Wantagh Celebrates Arrival of Full-Day Kindergarten

The Wantagh School District celebrated the full-day kindergarten ribbon-cutting ceremony at Wantagh Elementary School Friday.

Board of Education President Michael Soethout thanked the community for its commitment to this much-needed and beneficial educational program.

“We didn’t just add four hours to the day,” Soethout said. “This year’s kindergarten students are getting a whole new educational experience.”

On Sept. 3, the district opened its doors to its first full-day kindergarten program, which includes four classes at Wantagh Elementary School, three classes at Forest Lake Elementary School and two classes at Mandalay Elementary School.

“These 189 young children now enjoy a richer, fuller, more educationally sound program,” Superintendent Maureen Goldberg said. “These extended hours permit us to raise the caliber of instruction to provide not only additional academic lessons, but also additional opportunities for social and emotional development.”

Guests were treated to a couple of musical performances. The kindergarten students, accompanied by their teachers, also sang “Good Morning” and presented the Board of Education with a banner stamped with their handprints, thanking them for their full-day program.

Assemblyman David G. McDonough, R-Merrick, a member of the New York State Education Committee, called the opening of full-day kindergarten in Wantagh a “new beginning” and a goal for the entire state. Legis. David Denenberg, D-Merrick, also claimed that children in Wantagh “always come first.”

After the yellow ribbon was cut, guests were invited for refreshments and a tour of the kindergarten classrooms.

“Our students have finally been given a gift of sorts, which will enhance their learning and prepare them and future generations of Wantagh students for the rigor and competition ahead,” Mandalay Principal Dr. Lynne D’Agostino said.