Currently, only a half-day program is available.

"People will have the option of sending their children for either the full day or the half day next year," says Wendy Smale, the junior kindergarten teacher.

Wendy believes the change will enhance the class. With the extension of the day, additional enrichment activities can be included, like computer-related learning, library time, science and a reading buddy program. "The students will also become more a part of the school," says Wendy. "The afternoon offers a lot of interaction opportunities that these kids normally miss."

Extending the day will also make things more convenient for many parents, says Wendy.

"Right now we have dads picking up their kids with pagers going off. We have parents picking up one child at noon and then another at the end of the day."

She stresses, however, that it is still an option for parents to send their children for only the half-day. "The key is the flexibility of being able to do either," she says. "Some parents may feel the full day is too heavy for their child and just want the half-day."

Parents may also decide to switch partway through the year. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, they will have the opportunity to evaluate how their son or daughter is doing and make a change if necessary.

So far 16 students are enrolled for junior kindergarten in the fall. All of their parents have opted for the full-day program to date.

Two junior kindergarten classes are offered at Rhema, one running on Tuesdays and Thursdays and one on Mondays and Fridays.

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