What are the start and end times for full day K in Verona?
The current kindergarten day is 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. A full day program will follow the same schedule as our elementary students in grades 1-4, which is 8:30 am – 2:45 pm.
Has New Jersey mandated a full day Kindergarten program?
At this time Kindergarten in New Jersey is NOT a mandated grade level. Therefore, New Jersey districts have the option to offer Kindergarten at a half day, extended day or full day schedule.
There is a proposed bill for full day kindergarten. This proposed bill if law, mandates that if a school district does not have a full day kindergarten program, and is designated as a district with a large concentration of at risk-students, the district would be required to begin offering a full day kindergarten program by the 2018-19 school year. All other districts would be required to have a full day kindergarten program by the 2019-20 school year
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Will full day kindergarten students have the opportunity to participate in school sponsored lunches?
Yes. Full day kindergarten students will have the option to purchase lunch via Pomptonian and or an SCA sponsored lunch.
Are the majority of New Jersey Public Schools offering full day kindergarten?
Yes! At this time, approximately 8 out of 10 public school districts offer a full day program.
Will center time still be an integral part of the kindergarten experience?
Yes. Kindergarten students will still participate in daily center time exploring various skills through play.
How do we define a kindergarten center?
Our kindergarten classrooms have designated areas within the classroom that provide students with opportunities to explore and discover through a self-initiated process. Center activities often include items such as manipulatives, art materials, books, and other developmentally appropriate resources. Learning centers provide students with opportunities to apply curricular topics in hands-on ways. A kindergarten center encourages students to make decisions, share with others, and problem solve independently and as a member of a team.
Will full day kindergarten students have a world language?
No. World language in Verona begins at the first grade level. Additional time will be afforded for English-language arts skill acquisition.
Will kindergarten teachers be considered full time teaching staff?
Yes. All kindergarten teachers are currently 77% of a full day. Full day kindergarten will result in all of our kindergarten teachers becoming full time teachers in our district.
Will kindergarten teachers have an increase in pay due to a full day program?
Yes. Currently the Kindergarten teachers are paid 77% of a full time salary for their assigned step on the negotiated salary guide. All day kindergarten will result in each teacher becoming a full time employee with 100% of their salary at their assigned step.
Will there be an increase in cost to the district for benefits?
No. Currently all kindergarten teachers despite their 77% employment status are offered full time benefits.
How much will full day kindergarten cost per year?
An additional $215,000 per year for full year cost for the expansion of our existing kindergarten program includes increase in salaries and additional supplies. The additional funds will be included each year in the budget if approved by the community.
Will the proposed curriculum be aligned to the current New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS)?
Yes. The current kindergarten curriculum is directly aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). This same curriculum will be expanded due to increased time, allowing teachers and students to study topics at a deeper level.
Will the extra time have a positive impact on student’s learning?
Yes! Studies have revealed a correlation between full day kindergarten and student achievement. Students will be more prepared for the first grade curriculum and full day. Students are more likely to be on grade level by third grade as opposed to their half-day kindergarten peers.
How will the decision be made to move to full day kindergarten in Verona?
On election day, Tuesday, November 6, 2018, Verona voters will be asked to approve full day kindergarten in the district. This vote will be done in the form of a second question on the ballot.
What is the purpose of a second question on the ballot?
Districts may not exceed the state-imposed 2% cap on budget increases, therefore, the public must vote on them. Districts can add second questions on the ballot when they are proposing a new program that exceeds the 2% cap.
What would be the tax impact on a yes vote for the second question on full day kindergarten?
The average increase per household would be $42 per year.