In 2024, Mary Lin Elementary reinstated its pre-kindergarten program. The program focuses on personal growth and transitioning students into elementary school.
APS has a total of 58 pre-K classrooms across 38 different sites. Currently, Mary Lin has one class of 20 students. Mary Lin Principal Denise Bringslid believes its curriculum can help encourage successful academic careers.
“Our pre-K program is designed to build foundational skills that set young children up for success in school and beyond,” Bringslid said. “Our goal is for our pre-K students to develop a balanced mix of cognitive, social, and physical skills that prepare them for kindergarten and lifelong learning.”
Pre-K teacher Carol Evans said the class participates in activities that follow their monthly curriculum. Some of these include reading stories, working with students individually and in groups and exploring new learning strategies.
“The pre-K program provides SEL (Social Emotional Learning) lessons, language and literacy instruction, math and science instruction, social studies, and music and movements,” Evans said. “We have a monthly curriculum theme with weekly lessons that support the theme.”
The program also focuses on problem solving. Evans said the class works on social skills and learning to face obstacles during the school day.
“SEL lessons are discussed and taught through Morning Meeting [and] Circle Time, class expectations and calming strategies are reviewed and practiced,” Evans said. “Students commit to a social behavior that they want to work on making stronger. Any issues that may occur during the day are discussed and reviewed.”
Bringslid views the school’s transition as rewarding for Mary Lin, despite its challenges.
“Adapting to a pre-K class at Mary Lin has been both exciting and challenging in the best possible ways,” Bringslid said. “The transition to working with younger children, especially four year olds, has required a lot of flexibility and patience. It’s been wonderful to see how quickly the kids learn and grow. Sometimes, they pick up new concepts faster than expected, and other times, we need to slow down and provide extra support to help them feel confident.”
Bringslid believes balance is an essential part of teaching younger students.
“One thing I can say about pre-Kers is that they are very curious learners,” Bringslid said. “Pre-K students thrive on the consistency of a routine, but they also have a lot of energy, so there’s a lot of room for spontaneous learning and exploration. The teachers have to balance meeting the student’s individual needs while also maintaining a classroom environment that is fun and engaging.”
Mary Lin parent and Go Team member Lynley Teras believes the pre-K program is beneficial to Mary Lin’s students, parents and Candler Park residents.
“Both the pre-K and SEL programs implemented at Mary Lin are important to the parent community,” Teras said. “Teaching our kids life skills and to care about those around you creates a positive classroom environment, reduces bullying and creates healthy relationships, which ultimately allows children to contribute to a more caring, just world.”
Parents and students have enjoyed having the pre-K program at Mary Lin, Evans said.
“The pre-K students are so cute and sweet,” Evans said. “Mary Lin adults and students are still excited about them being at Mary Lin. They just smile and comment on how cute they are. They are kind to them and seem to look out for them.”
Sophomore and former Mary Lin student Katharine Cardwell believes having experience in a classroom is valuable to younger students.
“It is very helpful for a kid to understand what they are going into, and get a precursor of what they are going to be learning about in elementary school,” Cardwell said. “I think that definitely helps the transition be a little more smooth, instead of them learning something that is completely new.”
Mary Lin’s pre-K program aims to instill routines and critical thinking habits. Teras believes the program is helpful in preparing children for future accomplishments.
“Early education is the best way to set up children for success,” Teras said. “It provides children with problem-solving skills, try new things and master basic daily skills that will prepare them for kindergarten. Mary Lin’s pre-K program has been so popular; they are hoping to add a second classroom next year.“
