Spencerport approves full-day kindergarten

In a unanimous vote, Spencerport school board members, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Phil Langton, approved the implementation of full day kindergarten. The decision was reached at the February 15 board meeting.

Jim Alexander, who had served as committee chair and principal on special assignment, said there are a number of reasons for a school district to consider full day kindergarten. Among those reasons were the changes that have occurred over the past few years. With the implementation of curricular changes, a full day was necessary in order for the students to meet those standards.

"Kindergarten teachers are finding they need more time to offer the complete curriculum," he had previously said. "A two-and-a-half hour day simply isn't sufficient."

A study was conducted and found that more than 90 percent of the students that are in kindergarten have had pre-school experience and are ready for full day kindergarten.

The discussions around the full day program spurred passion on both sides. There were parents who felt the full day is simply too much for the child and want to have their children home with them part of the day, while other parents felt their child will get a better education if they attend a full day kindergarten program.

The state education department encourages full day programs by offering incentives to those schools that implement them. Alexander said funding for full day programs has been included in the state budget for the past several years.

The board made concessions for those parents who do not want their children in the full day program. They will be allowed to pick their student up at the midway point during the school day - no transportation will be provided.

The full day program will take effect in September.