Columbiana offers full-day kindergarten

COLUMBIANA -- Parents of kindergarten pupils in the Columbiana school district will have the option of sending their children to all-day or half-day classes next year.
School officials think most will opt to send their children to school all day.
School Superintendent Patricia Hura said the first grade will have only two classes in the fall instead of the usual three, allowing space for a third kindergarten class.
Hura said most area school districts where space is available offer all-day kindergarten, and most parents take advantage of it.
Some parents who attended recent school board meetings said half-day sessions are rushed, and they think all-day sessions would be better for their children.
Hura said she and Principal John Scardino of Joshua Dixon Elementary have mailed letters to parents alerting them to the all-day option.
She said if there are enough half-day pupils, they will be together in one classroom. If not, they will be in the same classrooms as the all-day pupils and arrive and leave at the appropriate times.
Hura said about 64 pupils have registered for kindergarten classes in the fall.