Pre-K (Sharks)

Pre-K (Sharks)

About the Program

Our goal for the Pre-Kindergarten program is to prepare students for future school success by developing strong foundational skills in early literacy and numeracy. Our curriculum is focused on the whole child offering social, emotional, and spiritual development throughout the school experience. Just as important, we encourage each child’s natural motivation, excitement and wonder for learning.


The UPK program uses the Get Set for School curriculum, which incorporates the development of academic, social, physical and emotional skills. Children will be encouraged to explore the alphabet, learn beginning concepts of science (bugs, weather, etc.) and interact socially through activities and games. We provide opportunities for each child to develop skills while progressing at his/her own rate.


Ready, Set, Grow! Preschool is a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) site for both Brockport Central (BCS) and Holley Central Schools (HCS). These districts receive grant funding from New York State to provide families of four-year-old children the universal opportunity to access high quality Pre-Kindergarten programs. Families in the BCS and HCS Districts are provided an opportunity to enroll their four-year-old child in a lottery for placement in a Pre-Kindergarten program focused on early literacy and numeracy. Lottery winners’ tuition is paid for by the state and incurs no cost to the families for Pre-Kindergarten education. Children chosen in the Brockport Central School and Holley Central School lotteries have the option to choose

Ready, Set, Grow! Preschool for their UPK program site, and may designate Ready, Set, Grow! on their application.

Ready, Set, Grow! is dedicated to providing an enriching experience for your child in a safe, enjoyable and loving environment. The collaboration with BCS and HCS allows Ready, Set, Grow! an opportunity to continue teaching and nurturing the academic and emotional development of the children throughout our community.


All students who will be four-years old by December 1, 2022 or will be attending Kindergarten the following year can enroll in a Three, Four or Five Day program at Ready, Set, Grow! All Pre-Kindergarteners are taught by experienced and NYS certified teachers and enjoy the same UPK approved curriculum as their peers!


AGE REQUIREMENT: Four years old by December 1, 2022 and / or planning to attend Kindergarten the following September.
CLASS SIZE: 18 children with a NYS Certified Lead Teacher and an Aide
CLASS OPTIONS: 3 day, 4 day & 5 day classes
CLASS TIME: All classes meet ~ 9:30 -12:00 pm

Meet the Teachers

Katrina Tinkous

Lead Teacher for the Sharks (UPK/Pre-Kindergarten Class)

Mrs. Tinkous has been teaching at RSG since 2019. Previously, Mrs. Tinkous served for seven years as Chair to the Board of Administrators at RSG.  She works for Brockport Free Methodist as the Early Childhood Ministries Director. She went to Roberts Wesleyan College and has a B.A. in Elementary Education and Secondary Social Studies and a M.Ed. in Special Education. Mrs. Tinkous is married and has two boys, both of whom attended RSG. When asked why she wanted to teach at RSG, she replied, "RSG has such a great reputation in the community. The teachers genuinely care and the learning experiences are second to none. I am excited to be part of this wonderful school."

Donna Bopp

PreSchool Teacher

Mrs. Bopp is a Holley native and has been teaching at Ready, Set, Grow! since 2019. Her background is in Early Childhood Education and she is the previous owner of Small Wonders Preschool. She enjoys spending time with her husband, adult children and five grandchildren. She is very excited to be back to teaching preschoolers again!

Jennifer Stephens

Teacher’s Aide for the Sharks (UPK/Pre-Kindergarten Class)

Mrs. Stephens has worked as a teacher’s aide at RSG since 2011. She has experience working in afterschool programs and has volunteered for the children/youth ministries at Brockport Free Methodist Church. She has two children and enjoys bowling and spending time with her family. “I love working with the children during their art center. Even with all of the same materials, their creativity comes out. No two projects are alike.”

Sample Pre-K Schedule

(For UPK and Pre-K Classes)

TIME ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
9:30–9:55 WELCOME / FREE PLAY To enjoy activities with friends and investigate individual interests
9:55–10:00 CLEAN UP Promotes teamwork and cooperation skills
10:00–10:30 CIRCLE / CALENDAR Pre-reading concepts, daily sharing, counting and numerical concepts, theme curriculum, book share
10:30–10:45 SNACK / BATHROOM Reenergize with healthy foods, cooperate in clean up, socialize with peers
10:45–11:15 CENTERS The class is divided into small groups and rotates to different centers to do crafts, academic games and activities. Crafts focus on developmentally appropriate skill building while academic centers concentrate on the alphabet, math, and science concepts.
11:15–11:35 FREE PLAY (In the Gym or Outside) This is a time to focus on gross motor skills and provides an opportunity for students to interact socially.
11:35–12:00 END OF DAY ACTIVITIES Time to sing songs, read a book, and learn about packing up a book bag and getting ready to go home.
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