Parents should apply now for PRE-K & VPK Programs

Applications of interest are now being accepted for the Pre-K/VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten) program operated by the Title One Office of Marion County Public Schools. This full-day program takes place during the normal 2012-2013 school year and is not related to Summertime VPK programs.

Applications are available at participating school sites, the Title One Office (306 NW 7th Ave. in Ocala) and online at www.marion.k12.fl.us/dept/fep/index.cfm.

This program is widely popular but has limited seating. Admission is based on a random selection of applications submitted or postmarked by the 5PM, March 6 deadline.

Parents or guardians of students accepted into the regular school-year program will be notified via telephone call from the district’s Title One Office starting March 13, 2012. Those not selected will be placed on a waiting list in random order and notified in a letter from the Title One office.

Title One Pre-K/VPK applications may be returned in four ways:

• in person at the Title One office at 306 NW 7 Ave. in Ocala;
• mailed to the Title One office at 306 NW 7 Ave., Ocala, FL, 34475;
• faxed to the Title One office at 352.620.7604; or
• completed online www.marion.k12.fl.us/dept/fep/index.cfm.

To be eligible, children must be four years old on or before September 1, 2012, and live within the attendance zone of their participating school.

Regular school-year Pre-K/VPK will be offered in 18 classrooms at 15 public elementary schools: Anthony, Belleview, College Park, East Marion, Emerald Shores, Evergreen, Fessenden, Ft. McCoy, Oakcrest, Reddick-Collier, South Ocala, Sparr, Sunrise, Stanton-Weirsdale and Wyomina Park. Transportation is provided for those students accepted into the program and meeting eligibility requirements.

For more information, contact the Title One office at 352.620.7652.

A Press Release from Marion County Schools