FWCS adopts pre-K curriculum

By Ashley Sloboda | The Journal Gazette

Before the Fort Wayne Community Schools board voted Monday to adopt a prekindergarten curriculum, member Glenna Jehl wanted to know how much time youngsters would spend in front of a screen.

The proposed curriculum is a play-based, developmentally appropriate program, said Katie Ziegler, pre-K coordinator.

“Creative Curriculum really embraces hands-on learning,” Ziegler said. “Mostly, the materials that we're going to be adopting are for the teachers to utilize with their children.”

For example, she said, it includes teacher manuals to help guide instruction.

“I'm glad to hear that you're not forcing kids to sit and play games all morning on (a) computer,” Jehl said, noting concerns about technology affecting brain development.

“Yes, that is good news,” said Julie Hollingsworth, board president.

The board approved using Creative Curriculum for the 2019-25 school years at a total cost of almost $220,000. It includes about $18,100 for professional learning.

In other business, the board also approved new principals at four schools for the upcoming academic year.

Curriculum coordinator Erica Almas will lead Northrop High School, where she previously was assistant principal. She replaces Jason Witzigreuter, who accepted a position outside the district.

Gjergj Haxhiu is joining FWCS to become principal at Franke Park Elementary School.

He replaces Brian Howard, who is moving to Haley Elementary School because its principal, Brandon White, is leaving for a position outside FWCS.

Nickolas Sharin, assistant principal at Northrop, will move to Jefferson Middle School to replace Jeff King, who is retiring.