Woodville holds ribbon cutting for preschool | Photos

WOODVILLE – Woodville School Superintendent Lou Saephan welcomed dignitaries, Woodville Board Members, Administrators teachers and everyone else to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly completed Woodville Preschool in the late afternoon on Thursday.

“Good Evening, Everyone!, said Saephon, “What a beautiful day to celebrate something truly special!

“First, I want to begin by welcoming and thanking all of our guests and dignitaries for being here today. Your support means so much to our district and this community. We’re honored to have you join us for this exciting occasion.

“Today marks a major milestone for the families of Woodville. We are proud to officially open our brand-new preschool, a place built with love, care, and the future of our youngest learners in mind.

“This preschool will provide services that go far beyond the classroom. Here, children will grow socially, emotionally, and academically in a safe and nurturing environment. We’ll offer meals, early learning programs, and access to support services, ensuring every child is ready for kindergarten and beyond.

“Of course, our students are the heart of all we do. They bring joy, curiosity, and energy into every space they enter. This new preschool was built for them, a place where they can explore, play, learn, and thrive. We can’t wait to see all the big dreams that begin right here.

“Finally, let’s take a moment to appreciate this beautiful new building. Every corner of this school was designed with care to support early learning, from the bright classrooms to the safe outdoor play areas. It’s more than just a school; it’s a promise to our children and their future.

“Thank you again for being here to help us cut the ribbon and open the doors to endless possibilities. Let’s celebrate this new beginning together.”

Saephan spoke about the love and care of the preschool staff for the children, who go above and beyond to provide for the children and their families; and the many benefits of the preschool. The superintendent introduced Tulare County Office of Education Early Childhood Education Administrator, Dr. Alex Elliott, who spoke about the many benefits the Head Start preschool program and how it provides for the children and the community. It provides more than just meals and breakfast for the children. The program doesn’t just help them learn, it also nurtures the children, and their families and the community as a whole. 

“This preschool is truly a blessing for our community, and was built as part of the kindergarten expansion project,” Elliott said. “It is a dream come true, and is based on the Head Start model and is designed to serve community children and their families.”

“We are so glad to be in Woodville and partnering with the school district. This is such a beautiful building, and with it we can celebrate all of our children,” said TCOE Assistant Administrator Eric Sonnenfeld. He explained the Woodville District had applied for a transitional Kindergarten and Preschool expansion funding which they received and “They built these wonderful buildings.”

Board members, administrators and teachers took a tour of the two large preschool classrooms and the lovely fenced grass playground with playground equipment. Teachers were enthusiastic about the large cubby areas for the children, and the state-of-the art technology and electronic blue boards was so exciting. 

There are 15 children from the Woodville area and Tulare attending the preschool, but they have open enrollment for 20 more 3 – 4-year olds. And preschool is for two years before Kindergarten.

All of the TCOE preschool teachers began in April 2025, so the coming school year will be their first full year teaching in the new preschool building. They have years of prior experience in many local preschools around the county.

Dr. Elliott said the preschool program was developed focusing on the partnership between TCOE ECD and Woodville Board Members and their dedication in bringing the preschool to fruition, “and our staff are doing a great job.”

There’s open enrollment for the preschool now, and they plan to have 20 children for each of the two classrooms, said preschool teacher Evelia Zavala Otero.  

She began her career as a preschool teacher at Woodville Labor Camp in 2002, and then taught preschool at John. J. Doyle in Porterville, and another preschool near where Porterville Military Academy is now. ”I’m so thrilled to be here at the Woodville Preschool, teaching in room number 26.” 

Teaching in room 27 is teacher Grecia Nunez. There’s a Kindness Tree in one of the classrooms and it helps motivate the preschool children learn throughout the day. They get pink paper hearts if they’re using listening ears, sharing, thoughtful voices, gentle hands, walking feet, using a big voice, and listening to other big voices. And more. 

Teaching Assistant Adriana Fonseca said she was happy about the opening of the preschool. “I think it is very important for the community and a great resource. It’s the beginning of our children’s education and learning, and having fun. And we make it so fun for them.”

A family quickly said hello while their 3-year-old Bane Correa and his old brother, Joaquim, visited the classroom.

Their father Frank Correa, said, “This is a great opportunity for Bane, who’s 3, to come and learn and prepare for school until high school. Which will be a very long time!”