Parents Approve Of Full-Day Kindergarten As D-28 Assistant Superintendent Retires

NORTHBROOK, IL — The Board of Education bid Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kathy Horvath a happy retirement before the last meeting of her career on June 27. Horvath came to District 28 in 2002 and has led the District through curriculum alignment to the new Illinois Learning Standards of each grade and subject during her tenure.

Last fall, Horvath was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Illinois State University College of Education. She is recognized as a leading expert in literacy content and teaching practices in Illinois. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Northbrook — or your community. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Horvath began her career as a special education teacher Dolton. She developed “Summer Bridges,” a program that focuses on improving students’ reading skills in low-achieving, high-needs schools. In 2013, she co-authored the book, “No More Summer Reading Loss,” published by Heinemann publishers.

Her most recent project was guiding the development of a full-day kindergarten program, which launched last fall. Parent surveys and teacher reflection indicate the effort was a great success.

Horvath reported that 98 percent of parents who responded to an end-of-year survey agreed that the program was a balance of academics and play-based learning. And, 99 percent of respondents felt the program fostered their child’s curiosity.

“Full-day kindergarten isn’t about trying to put first grade academics into kindergarten,” Horvath said. “It’s about students being able to explore and create things. To have time to ask questions and find the answers.”

The survey – with 129 of 180 families responding – was used to help evaluate the new program. Of those who responded, 73 percent of families rated their student’s kindergarten experience as “exceptional,” and the other 27 percent rated it “enjoyable.”

The play-based learning concept was adapted from the work of Sue Kempton, a nationally renowned author and consultant who assisted the district in designing and equipping the classrooms.

Ninety-nine percent of families chose to participate in the full-day program by the end of the year.

“Our teachers are so fabulous. They made this program great,” Horvath said.

» via Northbrook District 28

Top photo: Former Board President Elizabeth Hall wishes former Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kathy Horvath a happy retirement at a June 27 board meeting | via District 28