The Pennsbury School District laid out a vision and mission statement for their full-day kindergarten program when they were planning it. District officials last week said their vision is paying off.
Credit: Pennsbury School District
The “gift of the (added) time” is benefiting the 636 full-day kindergarten students, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Donna Dunar told the school board at last Thursday’s meeting.
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Dunar and Assistant Superintendent of Administration Elliott Lewis laid out the district full-day kindergarten program, which was approved by the school board in June, and how registration was busy up until the day before classes began.
Officials said the full-day program gives the 31 kindergarten teachers more time to focus on learning and also provides a bit more time for recess and “specials.” A “morning meeting” gathers students and helps in building community, trust and a positive tone for learning.
“We witnessed lunch and recess in action and the students were marvelous. They really were. There was a sense of respect and … they already know to raise their hand and ask for help when they need it,” Dunar said.
Credit: Pennsbury School District
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The program allows teachers to better identify students who need a little extra help from speech and occupational therapist, officials said.
Program planners initially thought they would only have enough students for 24 sections. With class sizes under 21 students, 31 sections were needed by the time school started.
Dunar and Lewis said administrators are currently working on how to monitor the progress of the education and social skills of the students. An assessment was taken by the student at the start of the school year.
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