The Pre-K program at Marlboro Academy has resumed. Monday was a soft opening for students.
                                 Photos courtesy of Marlboro Academy

The Pre-K program at Marlboro Academy has resumed. Monday was a soft opening for students.

Photos courtesy of Marlboro Academy

<p>Ten students had many activities awaiting them on their first day.</p>
                                 <p>Photos courtesy of Marlboro Academy</p>

Ten students had many activities awaiting them on their first day.

Photos courtesy of Marlboro Academy

On Monday, the newest and littlest members of the Marlboro Academy campus arrived for their first day.

The Pre-K program resumed after several years. This program will be year-round with a typical school year and daycare provided during the summer. The hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The program can handle 17 children now.

Pre-K Director Amy Sloop said Monday was a soft opening.

“We welcomed 10 of our students for a day filled with arts and crafts, songs and classroom fun,” she said. “Students enjoyed their morning and when it was rest time, they all fell asleep. I think that speaks well for a busy, fun-filled day.”

She said the program is a way to get students acclimated to the school setting while providing a good solid basis for kindergarten.

“It starts with social skills and some basic core learning elements that they can take into kindergarten and have a very successful start,” she said.

Sloop said they looked forward to their remaining students joining the class next week on Aug. 17, which is the official first day of school for Marlboro Academy.

Headmaster Joe Critcher said 260 students will be starting on the first day, which is the highest number in his eight years with the school.

“I am excited,” he said.

There are 27 students in the senior class, which is the highest number in three years.

Critcher noted it is a very good academic class with 12 out of 27 students in the National Honor Society and 18 out of 27 in the National Beta Club.

This school year also brings five new staff members, which will bring the number of staff to 33.