Preschool registration for the 2015-2016 school year opens at the

end of February. Why is this important? Research shows the long-term effects of preschool are clearly beneficial. Not only

is the achievement gap minimized for children entering kindergarten, but high school graduation rates, years of education completed, and earned income are positively affected as well.

"The first year we had the District Preschool," notes teacher Debbie

Freeman, "Diego scored 12 out of 168 points on the initial assessment. By the end of year he scored all 168 points. He just shined. One day I noticed that someone had taken a video of me on an ipad, teaching a lesson. I thought it must've been one of our assistants, but then the camera turned around, and there was Diego smiling into it. He had never seen an iPad before preschool, and we had never taught the kids to take videos. He was one of our best readers by the end of the year." Today, he is thriving in 2nd grade.

Because of research and stories like this, PCEF has been proud to support Preschool since the beginning with significant funding, and bring in partners like Vail Resorts. PCEF Executive Director Abby McNulty states, "Vail's continual commitment to Preschool exemplifies their EpicPromise to 'support their local communities for a bright, sustainable future.' These 3 and 4 year-olds are our future here in Park City!"

And, United Way states, "If we really want to move the needle and meet the state's goal of a 90% high school graduation rate, preschool is the answer." We thank you, our donors, and Vail Resorts, for helping us fund such a critical program.