Welcome to Grove Park Preschool.  Your child's teaching team this year is comprised of Mrs. Shadrick and Ms. McCullough.  We are so excited to have your child in our class this year.  We can't wait to get to know your child and family but first we will share a little about ourselves. 

My name is Jennifer Shadrick.  This will be my fourth year teaching at Grove Park Preschool.  I was born and raised here in Danville, VA and continue to live here with my husband, our three children, and our three dogs.  I have my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's in Special Education along with a certification in Applied Behavior Analysis.  I am currently in school earning a second Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education.  I previously worked as a Behavior Therapist with children with Autism prior to becoming a teacher.  I am so excited about being your child's teacher this year.  We are going to do so many FUN things and learn a lot!

My name is Andra McCullough.  This is my 24th year as an Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional.  I graduated from Danville Community College with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.  I have one handsome son that I love.  He graduated from Old Dominion University in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology.  One precious, loving and adorable grandson that I love dearly.  I love working with children and am willing to do anything to help them succeed to the next level.  To see the light bulb come on.  Teaching takes a big heart to shape the minds of our students.  

We want to make this an interesting, fun, safe, and rewarding year for your child. Though the program is academic, there is also emphasis placed on social skills and learning through play.  Below are some important things to remember so we can have a successful school year.

Attendance is very important at Preschool.  Please let me know if your child is going to be absent.  The school will call home each day if your child is absent. 

Morning Arrival

The school is open at 8:15am each day.  If your child is a car rider, they can be dropped off in the upper parking lot from 8:15-8:35 am each morning.  After 8:35 am, you must bring your child in the office to get a tardy slip.  

Afternoon Dismissal 

Dismissal of car riders and daycare vans begins at 3:00pm each day. Adults will be outside to load cars until 3:30pm.

Busses will begin loading at 3:30pm. If your child rides a bus home and there is no one there to get him/her of the bus, the bus driver will bring your child back to school.  

If you need to check your child out early from school, it must be before 3:00 p.m. Otherwise, parents will need to get in the car rider line. If you call to change transportation home, we will ask for the security password.  

Sickness

Please follow the health guidelines in the Grove Park Handbook when sending your child to school.  If your child has any of the symptoms listed, please keep them home for the day. The nurse will also call home if your child shows any of these symptoms at school.

Backpacks/Folders/Towels

Send a standard size backpack to school each day.  The backpack needs to be able to hold a regular size folder, towel, and possibly a change of clothes.  I will send home a daily folder.  Remember to check backpacks and folder daily.  Every Monday, a folder will be sent home with your child’s work and other important information.  Please review the information in your child’s folder each week and return the folder on Tuesday. Towels will be sent home on Friday to be washed. Please return them on Monday.  Make sure your child’s name is written in marker on their towel so they won’t get mixed up or lost.

Clothes                                                                                                                               

Students should wear clothes that are practical for school.  If your daughter wears a dress to school, please have her wear a pair of shorts under the skirt.  If your child has an accident and needs to use their change of clothing, please send in another set of clothing the following day.   

Breakfast and Lunch

Free breakfast and lunch are offered daily to all students. 

Parent/Teacher Communication

Communication between parents and teacher is essential for student success.  Please let me know any questions or concerns that you have throughout the year.  You can always call the school at 799.6437 or email me at jshadrick@mail.dps.k12.va.us.  A daily communication form will be sent home each day in your child's backpack and Talking Points App will also be used as a form of communication.  

Here’s to a FABULOUS year at Grove Park Preschool!