On Tuesday March 14, full-day kindergarten was approved in Greenland, NH. The other towns in SAU 50 (Rye, New Castle and Newington) already have full-day kindergarten.

Greenland Central School has always had a morning and afternoon kindergarten program. The morning class started at 7:30 am and dismissal was at 11:30am. The afternoon class started at 9:45am and dismissal was at 1:45pm. After half of the year, the morning and afternoon classes switch. The kids attending the morning class will attend the afternoon and the afternoon kids go to the morning.

A teacher from Rye Country Day (pre-school, Pre-K, and kindergarten) says, “I think it is a great idea and is very much needed. The parents want the full day.”

The all day program was the major reason for why residents came out to vote. The teacher from Rye Country Day was also asked if this change will have an affect on Rye Country day. She replied with, “It may affect us a little just because we do have the full day for the kindergartners. We have served the need for full day here.” She then was asked if she thought half day or full day was better for that age group. She replied with, “That is a loaded question because I think that because of what the kids are going into for first grade there are so many expectations. I think this is a need for the community.”