The Hudson School Board had a second reading for its Age of Entrance policy changes on Feb. 19. “I know this is a policy we discussed at length with the board,” Superintendent, Daniel Moulis, said.
According to the policy, it’s the board’s policy “to admit students to first grade whose sixth birthday occurs on or before Sept. 30, in accordance with RSA 193:1 Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil:
A parent/guardian of any child at least 6 years of age and under 18 years of age shall cause such child to attend the public school to which the child is assigned in the child’s resident district. Such a child shall attend full time when such school is in session.”
As part of the statement of the policy, a student can enter kindergarten “if the chronological age will be five on or before Sept. 30 of the year of entering school.”
“A pupil shall be required to enter grade one if the chronological age will be six on or before Sept. 30 of the year of entering school. See RSA 193:1. A birth certificate must be presented upon registration as proof of the date of birth,” the policy reads.
For students coming from a different district “in grades 2-8, inclusive, will be placed in accordance with the data forwarded by the sending District. Such placement is tentative and subject to reassignment by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.”
“Incoming transfer students in grade 1 will be admitted to grade 1 if their chronological age will be six before Dec. 31 of the year of entering school or if previously enrolled in grade 1 in another community and attending local schools only on a temporary basis (10 months or less),” the policy reads. “Such placement is tentative and subject to reassignment by the Superintendent.”
One of the aspects of the policy is for waivers.
“Waivers covered by this policy shall only be granted for a three-month probationary period. Before the end of the probationary period, the District will assess whether the waiver/ placement is appropriate. If the District determines that the waiver/placement is not appropriate, the student will be subject to reassignment by the Superintendent or his/her designee. For a waiver of early admittance into kindergarten, reassignment shall mean withdrawal from school. Parents requesting a waiver for early admittance to kindergarten must agree in writing or by facsimile to withdraw their child if the waiver/placement as determined by the District is not appropriate,” the policy reads. “Likewise, parents requesting any other waiver under this policy must agree in writing to reassignment if the placement (as determined by the district) is not appropriate. Such agreement to potential reassignment/withdrawal shall be made at the time of application for waiver to age of entrance requirements.”
A concern raised by members of the School Board is making it clear that there are conditions as part of being granted a waiver, and that it wouldn’t be unconditional.
Director of Special Services, Rachel Borge, explained that they would work with the IT department, to make it so people couldn’t go past it on the online form until they acknowledge there are conditions and would make it very clear on the form.
Parents/guardians would be required to request a waiver “for delayed entry or early admittance.” As part of the timeline, a parent or guardian needs to submit the waiver requests by March 15, prior to the school year. “All students applying for a waiver will need to take the appropriate grade-level screener in the spring,” the policy reads.
According to the policy, on May 1, screener results “with recommendation from the screening team will be delivered to the Superintendent.” On May 15, “Superintendent or designee will inform parents/guardians in writing of the decision relative to the request,” the policy reads. Any decision and appeals would be concluded by June 30.
The policy also outlines the information that is considered as part of the process.
“A waiver of the school entrance age policy will be granted in those cases judged to be appropriate in all assessed areas. All reviews relative to waiver requests are confidential,” the policy reads.
Any parent or guardian “who wishes to request a waiver should be aware that considerations may include, but are not limited to, the following information:
The school entrance age policy, as stated in Section A above
Any hardship other than space or staffing which may result to the School District if the child is granted a waiver to the school entrance age policy
Enrollment, class sizes and space
Information regarding the child’s intellectual abilities
Information regarding the child’s social and emotional development
Information regarding the child’s physical abilities
Written recommendation(s) of a kindergarten teacher(s), preschool teacher(s), daycare provider(s), or other individuals with specific knowledge of the child’s intellectual, social, and physical abilities
Information regarding the academic and/or social success of children who are admitted to school at a young age
Evidence of whether the child will be harmed if he or she is not granted a waiver, and evidence of what kind of harm may result
Any behavioral or developmental issues which the child may face as a result of early admittance to school, and the resources available to help prevent and/or address such issues if they arise
Options, other than early admission to school, which are available to the child
Issues relating to the credibility of the evidence presented “
The School Board ultimately approved the policy.
“I appreciate all the changes that have been made from the first reading” School Board Vice Chair, Maureen Dionne, said.
