I attended Hayes Curriculum Night for my son entering the full day Kindergarten. While I am very grateful he will be attending a full day kindergarten, I was shocked to learn that there were 27 kids enrolled in his class!! We were told that the purpose of the new buildings were to have classrooms below state standards (25 per class) and we are above it!
The principal said that if more kids register for full day kindergarten then they can open another classroom. I was also shocked to hear this because many parents were discouraged from enrolling their child in this program, and told it was full.
If you know of anyone, especially working moms, who could benefit from the full day kindergarten, I guess it is still open to enroll!?!
Hayes Kindergarten
Moderator: Jim O'Bryan
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Justine Cooper
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Hayes Kindergarten
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive" Dalai Lama
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Danielle Masters
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What I was shocked to learn from a friend was the way the program is being administered. I'd like to know what is being "taught" in the afternoon and what children in the half day program are missing out on?My friend said that all the children are together and then at 11:30 6 from one class and 10 from another class go home. So what are the classmates of those 16 learning that they aren't? Is this just subsidized daycare? BTW I will admit I am not a fan of all day kindergarten. I do have a kindergartner this year and in no way is he ready to be away from home for 6 hours a day, but then again he has never been in daycare so he does not have that experience. I just feel that if this program is just subsidized daycare than call it that, don't feed me a line about how this is an enriching learning experience.
Let the stoning begin.
Let the stoning begin.
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Stephen Eisel
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Justine Cooper
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Stephen,
Thanks for a good link. It sounds like the program here in Lakewood will be reinforcing the academic skills learned during the traditional two and a half hours, with non-traditional approaches. At least that is how I interpreted it. I think it is wonderful that Lakewood is taking the initiative to try this program and that it can be good for a number of children.
My son entering Kindergarten is less academically inclined than his siblings, so for me, the extra time gives me some feeling of assurance that he will have more time to digest it all. He had a two and a half hour pre-school five days a week the year before and did very well in it. Being hyper by nature, he does better in a structured environment.
I too weighed the pros and cons of him going all day and worried it was too much, but came to the conclusion that this was the best thing for him. This is a personal choice for parents who know their children better than anyone. Some may be ready for full day and some may not, and none should be judged for their choice in the best interest of their child.
Some children go to daycare at the age of 6 weeks, while I have had the opportunity to be with mine, so my opinion is that he is ready for this and could really benefit from it. I really didn't intend to debate full day Kindergarten here because it is a personal choice with no right or wrong, just what is right for each family, but to question the classroom size and put it out there that it sounds as if there is still open enrollment in the full day, for those who need it or want it.
Thanks for a good link. It sounds like the program here in Lakewood will be reinforcing the academic skills learned during the traditional two and a half hours, with non-traditional approaches. At least that is how I interpreted it. I think it is wonderful that Lakewood is taking the initiative to try this program and that it can be good for a number of children.
My son entering Kindergarten is less academically inclined than his siblings, so for me, the extra time gives me some feeling of assurance that he will have more time to digest it all. He had a two and a half hour pre-school five days a week the year before and did very well in it. Being hyper by nature, he does better in a structured environment.
I too weighed the pros and cons of him going all day and worried it was too much, but came to the conclusion that this was the best thing for him. This is a personal choice for parents who know their children better than anyone. Some may be ready for full day and some may not, and none should be judged for their choice in the best interest of their child.
Some children go to daycare at the age of 6 weeks, while I have had the opportunity to be with mine, so my opinion is that he is ready for this and could really benefit from it. I really didn't intend to debate full day Kindergarten here because it is a personal choice with no right or wrong, just what is right for each family, but to question the classroom size and put it out there that it sounds as if there is still open enrollment in the full day, for those who need it or want it.
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive" Dalai Lama
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Diane Helbig
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Justine,
When my daughter went into kindergarten and we went to the orientation, we were told there were 27 kids in the class. By the time school started, the number was down to 24. Not sure why, but that's the way it worked out.
I know that at Roosevelt when my son was in kindergarten the class was huge. They ended up bringing in another teacher and splitting the class. It worked out really well.
I would caution you to see what happens before worrying (not that you sound worried). The school system is really good about working these things out - at least that's been my experience. Just keep paying attention and asking about anything that doesn't seem right.
Hope that helps.
Diane
When my daughter went into kindergarten and we went to the orientation, we were told there were 27 kids in the class. By the time school started, the number was down to 24. Not sure why, but that's the way it worked out.
I know that at Roosevelt when my son was in kindergarten the class was huge. They ended up bringing in another teacher and splitting the class. It worked out really well.
I would caution you to see what happens before worrying (not that you sound worried). The school system is really good about working these things out - at least that's been my experience. Just keep paying attention and asking about anything that doesn't seem right.
Hope that helps.
Diane
Diane Hope Helbig
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Justine Cooper
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Diane,
Thanks. My first inclination is always to worry first but I let that go today after I saw the teacher get the class started. She was so warm and centered I felt like no matter what those kids were in good hands. The whole school has such a happy energy there with the new surroundings. I was shocked to find myself holding back tears when I walked away but it felt really good to know the kids were in really good hands. Thanks for your advice! Letting go.......
Thanks. My first inclination is always to worry first but I let that go today after I saw the teacher get the class started. She was so warm and centered I felt like no matter what those kids were in good hands. The whole school has such a happy energy there with the new surroundings. I was shocked to find myself holding back tears when I walked away but it felt really good to know the kids were in really good hands. Thanks for your advice! Letting go.......
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive" Dalai Lama
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Stephen Eisel
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dl meckes
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Justine Cooper
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Per the Lakewood City Schools Research:
What are the benefits of an extended day kindergarten program:
An extended day will give kindergarten child the gift of time. Extra time for social interactions with classmates will build confidence and security in the school community. Extra time for teachers to provide enrichment, intervention and/or extension activities to previously taught concepts serve to enhance a child's overall kindergarten experience.
What are enrichment activities?
Enrichment activities support the child who is experiencing a high level of success with the kindergarten curriculum.
What are intervention activities?
Intervention activities allow students to explore learning in ways that differ from the methods used during the morning session. These explorations enhance a student's education by bringing new concepts to light or by using old concepts in new ways.
How can this all be accomplished during the afternoon session?
Teachers will provide these activities in a variety of ways. Setting up a rotation of learning centers allows the teacher to become a "center" and focus on individual or small group needs. Other times, activities will be appropriate for the whole group. Finally, many concepts can be reinforced and expanded through fun, engaging activities allowing the students to apply knowledge and skills previously taught.
So yes, this is much, much more than subsidized day care, not to mention the fact it is taught by Master's Degree teachers who beat out hundreds of candidates of the job, and the fact that MOST states are moving toward full day kindergarten.
What are the benefits of an extended day kindergarten program:
An extended day will give kindergarten child the gift of time. Extra time for social interactions with classmates will build confidence and security in the school community. Extra time for teachers to provide enrichment, intervention and/or extension activities to previously taught concepts serve to enhance a child's overall kindergarten experience.
What are enrichment activities?
Enrichment activities support the child who is experiencing a high level of success with the kindergarten curriculum.
What are intervention activities?
Intervention activities allow students to explore learning in ways that differ from the methods used during the morning session. These explorations enhance a student's education by bringing new concepts to light or by using old concepts in new ways.
How can this all be accomplished during the afternoon session?
Teachers will provide these activities in a variety of ways. Setting up a rotation of learning centers allows the teacher to become a "center" and focus on individual or small group needs. Other times, activities will be appropriate for the whole group. Finally, many concepts can be reinforced and expanded through fun, engaging activities allowing the students to apply knowledge and skills previously taught.
So yes, this is much, much more than subsidized day care, not to mention the fact it is taught by Master's Degree teachers who beat out hundreds of candidates of the job, and the fact that MOST states are moving toward full day kindergarten.
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive" Dalai Lama
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Danielle Masters
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All the studies about all day kindergarten are fine and dandy, but my experience with my four older children has been they have done very well with a half day program. In fact had a full day program been the only choice I would have chosen to not put them in. I am upset with this pilot program for several reasons. One thing that irks me from speaking with friends is that we were told there was a full day option. Funny that when the school year began there were a small amount of half day children, now at Hayes there are only a couple. I have a friend at Hayes who is assuming that on Tuesday her daughter will be the only half day kindergartner. In her opinion her daughter is not ready. She feels deceived by the district and would have opted for another school if she would have known the pressure that would have been put on her to put her child in all day. That's not right and I expect more from our district. It's fine if we want to have that option but parents should be free to choose without feeling pressured by the district.
I am also a bit disappointed that we were promised class sizes would not go up when the schools were consolidated, but they have. What are the numbers at Hayes? 29 and 28 in kindergarten with a brand new classroom sitting empty. We have 24 and 25 at Grant. I know Lincoln and McKinley both have lower numbers but they also have 3 classes instead of 2. From the parents I have spoken to they are upset because we have been told repeatedly that 22 was the ideal largest class size. The only child I have in a class that small is in gifted. The school year is just starting and I am just a bit upset for the poor planning.
BTW I do not fault parents for choosing the full day option, I just want people to understand that children can excel in a half day program. Often times it comes down to parental involvement. Many people, not you I'm sure Justine, think that by sending their children to school they will learn all they need to. Parents need to be involved. The schools can't do it on their own. Especially in kindergarten children need reinforcement at home. The big key to success is reading to and with your children. It's sad how many children I read with in the schools that tell me their parents have never sat down and read with them. Our teachers are fabulous but they are only with our children 6 hours a day and they can only do so much, the key to our children's successes lie with us. We can have all the tests, tremendous teachers and have X amount of pilot programs, but in the end it's up to the parents to make sure their children have a good education career.
I am also a bit disappointed that we were promised class sizes would not go up when the schools were consolidated, but they have. What are the numbers at Hayes? 29 and 28 in kindergarten with a brand new classroom sitting empty. We have 24 and 25 at Grant. I know Lincoln and McKinley both have lower numbers but they also have 3 classes instead of 2. From the parents I have spoken to they are upset because we have been told repeatedly that 22 was the ideal largest class size. The only child I have in a class that small is in gifted. The school year is just starting and I am just a bit upset for the poor planning.
BTW I do not fault parents for choosing the full day option, I just want people to understand that children can excel in a half day program. Often times it comes down to parental involvement. Many people, not you I'm sure Justine, think that by sending their children to school they will learn all they need to. Parents need to be involved. The schools can't do it on their own. Especially in kindergarten children need reinforcement at home. The big key to success is reading to and with your children. It's sad how many children I read with in the schools that tell me their parents have never sat down and read with them. Our teachers are fabulous but they are only with our children 6 hours a day and they can only do so much, the key to our children's successes lie with us. We can have all the tests, tremendous teachers and have X amount of pilot programs, but in the end it's up to the parents to make sure their children have a good education career.
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Justine Cooper
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Danielle,
I don't disagree with anything in your last post. I too was shocked to see the full day with the half day combined and wondered how the half day would feel leaving! I also think the planning was off because some (including me) were told they would never get their child into the full day kindergarten at Hayes and now there is more room and high numbers in two classes??
As far as some parents not wanting to do their part, it is a very sad reality that I see all around me. Lakewood has the most wonderful programs, including early literacy now from birth to age 5 for parents who want to come for free! They also have the structured play groups at the Family Room and a support group for mothers who had babies as a teen. When I try to encourage mothers who could really use this, some have no interest. You can lead a horse to water, but they have to want to be a full time parent. I do hope that some of those kids can get more with this program, and I hope and believe that my child can benefit as well. I have no intention of stopping my involvement but having a boy with a summer birthday who is hyperactive I do think this could be a really good thing for him. Time will tell but I am glad Lakewood is attempting this and I hope they work out the kinks and lower the class sizes, and yes, separate the half day Kindergarten.
One worry that I personally had, was that some kids would be almost a year older than my son, depending on when their birthday hit or if they were held back because of a summer birthday, so for me this totally eased some of my worrying that my son would not do as well being on the younger side. I also want to add I have seen some totally devoted parents in Lakewood as well as single parents trying to be both parents who might not be able to give their child the extra time so overall I do believe the full day Kindergarten could be a blessing to many children.
I don't disagree with anything in your last post. I too was shocked to see the full day with the half day combined and wondered how the half day would feel leaving! I also think the planning was off because some (including me) were told they would never get their child into the full day kindergarten at Hayes and now there is more room and high numbers in two classes??
As far as some parents not wanting to do their part, it is a very sad reality that I see all around me. Lakewood has the most wonderful programs, including early literacy now from birth to age 5 for parents who want to come for free! They also have the structured play groups at the Family Room and a support group for mothers who had babies as a teen. When I try to encourage mothers who could really use this, some have no interest. You can lead a horse to water, but they have to want to be a full time parent. I do hope that some of those kids can get more with this program, and I hope and believe that my child can benefit as well. I have no intention of stopping my involvement but having a boy with a summer birthday who is hyperactive I do think this could be a really good thing for him. Time will tell but I am glad Lakewood is attempting this and I hope they work out the kinks and lower the class sizes, and yes, separate the half day Kindergarten.
One worry that I personally had, was that some kids would be almost a year older than my son, depending on when their birthday hit or if they were held back because of a summer birthday, so for me this totally eased some of my worrying that my son would not do as well being on the younger side. I also want to add I have seen some totally devoted parents in Lakewood as well as single parents trying to be both parents who might not be able to give their child the extra time so overall I do believe the full day Kindergarten could be a blessing to many children.
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive" Dalai Lama
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Suzanne Metelko
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As one of the dinosaurs of parenting, I can attest to the fact that what makes the difference in your child's experience at school is YOU. And that can be a double edged sword. Too much hovering can interfer with their ability to grow but the problem is usually too little interaction. Parents should know the building, the programs, the teachers and the staff, including the secretary and the janitor. Join whatever parent group is in place and if it's not working - work to change it. Volunteer your time because for the most part, the teacher is going to be spending more waking hours with your child than you are. If you can, walk to school with your children. It's good for all of you and the environment and it gives you all a little more time together to prepare and debrief the day.
And don't forget to make friends. I met my best friend at Hayes PTA when our oldest were in first grade. Hilary and Kate are now 28.
Parenting is hard work. It's time consuming and can be tedious. And its the best job I have ever had.
And don't forget to make friends. I met my best friend at Hayes PTA when our oldest were in first grade. Hilary and Kate are now 28.
Parenting is hard work. It's time consuming and can be tedious. And its the best job I have ever had.
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Danielle Masters
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My friend asked me to post this letter which she will be passing out to Hayes parents. It should be noted that the class sizes are up at both Hayes and Grant(26/24), I don't know about the other schools. Here's her letter:
Dear fellow Kindergarten Parents/Guardians,
I am writing this letter on behalf of myself and other parents who have viced concerns about the kindergarten class size at Hayes Elementary. As of Friday, August 31,2007, the number of children in Miss Crudele's (Mrs. Bornino's) kindergarten class was 29 students. Mrs. Papp's class with at least 27 children, possibly more, and both classes without teacher's aides. If you are concerned about the high student to teacher ratio in your child's class please join me in attending the Board of Education meeting, held here tonight, September 4th at Hayes Elementary School at 7:00pm.
After having attended several Board of Education meetings over the past 2 years, as well as planning meetings, we were told that with the new construction of these building, that we could expect the student to teacher ration to be 22:1 as opposed to the state standard of 25:1. Why is kindergarten at Hayes the exception? Hayes and Taft Elementary schools, as of Wednesday, August 29th had the largest student to teacher rations of all elementary schools.
Hayes(new school) 27/27; Taft 27/27: Harrison (new school) 24/24/24: Grant 23/24; Roosevelt 23/21; Lincoln 20/20/20; McKinley 16/16/17
It is my intention to suggest a 1/2 day A.M. kindergarten class (which was an option from the start) for those who are still interested, who may have felt pushed into the all-day pilot program, due to the fear that their child would miss out on education and who may also be feeling left out. Not only will this benefit all students with a lower student to teacher ration, but it will also give all children the same educational and social experience without feeling "apart" or "different" from his/her classmates. Lower student to teacher ratios will also lessen the burden on the teachers.
If the 1/2 day kindergarten class is not an option, I would ask that the Administration assign a third kindergarten teacher/class to the EMPTY kindergarten classroom at Hayes Elementary or assign tow, full-time, qualified teacher's aides to each existing kindergarten class, to ensure quality education for our child's experience in kindergarten. Teaching the "core curriculum" in 2-1/2 hours, with a 29:1 ration seems a very difficult task. I have no doubt that Mrs. Papp and Miss Crudele are wonderful teachers and are very capable but it is a lot to ask of these teachers and is not fair to the children.
If you are still interested in a 1/2 day kindergarten program for your child, which was offered to us, please feel free to call me (Mona 521-7276). I will let the Administration and the Board of Education know that there are other parents still interested in the 1/2 day program.
I would appreciate any comments or concerns that you may have regarding this issue, as well as, your support at tonight's meeting. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
Mona M. Ewing
Concerned Kindergarten parent
Dear fellow Kindergarten Parents/Guardians,
I am writing this letter on behalf of myself and other parents who have viced concerns about the kindergarten class size at Hayes Elementary. As of Friday, August 31,2007, the number of children in Miss Crudele's (Mrs. Bornino's) kindergarten class was 29 students. Mrs. Papp's class with at least 27 children, possibly more, and both classes without teacher's aides. If you are concerned about the high student to teacher ratio in your child's class please join me in attending the Board of Education meeting, held here tonight, September 4th at Hayes Elementary School at 7:00pm.
After having attended several Board of Education meetings over the past 2 years, as well as planning meetings, we were told that with the new construction of these building, that we could expect the student to teacher ration to be 22:1 as opposed to the state standard of 25:1. Why is kindergarten at Hayes the exception? Hayes and Taft Elementary schools, as of Wednesday, August 29th had the largest student to teacher rations of all elementary schools.
Hayes(new school) 27/27; Taft 27/27: Harrison (new school) 24/24/24: Grant 23/24; Roosevelt 23/21; Lincoln 20/20/20; McKinley 16/16/17
It is my intention to suggest a 1/2 day A.M. kindergarten class (which was an option from the start) for those who are still interested, who may have felt pushed into the all-day pilot program, due to the fear that their child would miss out on education and who may also be feeling left out. Not only will this benefit all students with a lower student to teacher ration, but it will also give all children the same educational and social experience without feeling "apart" or "different" from his/her classmates. Lower student to teacher ratios will also lessen the burden on the teachers.
If the 1/2 day kindergarten class is not an option, I would ask that the Administration assign a third kindergarten teacher/class to the EMPTY kindergarten classroom at Hayes Elementary or assign tow, full-time, qualified teacher's aides to each existing kindergarten class, to ensure quality education for our child's experience in kindergarten. Teaching the "core curriculum" in 2-1/2 hours, with a 29:1 ration seems a very difficult task. I have no doubt that Mrs. Papp and Miss Crudele are wonderful teachers and are very capable but it is a lot to ask of these teachers and is not fair to the children.
If you are still interested in a 1/2 day kindergarten program for your child, which was offered to us, please feel free to call me (Mona 521-7276). I will let the Administration and the Board of Education know that there are other parents still interested in the 1/2 day program.
I would appreciate any comments or concerns that you may have regarding this issue, as well as, your support at tonight's meeting. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
Mona M. Ewing
Concerned Kindergarten parent
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Danielle Masters
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Justine,
I am glad that we agree. I just feel so bad for these parents that were told they had a choice and are now being pushed to do something they don't want to. My friend did meet with the principal today, perhaps she will join us, she was once again pressured to put her 4 year old daughter in full-day kindergarten. There are now only 2 children in the half day program. I will be at the BOE meeting tonight and I will be voicing my dismay. I will say again I love this city, I love our schools, but when we are promised that when consolidating schools that class sizes won't go up and they the do, I will not sit quietly by. I am not one to sit and hope everything will work out. I am a loud mouth and what is being done in the kindergarten PILOT program and what is being done with class sizes is not right. I am done venting, I'll save it for tonight. I do have to reiterate I don't have a problem with full day kindergarten but the half day program should still truly be an option for parents to take without being pushed by school administrators.
I am glad that we agree. I just feel so bad for these parents that were told they had a choice and are now being pushed to do something they don't want to. My friend did meet with the principal today, perhaps she will join us, she was once again pressured to put her 4 year old daughter in full-day kindergarten. There are now only 2 children in the half day program. I will be at the BOE meeting tonight and I will be voicing my dismay. I will say again I love this city, I love our schools, but when we are promised that when consolidating schools that class sizes won't go up and they the do, I will not sit quietly by. I am not one to sit and hope everything will work out. I am a loud mouth and what is being done in the kindergarten PILOT program and what is being done with class sizes is not right. I am done venting, I'll save it for tonight. I do have to reiterate I don't have a problem with full day kindergarten but the half day program should still truly be an option for parents to take without being pushed by school administrators.
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Justine Cooper
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