L’Anse Creuse Public Schools Kindergarten Options
L’Anse Creuse Public Schools will offer full-time kindergarten and traditional half-day kindergarten this fall. Full-time kindergarten is offered at each of the district’s 10 elementary schools.
Full-time kindergarten expands the half-day curriculum over a longer time period. For students who are emotionally and socially prepared, this is a viable option for families seeking an all-day solution to childcare issues. In addition, research indicates that starting a child’s formal education with a full-day program can provide stability in scheduling and transitioning into first grade.
Historically, kindergarten has been a half-day program that began in the 1930’s to prepare students socially for the academic rigors of first grade. Emerging societal changes including double-income parents and attendance in curricular-based preschool options have created the demand for extended and flexible options such as full-time kindergarten. In a recent study on the efficacy of full-time kindergarten by the Education Commission of the States, An estimated 69 percent of the nation’s kindergarteners have attended center-based preschool programs. States Superintendent DiAnne Pellerin, Children who have attended preschool and other preparatory programs may be ready for a full-day experience.
Students have the option of attending traditional half-day kindergarten. Often parents choose to enroll their students in the traditional half-day program to ease their child into the academic world, states Dr. Keith Wunderlich, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Both kindergarten programs teach the exact same curriculum, delivered differently based on program design. Students engage in curriculum that integrates technology into the daily experience and provides hands-on science activities. Students actively participate in music, physical education and media curriculum.
Ultimately, students enrolling in either kindergarten program begin their academic career at L’Anse Creuse developing social skills, confidence and positive self-image with an emphasis on cognitive development. L’Anse Creuse students receive instruction delivered in a safe and nurturing environment, led by highly qualified teachers with specifications in early childhood learning that exceed state and federal mandates. Literacy specialists and highly qualified instructional paraprofessionals support classroom initiatives, providing a deeper academic experience for each of our programs, Wunderlich says.
L’Anse Creuse Public Schools will hold two district-wide orientations at the John R. Armstrong Performing Arts Center on February 6 and February 7, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. for incoming kindergarten parents to hear about curriculum.
On February 6, parents of students in the attendance areas of Atwood, Chesterfield, Graham, Lobbestael and Yacks are invited to attend. February 7 is for parents of students in the areas of Carkenord, Green, Higgins, South River and Tenniswood.
Parents must apply for the full-time program. To obtain a kindergarten preference form, contact Karen Baranowski in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 586-783-6300, extension 1010 or find the form on our website.
