The old schoolhouse at Kola Kole Park has reached an important milestone this year, marking 100 years of service to the Kingston community.

Since it first opened its doors in 1909, the building has been the home to everything from the local library, the VFW and of course current resident, the Kingston Cooperative Preschool.

It was the main source of elementary education in Kingston until the opening of Wolfe Elementary School in 1951. Upon the opening of Wolfle, the old schoolhouse and its surrounding grounds were ceded to the Kitsap County Parks Department to be used for various community purposes.

It wasn’t until 1965, when the Kingston Cooperative Preschool was founded, that the lettuce-green landmark began to return to its original purpose – education.

Housed in the east and west first-floor classrooms, the co-op has made a conscious effort to improve and maintain the building’s structure during its 44-year tenure.

The schoolhouse has received everything from new hardwood flooring, carpet, and most importantly an indoor restroom via the hard work of the preschool and surrounding community.

Aside from helping maintain the schoolhouse structure, KCP strives to provide children between the ages of 1 and 5, with a developmentally appropriate, play-based learning environment. The school also aims to support participating families through its parent education program.

Some activities KCP students enjoy during their time at the preschool include dress-up, reading, socialization, singing, dancing and art projects. In essence, the goal of the Kingston Cooperative Preschool is to help provide each child with the appropriate skills needed to help prepare them for school and life in general.

On March 19, from 6-7 p.m., KCP will be hosting an Open House and New Family Registration Night.  Families are invited to visit the classroom, meet the teacher, and register for classes for 2009-2010.  

The co-op is excited to announce a change to its class schedule, effective as of the new school year. KCP will be offering an extended, four day a week pre-k class.  For questions about classes or registration information for this year or next, please call Ann at 297-8840 or check out the website at www.kingstoncooppreschool.com. 

In celebration of this 100-year milestone, KCP encourages the public to submit stories or photographs of the old schoolhouse throughout the years.

Stories can be sent to P.O. Box 548, Kingston, WA 98346 or kcpfundraising@gmail.com.