MacDonald Elementary Early Childhood Center Holds Open House

Anchor Bay School District invites parents Thursday to learn about  additional early childhood programs during an open house at MacDonald Elementary Early Childhood Center.

The event is scheduled 6:30-7:30 p.m. at 5201 County Line in Casco Township.

Parents are welcome to tour the center to learn about the extended early childhood offerings, such as:

• Let's Everyone Get Messy
• Creative Movement
• Itty Bitty Sports
• Lap Sit & Story Time Fun

The event will feature children's games and entertainment, free books for preschoolers, door prizes, raffles and refreshments. Parents are welcome to register for programs at the open house or by clicking on the Early Childhood Enrichment Registration form. For more information, call 586-716-7862.

Budget Cuts Prompts MacDonald's Transformation

The this school year created room for the opening of the second early childhood center in the district. The existing on Washington Street operates at capacity and there's an opportunity to serve more children at the other end of the district, according to school officials.

The opening of the tuition-based MacDonald Elementary Early Childhood Center was prompted by an in the district. It is one of several measures the district took to cope with budget woes, which were largely attributed to decreased state per-pupil funding. Staff layoffs and a change in kindergarten programs were other measures.