Dexter Schools Approve All-Day Kindergarten Classes

Administrators and elementary teachers in Dexter breathed a collective sigh of relief Monday following a decision to implement all-day kindergarten in the district beginning in the 2012-13 school year.

The Board of Education unanimously passed the motion at its final meeting before Christmas break.

"We're relieved," said Principal Craig McCalla. "We really think that the all-day kindergarten program we can offer will enhance the educational experience for all of our kids in Dexter."

McCalla, along with Principal Tim Authier, has been advocating for a full-day program since 2008.

"We sent out a survey to gauge interest, and of the 340 responses we received back, 82 percent indicated positive affirmation for the switch," McCalla said.

In its first year of implementation, the program will cost the district roughly $247,500 to implement.

McCalla said some of the benefits of an all-day kindergarten program include more time for students to play, instead of rushing through curriculum, and more one-on-one time with teachers and students.

Another factor is money, according to Superintendent Mary Marshall. The Legislature is considering proposals that will reduce funding to schools on a per-pupil basis for students enrolled in half-day kindergarten next year.

Local parent Tina Jones, a alumna, said she is excited for the change to all-day classes.

"I think all-day kindergarten would be beneficial both academically and socially for my son," she said.

Jones said she would rather have her son enrolled in an all-day program instead of being shuffled around with different family members throughout the day.

Parent Rob Mitzel disagreed.

"I think half-day kindergarten should be an option," Mitzel said. "We tried an all-day class before, and it doesn't work for my family's situation."

McCalla said parents who wish to remove their students after morning classes next year will be allowed to; however, the student would miss material taught in the afternoon session.

Authier said both principals will continue to meet with parents and explain options for the upcoming school year. A kindergarten roundup information meeting is planned for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Cornerstone.

For more information on the all-day program, parents may call McCalla at 734-426-3506 or Authier at 734-424-4130.