Extended kindergarden may expand

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

Now in its second year, the pilot program for extended day kindergarten classes at Sumac Elementary School in Agoura Hills may be expanded throughout the Las Virgenes Unified School District.

Ann Eklund, district director of early education, reported earlier this month to the board of trustees on the progress of the Sumac program. She also talked about data collected from kindergarten teachers and through research.

Eklund conducted a survey of all kindergarten teachers in the district with mixed feelings about lengthening the day of kindergarten students.

Sumac Elementary School launched the extended day kindergarten classes during the 2003/2004 school year.

Instead of attending school for the customary three hours, 15 minutes per day, Sumac kindergarteners stay at school for an additional one hour, 45 minutes, including a 45-minute lunch. Eklund, Sumac Principal Karen Hansen, kindergarten teachers and parents spoke to board members about the advantages of an extended day for five-and six-year-olds.

While one year’s worth of data isn’t enough to conclude that students will achieve higher academics standards, Hansen said, Sumac kindergarten teachers agreed that allowing students to be involved in the "total culture" of the school—from assemblies and school spirit days to fire drills and other school activities—has made for easier transitions to first grade.

Hansen said that youngsters who attended the extended day kindergarten last year were a bit savvier about little things in this year’s first-grade class.

"They’re more ready to be involved in the educational process," she said.

Hansen explained how this year’s first-grade students already knew which baggie to pull out of their backpack for snack time, versus lunch. Hansen said that although it was just a minor example, it’s one of many "housekeeping" items that teachers must teach students.

The longer kindergarten day requires additional yard supervision and additional supplies, but at Sumac, sharing aides and supplies was workable. Hansen wasn’t sure it would be as simple at other schools.

Sumac kindergarten teacher Tom Spence said he "absolutely loves" the extended day.

"I have more time to meet kids where they’re at," he said. Spence explained that the additional time allows for more balance between the required academic standards and "creative playtime."

A parent told board members that her first-grade son, Cole, had a wonderful experience during his first year at Sumac.

She said that there was plenty of time for reading and math, and play dough, art, music and field trips.

She asked, "What would Cole have missed if I had to take 45 minutes off his day each day?"

Eklund said that this year’s first-grade class would provide a lot of information on whether the extended day improves academic achievement.

One research study, Eklund said, demonstrated that fourth- grade students who had participated in extended day kindergarten classes maintained a high level of success.

Another plus to stretching the kindergarten day is that many working parents choose private school over public school, so after-school care is not necessary.

With declining enrollment in the Las Virgenes district, the extra students starting in kindergarten would be welcome, a school official said.

Donald Zimring, district interim superintendent, said that the trend in California is leaning toward extended day kindergarten classes.

Board member Terilyn Finders called for further input from teachers. She added that the longer day would enable teachers to identify those students who may need remediation.

Rose Dunn, principal of Round Meadow Elementary School in Calabasas, told board members that student populations differ from school to school. "We need to keep it an open picture," she said.