Port Angeles district reports gains in kindergarten readiness tied to transition-to-kindergarten program

Port Angeles School District staff told the board that targeted early‑learning efforts and a Transition to Kindergarten (TTK) program have helped raise kindergarten readiness rates in recent years.

Rhonda Groom (district staff) presented WA‑Kids screening results, saying the district "outperformed the state in all areas" for language, literacy and math in the 2025–26 snapshot while noting some year‑to‑year fluctuation in social-emotional domain scores. Groom described the TTK program for children who are 4 years old in August but not yet 5: participants are screened across six domains and the district prioritizes children with less preschool access, McKinney‑Vento status or language‑learner needs.

Groom cited a historical increase in readiness following the TTK program's introduction: readiness at kindergarten entry rose from 38% in the 2021–22 cohort to about 51% in later cohorts, a change the district attributes to the TTK intervention. She also described outreach—Facebook advertising, a Jefferson Fence banner, child‑find activities and direct engagement with the tribe—to ensure families learn about screenings; the district reported no current wait list but said classes have been full.

Board members asked clarifying questions about enrollment and the BCA process; Groom said the district performs annual internal building‑condition assessments and that the next state auditor inspection (a certified building condition assessment) will occur in 2028. No formal action was taken on the TTK program during the meeting.

The district indicated it will continue screening and outreach and present updated readiness and enrollment information at the board’s March meeting.