Orland SD 135 staff looking forward to full-day kindergarten

Originally published October 22, 2015

Full-day kindergarten is being offered for the 2016-17 school year in Orland School District 135, and teachers already are excited about the educational possibilities.

Here are some teachers’ thoughts, provided by District 135 spokeswoman Jen Beshansky:

From Elly Rochowicz, a kindergarten teacher for 23 years: “It’s an exciting time in District 135. I’m happy for this movement forward, knowing students will truly benefit. Full-day kindergarten allows us to delve into the curriculum and help children grow socially and emotionally. The extra time gives more opportunities for in-depth learning and further progress of skills. I feel fortunate to be part of the planning process and hope to provide my professional insight and experience to create a high quality full-day kindergarten program for our students.”

From Meredith Rucinski, a kindergarten teacher at Prairie School: “I’m looking forward to the 2016-17 school year and the beginning of full-day kindergarten. It will allow more time for exploration, to build critical thinking and construct further knowledge. Full-day kindergarten will strengthen students’ academic achievement, as it strengthens their social and emotional skills. Students will have more time to focus on activities, transition from activities, and will have increased time for reflection. I’m excited to experience full-day kindergarten with my kindergarten team and Orland School District 135.”

Ann Czerwonka said, “This is my 10th year teaching the kindergarten English Language Learners program, in which my students attend school all day (one session of kindergarten in their regular classroom, and a second session with me). I’ve seen great gains made by these students and feel it is time all kindergartners in the district have the same opportunity.”

Parent input is crucial at this stage, as well. Dominique McNamara, parent of a future kindergarten student and member of the full-day kindergarten committee, said, “I’m happy to be part of the comprehensive plan the district has to move forward with the full-day kindergarten initiative. The committee is working hard to consider every need, obstacle, etc. that may arise during the transition. As a parent, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have a say in how this important new program will begin.”

District 135 Supt. Janet Stutz sought community input via the committee. She said conversations have been geared to include all aspects of student life — home, school, implementing curriculum, social and emotional needs — as a community effort.

“The committee is looking to do more than lay out an academic plan; they want to teach the kindergartners to ‘learn how to do school,’ ” Stutz said. “During full-day kindergarten, teachers will be able to spend more time meeting individual needs — and we need communication back and forth to ensure we address more than academics — like how to be a student, learning how to learn, and determining how to assist students outside the classroom.”

Parents are asked to register their children for kindergarten at their child’s primary school. Hosting registration at the schools instead of the administration center will give parents and students an opportunity to explore their school before the start of the school year.

Registration runs from 3 to 8 p.m. on the following dates: Prairie School, Nov. 3; Centennial School, Nov. 10; Park School, Nov. 12; and Center School, Nov. 17.

Questions regarding half-day options should be directed to the primary school principals.

Because of the change, the district will be going from nine kindergarten classrooms to about 19 or 20, and that makes registering crucial.

“We’re looking for information to assist with staffing classrooms — materials, supplies, etc., so we need to get an accurate count to provide for each location,” Stutz said. “Some parents may want to stay with the half-day option; however, by October, they may be looking for full-day. We would like to say (at this time) we can adjust and make that happen. We want to make sure all needs are met — arts, instruction, reading, all academics for half- and full-day students.”

Parents with concerns or questions can contact curriculum director Dave Snyder, Assistant Supt. Lynn Zeder or the principals.

“This is an amazing opportunity that the board fully supports,” Stutz said. “This is a financial investment in our children’s futures.”

Get active

Deborah Geghen, a fitness manager at the Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St., reminds us to “get up, sign up and show up.”

With autumn here, it might seem easy to become homebound, but the Sportsplex is offering classes to keep everyone moving.

Some examples:

For children, SplexRex Fitness (ages 4 to 6) begins Oct. 29; Fitwise (ages 7 to 12) starts Oct. 26; Aerobic Explosion, a new class (ages 7 to 13), starts Oct. 30, as does Yoga and Fitness (ages 7 to 15); while Speed and Agility (ages 9 to 18) begins Oct. 29.

For adults, fall classes also start late this month. They include Fly Yoga, Pilates Reformer and a Pilates Chair/Tower program, along with Booty Barre and Cross Challenge.

Senior citizens, consider registering for the following: Senior Machines, Senior Cardio Circuit, and a new offering, Senior Ride and Row, which incorporates rowing machines and stationary bikes.

For more information and dates, times and registration, get the 2015 Fall Program Guide or visit www.orlandpark.org.