fund the difference (between program costs and grant funding), grant funding continues to decrease annually raising the need for outside sources of funding,” said Silverstein.  

            Glassboro parents can pick up registration packets at J. Harvey Rodgers School, 301 Georgetown Road, in Glassboro from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday – Friday. For more information, call 856-652-2700, ext. 75402.