The Board of Education heard arguments tonight from parents who both support and oppose a form of an all-day kindergarten program, but many cited problems with the proposal.
Westport Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon has proposed a kindergarten program where students would attend three full days of school and two extended days (See WestportNow Jan. 7).
Landon based his proposal on the recommendation from the staff stating kindergartners need more time in order to have time to explore and play. Additionally, he cited a survey in which two-thirds of parents chose a preference for full-day kindergarten.
“We are not proposing this to add to the curriculum,” Landon said tonight. “It’s to offer the existing, fully-comprehensive program in a more relaxed atmosphere with a greater opportunity for socialization and exploration.”
Mark Mathias, a board member, said he has concerns, however, that school officials will continue to fill the time with more activities.
“I’m afraid you’ll fill the time with other things and you’ll end up with how it is now,” he said.
Lynne Shain, assistant superintendent for curriculum and staff development, said the school board is the safeguard because it would vote on any additions to the kindergarten curriculum.
Jim Marpe, board secretary, said some people feel there is too much in the kindergarten program and some should be removed.
Shain said the staff believes the program is appropriate for the kindergarten population and couldn’t see any of the items removed.
Both Mathias and Mike McGovern, a board member, said there were problems with the survey.
Mathias said there were only three options on what program parents would choose, and the votes for two options most likely would add up to two-thirds of the survey participants.
Megan Restieri, whose daughter would enter kindergarten in the fall, said her child already attends a full day of preschool.
Children adjust well to a full day of school, she said.
The amount of time their children spends in school is not what they#8217;ll worry about when they’re 14 and interested in boys or are doing well at Staples, she said.
Many parents, however, said they don’t think many children could handle a full day of school.
Tom Wimmer, a parent of a child who will be in kindergarten, said the school board should know the limits of a 5-year-old.
“It’s a long day for a little kid,” he said.
Trish Voil, whose son would be in kindergarten this fall, said her son could handle a long day, but there is a broad spectrum of children going to school.
A number of parents have already said they would hold their child back from kindergarten if the program was changed, she said.
School officials should consider dropping some of the special classes such as Spanish, she said.
There should be less activities so students can spend more time with them, she said.
I watched much of the discussion on public access TV last night (love public access TV) and I’m perplexed that this article has no mention of the many parents who felt the survey itself was biased. I’m even more perplexed that the administration is bringing this old horse out of the barn a third time. It’s no surprise that administrators feel they could deliver a better program with more time—who among us doesn’t want more hours in the day?—but the goals they cite as reasons for further extending the day can easily (and better) be met at home. As the parent of older children with no vested interest here, it looked to me as if working parents want the longer day, and those with a stay-at-home parent prefer the current day. What the first parents really need isn’t a longer school day, provided at taxpayer expense, but better day care choices—and we should talk about it as such. Day care has been a problem in this town for years (at least since my high school senior was four and I was talking about it myself.)
Parental “choice” won’t work, because no one in this town wants to risk their kids feeling “left behind” if other kids have had more information stuffed down their throats at an earlier age. It’s the nature of the competitive beast.
Westport students, coming from a gene pool of smart achievers, are going to be a success in any strong school system. Treating them like underprivileged kids needing more and more time with education professionals in loco parentis does a disservice to parents who think long and work hard to provide a relaxed, loving, playful after-school experience to their children.
The school day IS too rushed—especially in elementary school. I’d argue that four- and five-year-olds can do without formal Spanish instruction. Most probably get ample, age-appropriate art and computer time at home, too.
Kids can and do adapt. But why should we ask them to when we won’t?
The above comments are spot on.
As far as the news article, it is not very representative of the parents comments and objections to the board. It was overwhelming AGAINST the full day and not to mention every ones comments about the obvious bias in the survey that gave the board the results they hoped. It’s a joke and an insult to everyone’s intelligence for Dr. Elliot Landon to declare
Dear Mr. Raho:
I am writing as a private citizen and not in any capacity related to my position as a Member of the Westport Board of Education.
I am compelled to speak out against the hurtful comments you have made above about a parent and her family’s child care choices.
In particular:
What you state as being “Obvious” is in fact pure speculation;
What you call “ridiculous” may make perfect sense for that family;
What you call “guilt” may be pride.
Worst of all, you imply that there is some detrimental effect on the child. How utterly inappropriate!
Comments such as yours serve the sole purpose of stifling public debate- who in their right mind would want to subject themselves and their families to such criticism?
There are plenty of valid points to be made on each side of this issue without resorting to personal attacks. It would be nice if you were to join the vast majority of our community and “take the high road” on this debate.
Michael McGovern
Dear Mr. McGovern,
I would like to respond to your comments.
The woman was using her child as an example to say that, children do fine with long days and it’s alright because they can adapt. While that may be true, what are the long term affects? And why should we ask that of them?
As far as ridiculous, yes it may make perfect sense for her and her family, however, why do we want to voluntarily and unnecessarily create a long day for our young children. While this may serve her needs, please do not try to convince me and the board that “it’s okay”.
Guilt may be pride and I’m sure she feels good about her work(?) or whatever it is that takes her outside the home. But one must also consider the children in their decisions.
I don’t not mean or want this to be an indictment on her. But I have seen many selfish parents do what they want at the expense of the child and go to great lengths to justify and rationalize it. And in no way do I mean her, this is just a general statement and personal observation.
I really do not want to get into the merits of stay at home moms vs working moms. For the record my wife works approximately 20 hours a week. However, you do set yourself up for criticism when you speak to convince others (the board) what is best for all children in the community.
And lastly, you become indignant that I implied their is a negative affect on a child left in daycare for longer than 10 hours a day. To be honest, I’m a little shocked at your attitude, especially since you
As attributed to Trish Voil, different kids can handle different situations. And parents usually have more trouble adapting than their children (remember redistricting?). As reflected by the postings above, it is very difficult to make generalizations in any direction. However, that is what the BOE and School Admins must do. What arrangement is best for most, and flexible enough for everyone else?
And what is the monetary impact of full-day KG? Are the bus savings absorbed by the additional teacher salaries?
I got up to speak to give a voice to the side that is in favor of the Kindergarten proposal. At this time this is my position. As I respect those who don’t.
As for those who have singled me out. Please let
Megan,
I did not mean to single you out, it was just the article referred to your comments and I tried to put them in context, with my opinion added, and I regret that, if I hurt you. I came across too critical of you and I apologize. I know everyone of us gives great thought and consideration to our children’s future and the decisions we make concerning them.
This becomes an emotional debate, since the board