On April 28, as the 2013-14 school year came to a close, administrators from the Elwood School District stunned the local school area by announcing that it was canceling its traditional Kindergarden Show. Their reason? They needed all the time allotted them to prepare their students for college. Imagine the pressure a student must feel if every days’ activity is a direct preparation for a college career!
It is obvious, given all the new testing requirements and renewed emphasis on academics, that school districts will reexamine what they need to do to best prepare their students for higher education. It is hoped that districts like our own Northport-East Northport UFSD will look at obvious, sensible options.
For example, moving to a full day kindergarten program will result in more time for both traditional academics as well as essential explorations in the arts and all forms of play.
There are only four districts in Suffolk County that do not provide a full-day kindergarten program, two of which RC 23 districts, Elwood and Northport.The arguments of the past, which focused on the lack of available space or financial support are simply not cogent.
The time to take action to institute a full day kindergarten is now!
Submitted by Bill Hall
Retired United Teachers of Northport