Alexis Murphy spoke in favor of a full-day Kindergarten program. Ms. Murphy discussed her prior full-day Kindergarten experience in Missouri before moving to River Forest. She stated that the District's Kindergarten teachers are impressive, and talked about non-academic issues, such as respect and creativity.
Gia Galunga stated that she supports full-day Kindergarten. Ms. Galunga's current Kindergarten-aged child attends a private Kindergarten, because she believes that a half-day program puts children at a disadvantage in comparison to other school districts.
Beth Vlerick spoke in favor of a full-day Kindergarten program. Ms. Vlerick stated that the issue will not go away and wants a more substantive discussion on the topic.
Linday Hollander requested a full-day Kindergarten program. She stated that there is broad support for a full-day program, but would consider having both options -- full-day and half-day Kindergarten -- so parents can make the best choice for their families.
Rebecca Kleps stated that she supports full-day Kindergarten. Ms. Kleps teaches in a nearby school district that provides full-day Kindergarten. She spoke about the amount of homework for students because a full-day of instruction is compressed into a half-day.
Andrea Keeney spoke on behalf of full-day Kindergarten. She stated that this issue is important for the River Forest community.
Sheba Chiplunkar stated that she supports full-day Kindergarten. Ms. Chiplunkar expressed concern that her Kindergarten daughter will not be ready for a full-day first grade schedule.
Megan Keskitalo stated her support of a full-day Kindergarten. Ms.
Keskitalo offered several reasons for her position including an overwhelming majority of Illinois school districts offer full-day Kindergarten and many women are in the workforce. She requested that Board members make a child-centered decision in support of full-day Kindergarten.
Alison Jack shared her support of full-day Kindergarten. Ms. Jack described full-day Kindergarten as an equity issue and stated that she hoped Board members would reopen the matter.
Steven Jackson stated his support of full-day Kindergarten. Mr. Jackson said that a half-day program has adverse effects on students compared to students in full-day Kindergarten programs.
Ed Miranda spoke on behalf full-day Kindergarten and stated that a half-day program is a disservice to both Kindergarten teachers and students.
Megan Walsh stated that she supports a full-day Kindergarten program, with the option of a half-day Kindergarten program for families that prefer such a choice.
Bterino Velikoj spoke on behalf of a full-day Kindergarten program. Ms.
Velikoj expressed concern for her student's transition to first grade. She also talked about how a full-day Kindergarten program would impact the River Forest community and home values.
Kacey Butkus stated that she supported full-day Kindergarten. Ms. Butkus expressed her concern about the lack of play time for Kindergarten students and potential challenges as children transition from a half-day Kindergarten program to full-day first grade.
Divya Variyam expressed support for full-day Kindergarten. Ms.
Variyam explained that her family delayed its relocation into River Forest because of the District didn't offer a full-day Kindergarten. She stated that a full-day program offers a balance between play and academics.
