The Alpine School District Board Meeting held on February 13, 2024, focused on significant discussions regarding kindergarten options and the importance of inclusion in education. Parents and educators voiced their concerns about the recent legislative mandate requiring all schools to offer full-day kindergarten, while many expressed a strong desire to maintain dedicated half-day kindergarten classes.

Several parents, including Ann Marie and Amy Thomas, highlighted the need for half-day options, emphasizing that not all children are ready for a full day of school. They argued that many parents value the time spent at home with their children and believe that a half-day program allows for essential unstructured play and development. They urged the district to gather feedback from parents to assess the demand for half-day classes, suggesting that the current communication about the full-day mandate has not reached all families effectively.

Laurel Shelley, a former educator, shared her frustrations regarding the reduction in teaching time due to scheduling changes over the years. She advocated for more instructional time to enhance student learning and engagement, suggesting that the focus should not solely be on core subjects but also on enriching educational experiences.

Sierra Woods, another parent, echoed the sentiments of her peers, sharing her concerns about her child's anxiety and the challenges of transitioning to a full-day program. She expressed a desire for a gradual introduction to school, allowing children to adapt at their own pace.

Rebecca Spencer, who spoke about her experiences with inclusion in special education, highlighted the importance of integrating students with diverse needs into mainstream classrooms. She shared her advocacy efforts for her son and emphasized that meaningful inclusion benefits all students, fostering a more supportive and understanding school environment.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to addressing parental concerns and the need for ongoing dialogue about educational options. The board is expected to consider the feedback from parents and educators as they navigate the implementation of full-day kindergarten and the potential for maintaining half-day options.