TURNER – The first of three forums on establishing all-day kindergarten classes in SAD 52 showed general approval by Turner residents Wednesday night.
More than 50 adults and about half that many children filled the meeting room at the Turner Primary School, and no direct opposition to the proposal was expressed. However, some parents said they were concerned about their young children adjusting to a full day.
Primary School Principal Theresa Gillis said many of kindergartners take time to adjust, but most are successful. Parents were advised that if they were convinced their child would be better served with less than a full day, they could meet with the principal of the school and make other arrangements. Parents of students attending for less than a full day would be responsible for transportation.
An informational audiovisual program opened the forum, explaining what the committee that studied the issue had learned in its research and what it was recommending for programming for the all-day sessions. The committee said its research shows that all-day programs:
• Provide more time for instruction in all subjects, developing social skills, improving delivery of support services and helping build a better foundation for future education.
• Reduce the cost of remedial education in the future.
The film show demonstrated what is currently offered youngsters in the half-day sessions in the district and explained how those offerings would be improved with the full-day program.
Gillis and kindergarten teachers said every effort will be made to keep the student-to-teacher ratio at 15-to-1. They advised that student screenings would be scheduled this spring, most students will spend more time on the bus, there is adequate space for the program in all three towns, and they will not be schooled in trailers.
SAD 52 directors have approved the full-day program and will include funding for it in its budget for 2006-2007. Voters in Turner, Greene and Leeds will have the opportunity to express their opinions during budget hearings.
The remaining two public forums are 6 p.m. tonight at Leeds Central School and 6 p.m. March 9 at Greene Central School.
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