12/2024 PreK Registration 25-26
Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent of Schools
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December 2024
Dear TUFSD Community and Families,
Do you know a child turning 4 by December 1, 2025? Our Pre-K Lottery Application Process opens on December 2, 2024, and closes on February 14, 2025. Lottery results and waitlist notifications will be sent in early March 2025.
For more information, join our Pre-K Lottery Webinar on December 2, 2024, at 7 PM to learn more and ask questions.
We look forward to helping you through the process. More details are available below.
Questions? Join Our Pre-K Lottery Webinar!
Join our Pre-K Lottery Webinar to learn more and ask questions.
📅 December 2, 2024 at 7:00pm
🎥 Virtual via Zoom
Ms. Miller (Mascia Lead UPK Teacher) and Mrs. Barnett (JP Principal) will be there to help.
How Do I Apply to the Pre-K Lottery?
Complete the Pre-K Application Packet (English / Spanish) and submit it by February 14, 2025, in an envelope addressed to Ms. Jennifer Bayliss at John Paulding School.
Applications can be dropped off in person during the following hours: 9:30 AM–11:45 AM or 1:30 PM–2:30 PM. If you cannot visit during these times, use the mailbox at the front of the building and notify Ms. Bayliss at 914-332-6232.
We will notify families within the first two weeks of March 2025 if their child’s application was selected in the lottery or if they are placed on the waitlist.
All information on the Pre-K Lottery is housed on our Pre-K website: tufsd.org/prek. If you have questions, reach out to Jen Bayliss in the JP Main Office. Her email is hyperlinked and our Pre-K Phone Number is 914-332-6232.
How Does the Pre-K Lottery Work?
All applications are entered into the lottery system.
Selection is random: we use a computerized wheel that spins and chooses names.
No sibling preference given: each child has an equal chance, regardless if your child has attended our UPK Program in the past.
Multiples (twins, triplets, etc.): if one child wins a spot, their sibling(s) will be automatically admitted.
McKinney-Vento Act: students who qualify under this act are automatically enrolled in the program.
We typically offer 6 full-day classes, ensuring 108 students receive seats in our program.
Enrollment may vary each year based on funding and available space.
Families will be notified of the results once the lottery is complete, typically around the first two weeks of March.
This ensures a fair and transparent process for all applicants.
What Happens in the The Pre-K Program?
When Does the Program Run?
- John Paulding is proud to partner with Elizabeth Mascia Child Care Center to provide UPK for our District's 4-year-olds.
- Pre-K Program runs Monday–Friday 🗓️, 8:50 AM – 3:35 PM ⏰ (same as Kindergarten).
How Many Students are in the Program?
- Each classroom welcomes 18 students, a teacher, and a teaching assistant. We typically run a program for 108 students across six full-day classrooms, but that number may fluctuate from year-to-year based on space and funding.
- For 2024-2025, due to low Kindergarten enrollment, we were about to accommodate 144 students across eight full-day classrooms.