Waldwick January 25, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 All-day kindergarten could become a reality in Waldwick by September 2013. “We are trying to explore every possible way to bring it about,” Waldwick Superintendent Dr. Patricia Raupers said last week. The Waldwick Board of Education recently hired the architectural firm of Di Cara/Rubino to work on architectural plans that would allow ample space for an all-day kindergarten program. Two classrooms would be needed for this purpose, Dr. Raupers said. However, she declined to offer details about the plans, as Joseph Di Cara, the architect who is currently helping the district with renovations at the Traphagen School, was due to make a presentation relating to the space needed for all-day kindergarten at a Monday, Jan. 23 presentation. “Over 70 percent of New Jersey’s school districts currently have all-day kindergarten, many have been working on it for next year, and several others are moving in that direction,” the superintendent said. She pointed to the high expectations educators now have for kindergarten students. District explores paths toward all-day kindergarten While all-day kindergarten is not a state requirement, Dr. Raupers said she believes the program is needed in Waldwick to help the district meet state and national standards and educational objectives in language arts and mathematics. She referred specifically to the National Common Core Project, which is in effect in 47 states. existing funds would be used. “We would not need a referendum,” she added. She noted that existing building funds, improvement funds, and capital improvement funds could be devoted to the all-day program. ‘We are trying to explore every possible way to bring it about,’ -- Waldwick Superintendent Dr. Patricia Raupers on an allday kindergarten program. The educator said the work required to meet the new standards and objectives for kindergarten students cannot be carried out in a half-day program. An all-day program, she added, could involve three sections at both Traphagen and Crescent schools. Asked about funding for the program, Raupers said