 Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith stopped by Paul Bunyan Elementary School in Bemidji today to see how they are expanding early learning in the community. Bemidji Public Schools received more than $200,000 for its school readiness programs for preschoolers. About 34 students will enter the program this year that will prepare them for kindergarten. Lieutenant Governor Smith also spoke with teachers and administrators to share the benefits of these programs. Because these highly skilled and trained teachers know how to do that, the kids are actually assimilating so much information while they're playing. One of the most important things they learn is how to get along in a classroom so that when they're ready to go into kindergarten and really start to learn how to read, they know what to do. The programs are funded for two years and Lieutenant Governor Smith says her goal is to provide more funding so they can continue. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.