Standing on the stage at Reed Intermediate School, Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, estimated on Monday, April 27, that he was addressing the parents of the Newtown High School graduation Class of 2028.

The evening presentation was held as a forum for parents of incoming kindergarten students for the 2015-16 school year.

Administrators, district teachers, Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander, and school board member John Vouros were present.

C.H. Booth Library representatives were also in attendance to sign the incoming kindergarteners up for library cards, and representatives of Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) were sharing information about its Safety Town program.

Dr Erardi said the district’s “quest” is to have a library card “from our public library in the hands of every kindergarten student in our district.”

If children enter kindergarten with a love of learning, Dr Erardi told the assembled community members, “Your path as a parent will be very easy going forward.”

While sharing some facts that he said he thinks are important to remember, Dr Erardi said, “This will be one of the smallest incoming kindergarten classes in a very, very long time. The best math that I think accents that point, is we will graduate this year about 450 students, which is one of the largest classes ever to graduate at Newtown High School, and our incoming kindergarten class, if we started tomorrow… we will have approximately 225.”

The superintendent said a decline to enrollment is not unique to Newtown, adding that other towns in Connecticut are experiencing the same thing.

“We are prepared for it, and we are absolutely certain that although small, it will be a very powerful Class of 2028,” said Dr Erardi.

After sharing information about a correlation between active and involved parents with high student performance, Dr Erardi announced the opportunity for parents to become involved with school Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs) or volunteering in schools.

The superintendent also solicited feedback on safety and security, and later shared that he holds open office hours Monday to Friday from 6:30 am until 7:30 am.

Middle Gate Elementary School Lead Teacher Peggy Kennedy offered a presentation during the forum, detailing what the full-day kindergarten schedule is like and different aspects of the kindergarten curriculum.

A typical kindergarten day, according to Ms Kennedy’s presentation, includes morning meetings, Reading Workshop activities, Writers Workshop activities, mathematics lessons through the Stepping Stones program, technology interaction, along with time for social and emotional development.

“Another key component in our day is developmental play,” said Ms Kennedy.

Dr Erardi also shared information about the planned pilot program for a world language program for kindergarteners in the 2015-16 school year that will have students learning Spanish for 30 minutes a week.

“Ask your questions, get involved, and I think most of all, do whatever you need to do to support your child’s love of learning,” Dr Erardi said before opening the forum up for questions.

Parents raised a number of questions during the event before more time was set aside for parents to meet  and speak with the educators and NYFS and C.H. Booth Library representatives present.