I was pleased to read in the Jan. 22 Sentinel that the Spotswood school district will introduce full-day kindergarten next year. The district has shown good judgment by incorporating this program into its school construction project.
As cited in the article, the evidence for the educational value of the program is overwhelming. Over the past two decades, more and more school systems have incorporated full-day kindergarten into their curriculum.
It is clear that 5-year-old children come to school much better prepared than in the past because of their broad exposure to preschool programs, television and other group experiences. It has become clear that early elementary education is enhanced by attendance at full-day kindergarten programs, and we all know that early elementary education is the cornerstone for all future learning.
I want to congratulate my neighbors in Spotswood for their good judgment and good planning. Spotswood has joined the ranks of the overwhelming majority of school districts in New Jersey that offer this program.
At the same time, I must implore my neighbors in East Brunswick to recognize the importance of this program. East Brunswick has talked about upgrading its kindergarten program to full-day for more than 20 years. The need for additional space has frequently been cited as the reason for not having accomplished this goal. As we stand on the threshold of a major school construction project, that reason need no longer exist.
Spotswood, like so many other districts, incorporated the program into its building plans. East Brunswick must do no less. A school district that has been known as a leader in education cannot allow itself to be one of the very few districts left in this state with an inadequate half-day kindergarten program.
A full generation of children have gone through our school system since discussion of full-day kindergarten began. We must ensure that the next generation of children gain the full benefit of our schools.
East Brunswick must incorporate full-day kindergarten into the elementary school building projects.
The needs of our schools are many. Our children have only one chance to do it right. We must not continue to deprive them of this chance.
David Seiden
East Brunswick