In talks with preschool teachers, Mary Jo Maxwell was surprised
to learn that much of their focus while working with youngsters
was on academics. But Maxwell, who teaches kindergarten at
Burton Elementary School, said helping pre-k children with
simple skills, including sitting still and paying attention,
should be among top concerns. Effectively communicating
expectations are among reasons the Geauga County P-16 Council
was initiated. P-16, a nationwide effort facilitated in Ohio by
Ohio Education Matters and KnowledgeWorks Foundation, refers to
students’ academic careers from preschool through college. The
council was started in Geauga County three years ago by the
Geauga Educational Service Center. Among documented goals are: -
To foster successful transition of the county’s children to
kindergarten, both public and private, as well as students from
secondary education to college and/or the work force and from
higher education to the work force. - To foster the county’s
community awareness, and parents’ aw