The staff at Friday Harbor Elementary School is excited at the prospect of having all-day kindergarten available to San Juan Island children.

Though all-day kindergarten is still uncertain at this point, pending the current state Legislative session, staff there wants residents to know if it happens, “We are ready.”

What does this mean for the Friday Harbor Elementary School kindergarten program?

According to Friday Harbor Elementary School Principal Diane Ball, “All-day kindergarten will provide a more relaxed pace to explore as our youngest students begin to unfold the wonders of reading, writing, math, and science.  Additional time in the school day will also allow for more integration of art, drama, and creative play.”

Continuing with the current curriculum and Common Core State Standards, students will have more time to practice new learning and experience a greater depth of understanding before moving on to new topics.

Just like their peers in other grades, all-day kindergarten will include specialist time every day and three recesses during the school day.  Title I needs, learning assistance programs, or English language learning instructional services, will be scheduled within the school day, instead of added to existing half-day schedules.

“All-day kindergarten provides the children with a full-day experience from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., equating to less transnational and more opportunities for children to work at a pace that is developmentally appropriate to this age.” Ball said.  “The current kindergarten program addresses the whole child with an appropriate balance of academics and play, and this will not change.”

The school staff will work on a case-by-case basis with parents desiring to have their child participate in a half-day kindergarten program.

Questions may be directed to Friday Harbor Elementary School Diane Ball at 378-5209.