Shelbyville Central Schools’ newly-approved Golden Bear Early Learning Program now has startup funding courtesy of a $20,000 donation by the school system’s education foundation.

Foundation director Andy Snow (photo, left) presented a ceremonial check to school board president Troy Merrick (photo, right) Wednesday at the school board meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Matt Vance confirmed there are already six children registered for the first-year program and he expects more as the 2024-2025 school year gets closer.

The program will be available for children ages 1-2 and will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the 185 days on the school calendar.

The goal is to have no more than 10 children in a classroom setting at the Golden Bear Preschool with certified full-time and part-time employees overseeing the program.

The school board approved the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school calendars. Both calendars will mirror the 2023-2024 calendar which includes no school days past Memorial Day and students will be in classes on the Friday before Christmas and Good Friday.

The first day of school for the 2024-2025 school year is Aug. 7.

Shelbyville Central Schools’ summer meal program also was approved. Breakfast and lunch will be served to anyone 18 years or younger. The program does not require registration or identification unless attending a specific summer class.

Locations where summer meals will be available are:

• Shelbyville Boys and Girls Club for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday from 8-8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Girls Inc. for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday from 7:30-8 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon for camp attendees only
• Hendricks Elementary School for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Blue River Memorial Park Splash Pad for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Shelby County Public Library for snacks on Tuesday at 10 a.m. or Thursday at 1 p.m. during story time (for ages 0-5)
• Vacation Bible School at St. Joseph Catholic School from June 10-14 from 11 a.m. to noon
• Morrison Park for lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• YMCA Summer Camp for breakfast or lunch Monday through Friday from 8-8:30 a.m. and 12:15-12:45 p.m. for camp attendees only.
• Shelbyville Parks and Recreation Camp for breakfast Monday through Friday from 7:45-8:30 a.m. for camp attendees only
• Bridge Program for breakfast or lunch from July 7-28 from 9-9:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Steam Program at Shelbyville Middle School for lunch June 5-9 from 11 a.m. to noon
• Jump Start Program at Hendricks Elementary for lunch July 17-28 from 11 a.m. to noon

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