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Buchanan junior kindergarten pilot fills two sections as teachers report social-emotional gains
Summary
Buchanan K–1 administrators told the Huron Board the junior kindergarten pilot has two full sections of 18 students each and is showing early gains in routines, social-emotional skills and foundational literacy and math.
Buchanan K–1 administrators told the Huron Board of Education Wednesday that the district’s junior kindergarten pilot has ‘‘filled up rather quickly’’ and is demonstrating early progress, particularly in students’ social and learning routines.
The program, presented by principal Heather DeBoer and teachers Brooke Kennard and Carol Westby, currently runs two sections with 18 students in each. Teachers reported growth in early learning skills and routines that help prepare children for kindergarten. "They filled up rather quickly with 18 students in each, and the students are learning their routines," DeBoer said.
Counselor Lacey Guy described the classroom’s approach to social-emotional learning: staff use social stories — ‘‘a mini story that uses simple words and pictures that describes a social situation’’ — to teach expectations, turn-taking and how to manage feelings. Teachers said families have given positive feedback and that the program emphasizes one letter per week in reading and numbers to 10 in math, alongside play-based activities and fine-motor development.
Board members praised the initial results and encouraged staff to continue monitoring growth. The presentation concluded with board members noting the program aligns with the district’s strategic plan focus on community outreach and early learning.
The board did not take formal action on the pilot at the meeting; presenters said they will continue to report progress at future meetings.
