PARK CITY – One, two, three. A, B, C. Numbers and letters that form the basis of education now are being offered to 4-year-olds from non-English speaking homes by Holy Cross Ministries through the Holy Cross Readiness Program.
This is the first year for the program, which serves 20 children in each of the two sessions that are given through the day.
Emphasis is on literacy, numeracy, English language and classroom skills needed for a successful start in kindergarten.
The program’s three instructors, Alyssa Lewanski, Miriam Garcia and Alma Armendariz, are certified and have gone through the Safe Environment program.
“Everything is very organized,” said Armendariz, who is in charge of the religious class.
Classes are taught in both languages English and Spanish so the kids can be fully prepared for their entrance into kindergarten.
Holy Cross Ministries is a well-recognized organization in Park City; many people seek their help and guidance. The Alvarado family is one of them. They arrived in Utah five years ago; Minerva Alvarado has a 3-and-a-half-year-old child whom she wants to raise to be able to speak both languages fluently. “I think if my daughter knows and dominates both languages she will have lots of opportunities,” said Alvarado. “When I heard about the Holy Cross program I was very excited and I want her to be in it.”
However, Alvarado will have to wait until next school year to enroll her daughter in the Readiness program because it follows the Park City School District calendar.
The program offers a morning session that goes from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and afternoon session that runs from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The classes are given at St. Mary’s Catholic Church from Monday through Thursday. Holy Cross Ministries provides transportation for the students as well as snacks for the kids.
The Holy Cross sisters also provide a “Parents Academy, which teaches the parents to navigate through the educational system in Utah.
“For many it is very different; some families come from California, Arizona, Mexico or they simply are new in the school system, they have never had a kid in school so they are beginners, too,” said Armendariz.
From time to time, the parents also volunteer their time helping the instructors prepare the snacks or prepare the material for the classes.
“We are very proud of this program and of the participation of the families,” said Armendariz.
For information about the Readiness program, call Sister Mary Ann Pajakowski, 801-261-3440 ext 35 or 435-655-7980 or e-mail mpajakowski@hcmutah.org. The program has a $25 fee.
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