To me, all day, every day kindergarten seems like a good idea.
I’ve read the research provided by the superintendent’s office. I’ve heard glowing testimony from the community. Area teachers are all about it, too.
The debate is somewhat generational. Older generations tend to stick with the previous schedule, and vice versa.
Being part of the younger generation, I think that, all in all, it seems like the right move for not just the Orion district, but for schools everywhere. I trust that educators can tweak the curricula enough to make sure five-year-olds aren’t expected to slave at their desks seven hours each day.
I’ll tell you what does freak me out, though: year-round school!
That’s the national trend and something that countries world-wide have been doing for a long time.
Just thinking about it gives me flashbacks from high school. I remember laying in bed at 6 a.m., alarm buzzing, trying to think of excuses not to get on the bus that day.
Don’t get me wrong, I love learning. In fact, I was just explaining to a friend last night how I love the sense of accomplishment I get when I learn something new.
But I can’t imagine waking up, ready with excuses every morning of the year. Or sitting next to my classroom window in July, listening to the beach call my name.
Even the nine-week-on, three-week-off schedule doesn’t offer enough vacation time for students.
One of my best childhood memories is of the summer my best friend and I swam in the river in front of our house every single day, rain or shine.
Can’t do that if you’re in school!
Maybe this debate will be generational, too. That means I’m joining the ranks of old folks, ready to battle those young hooligans.
Well let’s go! I want to keep that summer vacation going strong.