ABOVE: Mark Denman Early Learning Center Principal Rachel Webber (L) with kindergarten teacher Kathy Houpt (R).
During the previous school year, a decision was made by the District 118 School Board to have all students younger than first grade in one building. And now, Mark Denman Elementary School has become the Mark Denman Early Learning Center. With the buildings’ previous elementary students now at different schools, the Mark Denman structure now has 18 full-day kindergarten classes, 14 either half or full day pre-kindergarten classes for three and four year olds; and the district’s Birth to Three program is based there as well. For the latter, the district’s Birth to Three home visitors and family counselors will be based at Mark Denman, in addition to holding Birth to Three parent group meetings in the community room.
(1st Picture) Tamara Medina in a former Mark Denman classroom being turned into the new library. The old library will now be used for Gross Motor Play, assisting with children’s muscle development, strength, balance, and coordination. (3rd Picture) Principal Rachel Webber in her office.
For new Mark Denman principal Rachel Webber, this is her 18th year with District 118, having spent the recent years working in early childhood special education. But when she heard District 118’s plans for the Early Learning Center, she stood up immediately.
AUDIO: I’ve made it very well known over the last several years that this was my ultimate goal with my career; to become principal at an early learning center.
Kindergarteners and pre-kindergarteners will be able to share bus rides to the new facility. And Principal Webber says numerous classrooms had old cabinets taken out to make more room for the youngsters. Combining the morning and afternoon pre-K classes, total enrollment should be about 600 – 650.
AUDIO: I know that our biggest goal is going to be helping our students get comfortable and feel safe enough to learn in their environment. We’re going to be implementing our Social – Emotional Curriculum this year.
A new look at the front door this year for the Mark Denman Early Learning Center.
For District 118’s Superintendent John Hart, this change finally fulfills something he’s had in the back of his mind.
AUDIO: I’ve thought about this for many years, and with it coming together; I think it makes sense to the teachers. It’ll be a small adjustment, but everybody seems pretty excited.
Hart added that while there still could be plans for some pre-K classes at the district’s Carle building facility on North Vermilion; for now, Mark Denman has plenty of space for this with some room for growth. In addition, Mark Denman still has the laundry facility that’s available for district families, as well as the community room.
Kindergarteners start the new school year this Thursday (August 13th), with the Pre-K students coming in on Friday (August 14th). Hart did add that all kindergarten and pre-K students riding the bus should have their names on them or with them in some way; just in case a child gets on or off a bus at the wrong location.
