Longfellow Principal Chris Poynter welcomes all-day kindergarten students to their first official day of school.
August 16 was an exciting day in the Westerville City School District for students, parents, teachers and staff, because that is when doors opened wide to welcome new kindergarten pupils.
Approximately 1,088 kindergartners lined up and marched into their rooms at various locations, where book bags were unloaded, revealing an assortment of brand new pencils, crayons, glue sticks, folders and markers. After a gentle explanation of rules and regulations, learning got underway.
All-Day kindergarten in Westerville has grown in popularity since its inception in 2015. Currently, the district hosts 18 all-day kindergarten classrooms, four of which are located at Longfellow. The remaining 14 all-day classes are housed at each K-5 elementary building, with two classes at both Alcott and Pointview elementary schools. In addition, 28 half-day kindergarten classes are offered throughout the district. This year’s kindergartners will graduate in 2032.