|
Published: June 12, 2008 11:29 pm
ROY-HART: Kindergarten class sizes concern some parents
By Joe Olenick E-mail Joe
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
IMIDDLEPORT — Royalton-Hartland School District could be seeing an increase in kindergarten enrollment, and that has some parents worried about classroom sizes.
As of right now, the district is projecting 108 kindergartners to be enrolled in the fall of this year. Currently, there are five kindergarten teachers in the district. Class sizes would average about 22 students per class, and a few residents at Thursday’s Board of Education meeting voiced concerns they had about how a larger class size would affect the students.
Resident Heidi Wolf said she had a daughter who was heading into kindergarten in the fall, and another daughter who is in first grade.
“I have a daughter who is in first grade who did benefit from a smaller class size,” Wolf said. “She needed a little extra help when she was in kindergarten, and she was able to get that. I’m concerned my little one won’t get that next year.”
Don DiBenedetto of Gasport said he had a daughter who was also going into kindergarten in the fall. He asked the board what it would do to keep the class size small, saying other schools in the state average a lower number than 22 students per kindergarten class.
“Most of the schools in this area, this year have been at 20 or less,” he said. “The state average is, I believe, 19.9.”
DiBenedetto presented the board with a petition signed by community members who were concerned about the class sizes. Three other residents also commented to the board about the kindergarten class sizes.
Board President Patricia Riegle addressed the residents during the first public forum. She said the total kindergarten enrollment as of the meeting was at 108 students, but that could change daily. It is a concern and it is being taken into consideration, she said.
“There has been conversation, and there will continue to be conversation,” Riegle said. “I can only ask you to be patient with us a little bit longer. It’s very early; we’re trying to close out one year and open up a new one. Let us see what does happen.”
She added hiring was probably not done yet, and positions would be filled as needed.
Letters telling parents who their child’s kindergarten teacher is are sent out in June. Superintendent Paul Bona said he would allow the kindergarten class assignments to be sent as normal, based on five teachers. Bona said the assignments were tentative and could change in August, if the district sees a need to add a class.
n In other district news, a fundraising drive has begun to pay for repairs needed on the Middleport Outdoor Playground at the middle school on State Street in Middleport. A committee of residents is collecting donations and will be hosting a new and gently used toy raffle on June 21 at the Hartland Fire Hall on Ridge Road in Gasport. Members of the community are donating toys for the raffle.
The playground had fallen into disrepair and was fenced off for safety issues. The playground committee will be meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Middleport Library on Vernon Street. The public is invited.
Contact reporter Joe Olenick
at 439-9222, ext. 6241.
|
|
|
|
 |
Nurses
NURSES
RN - LPN
Join our progressive health care team
FT-PT - Per Diem ...>MORE
Coach
COACH, Men’s Soccer. Niagara County Community College is seeking a head coach for the men’s soccer team. Please see web ...>MORE
service greeter
Service greeter wanted, PT entry level. Looking for someone with strong customer service skills to work in our fast grow...>MORE
Cook Manager
COOK /Manager full time exp. req. Call for appt. 297-2500 ask for general manager. ...>MORE
LPN
LPN Lewiston, overnight; Pediatric LPN, Tona, days /nights; Pediatric nurses. NF, days & nights. Diana, Allstate Home...>MORE
CARPENTER: Framing, 3-5 years exp. $11-15/hr DOE. Transportation necessary. 716-689-6829...>MORE
automotive service technician
Service greeter wanted, PT entry level. Looking for someone with strong customer service skills to work in our fast grow...>MORE
COLLECTORS
Exp. collectors, high hrly., low cash goals, 20% overage, 500 4 hitting, Chuck @ 597-2538...>MORE
Telemarketers
CASHIERS
Looking for dependable people with good customer service skills for afternoons and overnights at con...>MORE
Receptionist
Dental Office Receptionist Responsible for front desk duties. Mon., Tues. & Wed. 8-5, Thurs. and Fri. varia...>MORE
See all ads |
Chevy 2003 Impala
CHEVY 2003 Impala 25,600 miles, loaded Exc. Cond. $10,000/bo 297-2199...>MORE
Mercury 1999 Grand Marquis
Mercury ‘99 Grand Marquis 4 dr, leather, all options, 49k org mi., showroom cond. $6000. 860-2854, ...>MORE
Buick 2005 Lesabre
BUICK 2005 Lesabre Custom, excellent condition, fully loaded, $6700 or best offer, 754-4540...>MORE
Chevy 2007 Impala LT
CHEVY 2007 Impala LT 25,800 mi, ext. warranty Exc. Cond, $16,500 297-2199...>MORE
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria 4 dr, loaded, new tires must see & drive $3500. red. 860-2854...>MORE
Mazda 1995 Millenia
Mazda 1995 Millenia loaded, leather, only 26k mi. exc. cond. $2995. Best Offer 531-3548, 297-1526...>MORE
Dodge 2001 Neon
Dodge 2001 Neon 4 dr, auto, a/c, new tires, c/d no rust, inspected, $3900. white 860-2854...>MORE
See all ads |
|
See all ads |
|
 |
|