FAQs Regarding UPK Classes Moving to Fyle and Winslow

Thank you to those who participated in the ThoughtExchange regarding the Good Shepherd UPK classes moving to Fyle and Winslow elementary schools. We are pleased to provide answers to the frequently asked questions from that exchange.

Q: Is there really room at Winslow and Fyle to move two classrooms to each school? Aren’t those buildings already full? How will this impact the K-3 students at those buildings?
A: We have reviewed the space needs at the buildings and determined that we do have space available to move two UPK classes each to Fyle and Winslow. Neither instructional programming nor class sizes will be impacted as a result of this move.

Q: Will UPK students still have access to specials like library, gym, and music at Winslow and Fyle?
A: Yes, UPK students will still be able to enjoy visiting the library and gym, as well as making and appreciating music.

Q: Will UPK students still receive services like OT and SLP? Where?
A: Yes, students who require services will still receive them. The location those services occur will be determined by the needs of the students.

Q: What about Cub Care for the UPK students at these buildings? Will they be mixed in with the K-3 students?
A: As with our other in-school Cub Care programs, children will be grouped with similar age students and participate in activities tailored to their age level and abilities.

Q: How will the UPK locations be assigned for incoming students? One of the buildings isn’t convenient for me.
A: Locations are assigned via a random lottery system. When parents register, they are asked to note their first, second, and third choice locations from the full list of nine locations for the 2025-2026 school year. If a location isn’t convenient, parents can elect not to check that location as one of their choices.

Q: What happened to the plan to move all four UPK classes from Good Shepherd to the Webster Learning Center?
A: The district has reconsidered this as the building is not equipped with the appropriate bathroom facilities for our UPK students, and it would have taken significant time and money to retrofit the building to accommodate their needs. Also, the Webster Learning Center is home to programs involving high school age students as well as young adults with special needs through age 22. A K-3 school will provide a much more suitable environment for our youngest learners.

Q: Why was so much money spent to build a new playground at Good Shepherd if the district was going to relocate the UPK program after one year? (Note the cost to build the playground was erroneously stated as $1 million. This is not accurate.)
A: The creation of the new access road at the Senior High School led to the location of the playground changing. The old playground was in subpar condition and was scheduled for replacement, which was funded through the access road project. Originally, it was anticipated that the UPK program would be at Good Shepherd longer than one year. The playground will continue to be used for activities, including summer programming, at the Good Shepherd site. Fyle and Winslow are slated for new playground equipment, and age-appropriate equipment will be incorporated in the playground refresh.

Q: What will the Good Shepherd building be used for moving forward?
A: The other programs housed at Good Shepherd will remain there for now. However, the building is aging, and it would be costly to renovate and repair the facility to bring it to the level the community expects and deserves. No specific plan is in place for the building long-term.