At the end of February 2011, the Lakota Board of Education is scheduled to make a final decision on whether or not to implement a full-day, alternating-day kindergarten program. Under this program, half of the kindergarten students will attend school on Mondays, Wednesdays and alternating Fridays, while the other half will attend school on Tuesdays, Thursdays and alternating Fridays. The reason for this proposal by Lakota administrators is to save $500,000 by eliminating midday bussing. This petition is being distributed to residents who live within the Lakota Local Schools District, and by signing your name, you are stating that a full-day, alternating-day kindergarten program is unwanted in the Lakota school district because of the following reasons: 

1. An erratic schedule is unhealthy for young children. 

2. Students will have huge gaps of time being away from school, hindering retention of curriculum.

3. Disadvantaged children and those with disabilities will find it even more difficult to thrive without routine, consistency, repetition and exposure to everyday instruction.

4. Teachers may find it more difficult to maintain continuity between the two classes, adequately monitor progress of children, and communicate effectively with parents.

5. A savings of $500,000 within an operating budget approaching $200,000,000 is only a savings of .25%, not a significant enough amount to justify compromising the education of young children.

Based on the above information, it is clear that our youngest elementary learners need your help; their first experience in the public school system should be one that has a positive effect on their impressionable and delicate minds.

If you feel strongly that the Lakota Board of Education would be making a poor decision by voting for a full-day, alternating-day kindergarten schedule, please sign your name and provide your home address for residential verification. (Your address will not be available for public viewing.)

Thank you for your support!

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