Verona needs your support to pass full day kindergarten
Did you know that Verona still does not have full day Kindergarten? That’s right, after many years and 4 attempts to pass, our town still does not offer a public full day kindergarten program. Currently Verona offers a 4-hour day, called “extended day” kindergarten. This is the bare minimum for children to learn the basics. This November 6, Verona voters will be given another chance to embrace the benefits of foundational education for our children, and leave a legacy for our children’s children. We can raise Verona up to where it should be. We can do better for the future of our town.
Kids will get 45 more instructional days. In this short day, there is barely time for children to socialize or play, which is critical for their development. Moving to a full-day program will offer more time for small group activities and center play, lunch/recess, additional instructional time in math, reading and writing, and science. The full day will add time, equivalent to 45 instructional days for the school year, much of that time is needed socialization.
Five year olds are ready for a full day. Peer-reviewed research shows that children at the age of five can handle a longer school day. Full day kindergarten is a great way for children to prepare for a long term educational experience. Children who have been through a full day of kindergarten are better prepared for first grade and beyond, especially in language arts and math.
No, it’s not babysitting. Full day Kindergarten is not babysitting, nor is it mandatory in NJ. My own son has 23 children in his class, when my daughter had 17 only two years ago. Full day kindergarten students will have more time to learn structured play and develop social skills, as well as time for the teachers to hold small group instructions and identify at-risk children who may need intervention for special education.
We can’t be the last town that still doesn’t have Full Day K. No, we’re not last. Yet. Other comparable districts, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Millburn, Montclair, Nutley, Roseland, West Orange all have full day K. Caldwell/West Caldwell doesn’t have full day K due to larger infrastructure needs; to hire more staff, add transportation and security. They are also voting this November to pass Full Day K.
All this for an average of $42 per household, per year.The total cost of the full day kindergarten program is estimated at $215,000 per year for the whole town, which will be included in the 2018-2019 budget if the question passes in November. Divided up over the 5500 residences in town, the average assessed home of $499,000 would have taxes increase by approximately $42 per year, less than a dollar per week. Importantly, these funds will be used exclusively for the use of full day kindergarten. The board cannot use this money for other initiatives. Of the 10 comparable districts, Verona spends the least per student. Due to the NJ 2% cap on education budgets, the only way to support our students is to vote in new initiatives. If the vote passes, Verona will always have full day kindergarten. If it fails, Verona could be the last town in Essex County to have full day K. What do you think that could do to your home value?
The bottom line: if you value education, and have pride in Verona, please VOTE YES for Full Day Kindergarten on November 6.
For more information, check out www.veronafulldayk.com or www.facebook.com/veronafulldayk.
Thank you!
Julia Allen, 12-year Verona resident, and mom of two