ABC Express

A new program for future students at Carter County's Hammond and Hawks Home rural schools began recently, which prepares pre-school aged youth for the rigors of a structured educational system.

The School Readiness Program, which was set up by Heather Brownfield, Krista Gnerer, and Wynn Tauck, came about as a result of increased attendance. In the past, the teachers at Hammond and Hawks Home were able to spend additional time on Pre-K kids. Currently, the two schools have a combined attendance of twelve students, with seven in grades K-4 at Hammond, and five in K-6 at Hawks Home, which are taught by Barb Lapke and Shannon Bailey, according to Brownfield.

This increased attendance meant the teachers simply didn't have time for a pre-school program. The school board searched for options, and came up with a program that suits their rural lifestyles quite well, through the help of private funding. Funding is provided for the program through the Edna Allen Foundation, a non-profit foundation based out of Miles City, as well as Milestown Community Improvement, which receives funding through profits from custom license plates.

The School Readiness Program takes kids who are a year or so from Kindergarten, and brings them into the classroom one day a week, for a full day. They are able to work on becoming more proficient in their ABCs, as well as getting used to the structure of school life.

Jayme Gaskill teaches the program at Hawks Home, while Debbie Harrington teaches at Hammond. The program currently teaches two kids at Hawks Home, and four at Hammond.

Brownfield is excited about the program, and wanted to thank the Edna Allen Foundation and Milestown Community Improvement Inc., for the opportunity for youth in rural Carter County to have a jump start on their education.