The 2025-26 morning preschool class at Callaway Public School includes seven students. One was missing the day this photo was taken. (Photo courtesy Jennifer Hickenbottom)

Preschool classes are held at Callaway Public School Monday through Friday, with a morning session from 8:05 - 11:05 a.m. and an afternoon session from 12:15 to 3:44 p.m. Teacher for the preschool program is Jennifer Hickenbottom, and Elementary Principal Brittany Jesseph oversees grades pre-K through sixth.

Requirements for students to be able to attend the preschool include: students must reach the age of 3 by July 31 of the current school year, and they must be able to use the restroom independently. Out-of district students will be accepted on a space-available basis with tuition to be determined.

This year Mrs. Hickenbottom has 18 children in preschool at Callaway – seven in the morning session, and 11 in the afternoon class.

“Our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children can interact with peers, learn about who they are and the world around them,” said Mrs. Hickenbottom. “They will be given a variety of opportunities and activities to grow socially, academically, emotionally, and physically.”

Parents need to complete the registration form provided by the school office and provide a current immunization record and birth certificate.

This is the 10th year of the preschool program at Callaway Public School. This year’s class includes the following students: Morning Class: Brecklynn Berg, William Coons, Wyatt Hogg, Raif Jorgenson, Willow Malan, Lula Meyer, and Riata Owens Afternoon Class: Brianna Bonde, Maggie Brogan, Jett Bunner, Dusty Duplichan, Palmer Hickenbottom, John (JT) Keeney, April Loeser, Oliver Pandorf, LynnLee Rice, Layla Salazar, and Caroline Svoboda For more information on the preschool program contact the Callaway Public School front office at 836-2272, Mrs. Hickenbottom at jhickenbottom@callawaypublicschools. org or Mrs. Jesseph at bjesseph@callawaypublicschools.org.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the celebration of the Week of the Young Child (WOYC). The WOYC campaign was started by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) over half a century ago to recognize and celebrate the importance of high-quality early childhood education and the educators, families and communities who make it possible.

Since 2026 is also the NAEYC’s 100th birthday, the official week-long celebration will begin on the 100th day of the year, April 11 and continue through April 17. Each day brings a different theme, with activities and resources available on the association’s website for all those who would like to participate.