Point Road School Full-Day Kindergarten Ready To Go For 2013-14

By Christopher Sheldon

The construction of two new kindergarten classes at Point Road Elementary School is completed. 

Little Silver School District Superintendent Carolyn Kossack said the shift from a half-day to a full-day program will allow the district to continue to enhance the quality of education provided to students. 

“The Department of Education’s research for high quality Kindergarten programs revealed students need time to have concrete experiences and play-based learning that is integrated into the various content areas," Kossack said in a release. "We cannot accomplish all of these things in a half-day program any longer. The new full-day program will allow students to have an enriched educational experience”.

In 2008 about 100 participants including staff and community members participated in a forum to develop a five-year Strategic Plan for the district and found that providing a full-day kindergarten was a key initiative.

“The two additional classrooms are the result of several years of research and investigation of building and financing options," Little Silver Board of Education President Chris Smith said. "After developing a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and impact, the Board of Education brought the referendum vote to the Little Silver community in March 2012." 

“The community validated the value of a full-day Kindergarten program, passing the referendum overwhelmingly," Smith continued. "This project reflects our community’s value on education. This investment in the education of our children will help us to more effectively deliver 21st Century readiness skills as we prepare our students to compete in a global economy”.

The project broke ground in April and workers were able to complete their work within four months, both on time and on budget, according to the district.

The classrooms will be ready when the district opens on Monday, Sept. 9, and will be ready to welcome Little Silver’s graduating class of 2022. 

Smith, Kossack, and Point Road School Principal Pamela Albert Devine will welcome Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, Mayor Robert Neff and Chief of Police Daniel Shaffery to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m.