Full-Day Kindergarten Plan Discussed at Forum

With increased expectations for all Suffield students on the horizon, administrators and parents are looking to change to a full-day kindergarten program next fall.

“Rising expectations (for the new curriculum) start in kindergarten,” said Spaulding Principal Angie Roman speaking at a Community Forum last week to discuss the new Common Core State Standards and the kindergarten program.

“It’s not a surprise, this is something we’ve been aware of for a while,” she added.

The current two and a half hours is a very short period of time to squeeze in what the kids need to know, said Roman. Even shorter with the higher reading and writing levels expected. “This is instruction that takes time,” she said.

Superintendent Karen Baldwin said a study committee of parents and staff has met twice and will have one more meeting before heading to the board of education with a plan in January. The district needs to get ahead of the year as FDK will tie to the new budget with staffing and transportation changes.

She believes the plan would enroll approximately 130 students in eight sections and can use much of the current staff as well as fit into the current footprint of Spaulding School. The committee is also checking into the potential for a half-day program option.

That would address concerns of parents who came to the forum and questioned the need to add a full-day instead of just a few hours more. Others pointed out some parents like to use part of the day to educate and enrich their own child’s life-learning. Some wondered about the stress a rigorous program would cause.

Others applauded the efforts as a “fabulous thing for our kids.”

“I don’t see how this is an option right now with all that is happening (with the CCSS),” said Doriana Vicedomini.

A woman from Germany praised Suffield’s programming after having initial doubts about a longer day.

“Today I have deep trust in the teacher’s in Suffield,” she said. “There is no  doubt everybody works hard.”

Roman said she is conscious of the need to provide academics “without squelching childhood needs.” 

With a half day children receive 479 hours of instruction with 60 minutes of reading and no playtime. With an extended day students could have 958 hours with workshop modeled instruction and scheduled play.

“We don’t have that luxury right now,” Roman said adding the increased time allows developmentally appropriate learning activities and the ability for teachers to get to know fewer students with more focus on their needs. 

“Teachers are chomping at the bit for the full-day model,” said Baldwin who did say there seems to be momentum for the FDK model.

Parents can now pre-register on the Suffield website homepage http://www.suffield.org/ as well as complete a survey of interest. 

Baldwin said parents in favor of the program can show support for FDK by writing letters to the board of education and board of finance and attending meetings. She pointed out Board of Finance Chair Justin Donnelly in the audience.

“It’s critically important the board of finance be aware of this issue as this is going to have an impact on the future,” she explained.