Dear Hayes Families,
As the district begins to plan for the 2012-13 school year, I wanted to share the most up to date information on our kindergarten programming. Remember as changes occur, we will let you know as soon as possible! Registration begins February 1, 2012.
Theresa O'Brien
Livonia Public Schools
Information on Kindergarten 2012-13
Livonia Public Schools has received many inquiries regarding offerings for kindergarten this coming school year. One of the reasons for the inquiries is that the current school funding law in Michigan requires all-day kindergarten for the 2012-2013 school year. There are a couple of very important issues we want to share with you regarding this topic.
First, while state lawmakers have made all-day kindergarten a requirement for next year, they have also done this in past years only to delay implementation into the future. State lawmakers could do this again. We won’t know until later in the year whether or not this will be a requirement.
Second, the Board of Education would need to consider budget implications of all-day kindergarten before making any final decision, if it is not mandated by the State. Some districts have opted for this program at the expense of other programs, such as lower class size. These decisions usually occur in the spring as we plan for the next school year.
Thus, no decision can be made before the two considerations above are addressed later in the year. We can assure you that appropriate planning will occur to make sure we are prepared for either scenario for the fall of 2012.
Whether or not the district chooses to move forward with full-day kindergarten, know that the focus will be on providing students with an outstanding educational program that is developmentally appropriate. As soon as we are aware of any changes, should they arise, we will provide our incoming kindergarten families with information via US Mail and through district communications.
We look forward to welcoming your child to kindergarten!
