LEVY: For full-day K

I am a longtime employee and kindergarten teacher in the Lakeland School District and I strongly support the Lakeland School District levy. I wish to share the benefits of providing full-day kindergarten for our youngest learners in LJSD. With the support of our community, Lakeland was fortunate enough to begin our full-day kindergarten program in the fall of 2017. Since implementation, our students and communities have noticed significant benefits in having a full-day program.

When kindergarten is full day vs. 2 1/2 hours a day, teachers are able to help students meet not only academic standards but also to provide an environment where social and emotional needs are met. Having a full day of school ensures that our youngest learners have opportunities to practice problem solving with peers, opportunities to practice building independence, and time to interact freely on both the playground and in the classroom. When kindergarten is shortened to a half day there is less time for small group instruction and it is much more difficult for teachers to meet the needs of individual students.

Our levy dollars help support a full-day kindergarten program, which in turn helps support all ages of learners as each student receives a solid foundation in their first year of school. It is a win-win situation for our students, our neighborhood schools and our community. Please vote yes for the future of North Idaho. Successful students equal successful community members.

AMANDA LEACH

Coeur d’Alene