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Stratham parent urges shorter kindergarten orientation after district schedules four days
Summary
At the Stratham School District’s joint board meeting a parent said this year’s four-day kindergarten orientation is creating a substantial childcare and work burden and asked the board to coordinate start/end dates across grades to reduce impacts on families.
A Stratham parent told the school board that a planned four-day kindergarten orientation will impose substantial childcare and work burdens on families.
Brandon Michaud, of 55 Winnetcutt Road, said his incoming kindergartner’s orientation letter showed a four-day schedule this year, up from two days when his older child enrolled. “Not only do I have to take four days out of work, I’m paying for four days of childcare for my daughter,” Michaud said. He asked the board to consider coordinating orientation and end-of-year dates across grade levels so older students could safely care for younger siblings and families would lose fewer days of paid childcare.
The board did not take formal action during the meeting but left public comment open for additional speakers. Jennifer Scrafford, board chair, thanked Michaud and kept the issue on the record for additional discussion. Staff and board members later moved through the agenda; Michaud’s remarks were recorded as public comment to be considered by administrators.
Why it matters: Orientation scheduling affects working families’ ability to participate, and the parent requested the district pursue a “waterfall” or staggered approach so older students’ early releases and activities better align with kindergarten orientation days. No plan or staff directive was made at the meeting; the issue remains under consideration.
The district has not announced any changes to the 2025-26 kindergarten orientation schedule. The board encouraged the administration to review Michaud’s request and return with options.
The board left public comment open for later in the meeting to allow additional commenters to raise related concerns.
