Big news might be coming from the Board of Education next month.
At their meeting last week ‘all day, everyday? kindergarten was up for discussion. And most of the discussion paved the way for it to take effect next school year.
Heidi Kast presented the proposal for All Day Every Day Kindergarten (ADED K) to the board at the meeting.
‘This is something that we researched in districts all around us,? she said. And the Orion schools might follow in Clarkston’s footsteps, who just decided to try ADED K.
‘And research does show that it benefits children,? she said.
ADED K better prepares students for first grade and beyond. And it does take the restlessness of four- and five-year-olds into consideration, adjusting the daily schedule for it.
Recently the state announced that it will drop funding for any student not enrolled in a full-time program after next school year. Keeping part-time kindergarten would cost the district a quarter of a million each year.
But the reasons for changing the program go beyond the budget.
There is plenty of support for the switch in the Orion community.
‘I was shocked at how much it’s needed out there,? noted Treasurer Janet Wolverton after seeing the overwhelming support by local PTOs.
‘And as much as I don’t fully ‘get it,? I would never prevent it from moving foward,? she said.
The board did voice some concern about the proposed change including the increased costs of teachers? salary and about spacing issues in the schools.
‘But I think this is great,? urged Trustee Bob Gritzinger. ‘I think this is the direction we need to move.?
The board will vote on the ADED K proposal at their Jan. 12 meeting, and will welcome any community imput there.