We are proud to highlight reflections from kindergarten educators across West Haven Public Schools who have been part of the implementation and continued development of full-day kindergarten over the past decade. These teachers share their experiences from the classroom and provide insight into early childhood learning, student growth, and the lasting impact of full-day kindergarten on young learners. Their perspectives reflect years of dedication to supporting students during one of the most important stages of their education.
Christine Cummings | Seth G. Haley Elementary School
I teach Kindergarten at Seth Haley. I started teaching Kindergarten at Seth Haley in 2012 when it was still half days. I can't believe it has been 10 years since all-day kindergarten started. Kindergarten is an amazing grade to teach. I love being able to see the growth from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. As a teacher, seeing the "aha" moments and the excitement students feel as they learn and experience new things is what makes teaching such an incredible profession.
Full-day kindergarten gives students the time they need to explore, learn, build friendships, and play at a comfortable pace. It helps establish a lifelong love of learning and school.
Amber Hayden | Savin Rock Community School
I have been a kindergarten teacher at Savin Rock Community School since 2010. What I find most rewarding about teaching kindergarten is witnessing the remarkable growth of my students, socially, emotionally, and academically. Many begin the year with limited writing skills, sometimes not even knowing how to write their name. By the end of the year, they are confidently writing full sentences and independently solving addition and subtraction problems. It is truly inspiring to observe their development as they discover their unique personalities, express themselves, and build lasting friendships with their peers.
Full-day kindergarten provides students with additional instructional time, enabling them to master foundational skills, develop stronger social-emotional abilities, and ease their transition into first grade.
Kathy Guadagnoli | Mackrille Elementary School
I teach kindergarten at Mackrille Elementary School. There are so many parts of teaching kindergarten that I love. One of my favorite parts is the enormous amount of personal growth students make in different areas. Their growth in learning how to be a student, sit in a chair, wait for their turn, hold a pencil, listen to others, follow directions, and complete something that is not easy for them. That personal growth never gets old to be a part of.
Full-day kindergarten has helped students grow personally and academically. It has given our students more time and stamina to grow at a comfortable pace. I’m grateful to be part of such a special grade level.
Erin Clancey | Pagels Elementary School
I teach kindergarten at Pagels Elementary School. I have been part of full-day kindergarten since its implementation in West Haven. Kindergarten is truly my favorite place to be because it is where so much growth and excitement happens every day. I love building strong relationships with students and their families and creating a classroom community where everyone feels welcome and supported. One of the greatest joys of teaching kindergarten is witnessing those moments when a concept clicks and watching students’ confidence grow over time.
The growth students make from September to June is truly amazing. Many enter kindergarten with basic letter and sound knowledge and leave as confident readers and writers. Full-day kindergarten gives children the time to explore, practice, and develop academically and socially, helping them build strong foundations that last far beyond kindergarten. It is a privilege to teach full-day kindergarten in West Haven.
Lauren Yaworski | Savin Rock Community School
I truly enjoy teaching Kindergarten at Savin Rock. I was hired in 2014, the first year of full-day kindergarten at our school. I love teaching kindergarten because I love seeing the growth that the students make from the beginning of the year to the end. Not only do they grow academically, but their personalities really start to develop during this time in their life.
Full-day kindergarten has helped students get into more of a routine with the rigor of academics. Kindergarten now is much more academically intense, and quite a bit is expected of them at this age. Having them for a full day has helped them become academically successful and ready for first grade.