Wednesday, May 28, 2008

KINDERGARTEN CLASS SIZES

A visitor to this website submitted the following....


We are trying to get the word out to parents of the incoming Kindergarten (K) class regarding class size. As of May 21, 2008 there are 108 registered Kindergarten children for the 2008-09 school year. If the number of K classrooms remain at five, there will be 22 children in each class. Historically more register as September draws nearer, so we can expect greater than 22 to be in each class.

Two years ago RHES had 25-26 students in each K class. Most of their parents and teachers felt that these children received a less than ideal first year in school. Parents of the 2007-8 Kindergarten class had this same fight on their hands last year, at this time of the year. Their children were slated for four classes with 22 in each class. The parents banded together, approached the board of education and demanded another classroom be added. They were successful and the administration added a fifth class lowering the class ratio to 17:1. I am a parent of a current Kindergarten student and I can tell you first hand how nice it is for these students to receive more personal attention resulting from this lower ratio. My daughter has flourished in Kindergarten, thanks to the more personal instruction afforded her. In my opinion, ALL KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN SHOULD BE EXTENDED THIS OPPORTUNITY!

Once again the incoming Kindergarten class is up against the administration to keep class size under a 20:1 student-teacher ratio. Again, speaking first hand, the only way this will happen is if the parents come out and VOICE their opinion at the next board meeting - June 12th, 7pm at the RH high school auditorium. Also, a petition is being circulated and can be signed at the Middleport Free library on Vernon Street or at MJ Auto Care aka Durf's corner of Route 31 and Cottage in Gasport.