Bittersweet Preschool Graduation in Dubuque

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Katie Wiedemann

Story Created: May 29, 2008 at 4:42 PM CST

Story Updated: May 29, 2008 at 8:29 PM CST

Dubuque - It was a bittersweet celebration at one Dubuque preschool graduation.

The Dubuque School Board is considering closing Jones Hand in Hand Preschool next month.
It's part of an effort to keep the district out of debt.

Singing, laughing, grabbing their diplomas with innocent smiles of pride, unaware they may be the last class of Jones Hand in Hand Preschool.

Teacher Betty Welu said, "That's what makes today so very very hard. It may be our last graduation as Jones Hand in Hand Preschool. "
Jones serves all types of young students including those with special needs.

Parent Krista Iverson said, "it's very bittersweet it was so nice to see where he's come from and we're so proud of all he's done and we're thankful for what the teachers and the para-professionals have done but sad to think this is the last we're going to see of this program."

The school district says the program itself will not end. The students and teachers will be spread around to other several elementary schools. Parents say that could really disrupt the student's progress.

Parent Krista Kordell said, "With this program with Jones it's all in one spot and you have all these professional women caring for these children in one place and it's a shame to see that broken up."

The parents are broken up worried and frustrated.
Parent Eric Veeltstra said, "I think what aggravates most parents is the fact that we are so late in the year when this decision is made"

Parents say their kids have grown leaps and bounds at the school, much more then they'd ever dreamed.
Now these kids may be looking for their somewhere over the rainbow, somewhere else.

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