Kindergarten in the Bozeman Public Schools
Benefits of Full Time Kindergarten
- Additional time for children and teachers to explore topics in-depth
- Greater continuity of day-to-day, child-centered, developmentally appropriate activities
- Many full-time kindergartners exhibit increased independent learning and classroom involvement
- Increased emphasis on language development and appropriate pre-reading experiences
- Research supports positive relationships between participation in full time kindergarten and later school performance
- More time for children to increase social skills, including conflict resolution strategies
- Increased time for teachers to assess student progress through close teacher observation and systematic collection and examination of student work
- Increased opportunities for small group, large group, and individual activities
Kindergarten Programs in the Bozeman Public Schools
K/1 - Based on enrollment and funding, multi-grade classes may be offered at some elementary schools
Full-time - Program offered at Morning Star, Emily Dickinson, Whittier, Hawthorne, Longfellow, Irving and Hyalite
Half-time -Half-time schedule will be embedded in the full-time programs
- Full-time schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 3:20; early release on Fridays
- Part-time schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 11:45 (prior to lunch)
Schedule
Both the full-time and half-time programs are developmentally appropriate. Recess will be offered every morning. Specials (health enhancement, library, music) are guaranteed for full time students. Part-time students will receive specials as the individual school schedule allows. Parents will have the opportunity to change from a half-time program to a full-time program according to District procedure.
Foundational Information
- A Kindergarten website is provided for parents to access information on the Bozeman Public Schools’ Kindergarten learning goals as well as instructional resources. If a parent chooses part-time enrollment, the parent will have information on our district standards. Instructional materials and lesson planning for half-time students whose parents wish to extend learning opportunities at home will be the responsibility of the parent.