Oxford School District’s 3K Program Flourishes

Oxford, Mississippi — When Oxford School District first piloted its 3K program last year with a small group of staff members’ children, the vision was to give students the very best start to their educational journey. Now, just one year later, the program has grown and opened its doors to families across the community.

At Oxford Early Childhood Center, seven dedicated teachers – Dr. Shannon Buford, Lori Helsel, Mary Clark Hill, Haddie Hogue, Anna Keskin, Caitlyn King, and Madisyn Shreiner – are leading the way in classrooms filled with early learning and excitement!

The 3K program is designed to nurture our youngest students by providing a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning. Students develop their early language, literacy, motor, and social skills all while building the confidence and curiosity that will carry them forward into 4K and beyond.

A typical day in 3K is full of structure and learning through play, with time for classroom centers, specials, meals, quiet rest time, and plenty of time for early literacy development. Additionally, students are immersed in story time, music, and hands-on activities to help them learn and grow socially, emotionally, and academically while learning to be part of a classroom community.

Oxford Early Childhood Center Principal Keri Jo Sapp said, “Our 3K teachers are the heart of the program, bringing a unique blend of qualities that create a nurturing, engaging, and effective learning environment for our youngest learners… It is their love, patience, kindness, dedication, and a passion for continuous growth that make our 3K teachers so impactful and our program so successful. They lay the foundation not only for academic learning, but for confident, curious, and kind human beings.”

She added, “We hope our students walk away from their 3K experience with hearts full of joy, a sense of connection, and the confidence that comes from being known, loved, and encouraged. We want them to leave 3K not only ready for the next step in their education, but also knowing that school is a place where they belong – and where they are always part of the Charger family.”

As the program continues to grow, the Oxford School District remains committed to ensuring that its students have a supportive, safe, and engaging space to learn, grow, make connections, and discover the joy of learning.