When the new term begins in September, Parkland 5-year-olds will attend a full day of kindergarten, a change from the half-day in effect since the program began generations ago.

At the Jan. 19 meeting, the school board approved the transition to full-day kindergarten by a vote of 5-3, with one board member abstaining.

Kelly Rosario, director of curriculum, instruction and professional development, worked with 30 educators on an early literacy committee for more than a year to plan for the change.

The goal is to have all students reading proficiently by the end of third grade.

Rosario said at that level children make the transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

She explained the advantage of full-day kindergarten will be to gomore indepth in the curriculum while also providing developmentally appropriate activities such as purposeful play.

“The Pennsylvania Common Core Standards are absolutely rigorous,” Rosario said. “Kindergarten-age children can meet those standards, but it can’t be just surface learning.

“The half-day program is more intense to get ready for Common Core.”

The full day will allow time for students to play and interact with one another to develop collaborative skills, noted Rosario.

She reported most concerns about full-day kindergarten focused on the cost, not the concept.

The $2.7-million price tag was a reason cited for the three opposing votes.

Board member Barry Long offered his comments.

“I do not think it’s the right timing for taxpayers,” Long said. “We have no additional money coming from the state, and we have to be careful using the fund balance for ongoing programs.”

Jef Reyburn suggested starting with a pilot program at two schools and compiling data from the experience before moving on to full-day kindergarten throughout the district.

Mark Hanichak added his comments.

“I agree with the pilot program at one or two schools,” he said. “The $2.7 million is a great deal of money to jump into the deep end all at once.”

Board member David Hein abstained due to his wife’s employment as a Parkland teacher.

Rob Cohen expressed his views on the matter.

“To me, our students’ concerns are the overriding issue for us,” Cohen said. “It’s long overdue.

“We are leaders. Our students’ needs override financial concerns.

“We listened to reports of professionals who have indicated this is a viable program to benefit our kids.”

Lisa Roth added her thoughts on the matter.

“It’s so exciting to see it happen,” Roth said. “I was on the strategic planning committee way back when this started.”

In addition to Cohen and Roth, board members Bob Bold, Carole Facchiano and David Kennedy voted in favor of full-day kindergarten.

The steps for implementation include writing the curriculum, preparing a staffing plan, communicating with parents, compiling enrollment numbers after kindergarten registration takes place, and acquiring approval for the program from the state department of education.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak provided remarks on the transition to full-day kindergarten.

“We have a lot more hard work to do,” Sniscak said. “Let’s button up the chin straps and let’s get going.”

After the meeting, Rosario expressed enthusiasm to the Parkland Press.

“It has been a labor of love,” she said. “It’s exciting we can move full-speed ahead.”