109 Approves New Kindergarten Program

A program to assure all Deerfield Public School District 109 students start first grade at full strength starts Jan. 21 after it was approved by the Board of Education Monday at its regular meeting at the District Center.

This intervention program will help identify kindergartners who need additional attention to start first grade on an equal footing with all other students, according to District 109 Communications Director Cathy Kedjidjian.

When the District realized it had an extra kindergarten classroom at Walden Elementary School in the afternoon and a part time teacher instructing a morning class who could become full time teaching children in the afternoon, the idea was born and money found.

Parents of students who were identified as candidates by the District were given the option to send their children to Walden in the afternoon in addition to their morning class at Walden or one of the District’s other three elementary schools.

“We are thrilled that the Board approved our Extended Day Kindergarten program for this semester,” Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Jeff Zoul said. “This will be an exciting opportunity to provide additional academic support to our young students. One of the best interventions we can offer students is more time; this program is a rare and welcome opportunity to provide such time to ensure success for all students.”

Get local news in a daily email from Patch. It's like getting a free newspaper. Learn more. Then "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.