To the editor:

As a new soon-to-be mother, I would like to express my thanks and support for North Branch elementary principal Jan Fischerís suggestion that the North Branch school board pass a new curriculum plan to move to a half-day, every day kindergarten program.

The program would not only get young kids used to going to school every day, it will help them retain what they learn on a day-to-day basis. Students who attend kindergarten on an every-other-day basis not only run the risk of forgetting the things they learn during their infrequent sessions, but also have a routine created for them that may make transition to first grade (every day, all day) difficult.

Some parents may be leery about taking their children to what appears to be a program that gives students only half the education, offering only a few hours a day of ìlearning time,î but as Fischer pointed out to the school board, students entering kindergarten in the 2005-2006 school year would actually have more in-class days with the half-day, every day program.

Also, as a working mom, I would love to see my child get more involved with school activities and interact with students his or her own age while learning and playing in a structured, safe environment. Play time and social time are integral parts of a childís developmental needs and I donít see the problem with letting the kids have activity time together after they complete their learning. After all, we should be teaching them that school is work, but it also can be a lot of fun.

Barbara Boelk
North Branch

Top of Page

©ECM Post Review

6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com