Journeys Program to Expand to All Local Elementary Schools

The kindergarten preparatory program is expanding to include every elementary school within the district, according to an announcement by the . The program is designed for children who are of kindergarten age (turning 5 between July and Nov. 1) but need extra support to achieve kindergarten readiness.

Students who turn 5 between Nov. 1 and Dec. 2 are entitled to a two-year kindergarten program, and they will also be a part of this class.

The program utilizes a kindergarten curriculum but focuses on hands-on and active learning, according to Rose Dunn, director of instruction. The curriculum is also paced to allow students to grasp key concepts before moving to the next stages of their education, she said.

There is significant research that supports the importance of ensuring a child’s readiness for school, and Journeys is tailored to meet students’ individual needs with a developmentally oriented pace, said Dunn. Following a year in the Journeys program, most students will enter a traditional kindergarten program, although some may be ready to move on to first grade, she said.

The program has already been implemented at , White Oak, Bay Laurel and Lupin Hill elementary schools. To register, parents will follow the usual registration process.

Informational meetings for parents are scheduled as follows:

Round Meadow Elementary: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. in the MPR

Sumac Elementary: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 8:30 a.m.

White Oak Elementary: Monday, Dec. 12, 8:30 a.m. in Room K2

: Friday, Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m.

: Tuesday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. in the MPR

For more information, parents can contact Rose Dunn at the district office at 818-878-5219, or the main office of their preferred school site.