D79 may test full-day kindergarten

Fremont Elementary District 79 officials want to test a full-day kindergarten program next school year, and will survey parents in the coming weeks to determine interest.

School board President Sandra Bickley said parents have expressed an interest in a full-day program. In response, District 79 has worked for several years to evaluate the idea, such as studying incoming students and facilities.

“We’re trying to accommodate, give back to the community and listen to them,” Bickley said. “They are our customer. What is it they would like from us?”

Fremont Elementary School Principal Carol Bennett presented the findings for the first time publicly at Monday night’s board meeting. Under the proposal, four to five classes would be offered and feature 90 to 120 spaces. A lottery would determine placement.

Bennett said students in the half-day and full-day program would receive the same basic core curriculum. However, full-day students would study an expanded curriculum within reading, language arts, math, writing, science and social studies. They also would be able to participate in physical education, fine and gross motor activities and socialization activities, officials said.

Working with teachers, Bennett said, educators have seen children begin kindergarten not knowing how to play.

“We are excited at the opportunity to visit that more to build those social activities and can address their social and emotional needs at a young age,” she said.

Educationally, Bennett said, the district cannot go wrong offering a full-day program.

“The earlier you begin offering services for the child, the better they will be in the long run,” she said.

Bickley said the full-day program would be funded by tuition paid by parents. Tuition would cost $3,500 per year or $350 per month, and parents would be required to pay a $350 deposit to be guaranteed a spot, under the proposal.

Bennett said if the district offers a full-day kindergarten, parents also will have the choice to enroll in the half-day program.

Within the next week, the district will send a survey to parents who plan to enroll their children in kindergarten to determine their interest.

Depending on the response, the proposal could be submitted to the finance and facility committee to review and may be brought to the full board for a vote at its April meeting, Bickley said.