COMMENTS

FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN PAYMENT DETERMINATION

By: Robin Totten July 28, 2009

Dear Full-day Kindergarten Parents,

Thank you for your input about our full day kindergarten program through phone conversations and attending our parent meeting on July on 23rd at Orting Primary school. Your input and suggestions were both helpful and appreciated.

To briefly review, the state does not fund full day kindergarten for Orting School District, therefore all additional expenses, beyond half days, must be supported by tuitions. In the past, we asked parents to pay tuitions on a monthly basis. Last year, the economic times created a hardship for families and some tuition was not fully paid. This created a financial predicament for us --- especially during challenging economic times.

The district must commit, in advance, to the payment of all teacher salaries for a full year --- and must pay it whether or not all tuitions are actually paid. Given the revenue shortfall we experienced, we asked parents to pay this year’s full $2400 tuition by August 31.

We listened when you told us that requiring payment of the full tuition by August 31 was impossible for many families. We were also reminded that, since last May, the school website indicated monthly payments would be acceptable.

In light of all this, the following policy was created regarding full day kindergarten tuitions during 2009-2010:

1.Tuition for full day kindergarten is $2400 for the entire school year.
2.A non-refundable deposit of $480 for the first and last month (June) tuition will be required by August 31. This can be paid at the Orting Central Office, 120 Washington Ave. N., Orting.
3.A 5% discount is available for families who pay the full year tuition ($2400) by August 31.
4.Families may elect to make monthly payments. If so, automatic withdrawal of monthly payments will be mandatory. The district will use automated clearing house (ACH) systems and accounts will be debited by the 5th day of each month. (Please contact our Business Office for a Consumer Debit Authorization from which must be completed and returned by August 31).
5.Families are encouraged to pay full tuition by January 31. We will be happy to discuss various options such as splitting the tuition into two or three payments, if you wish.
6.At this time, the district cannot accept credit card payments, however, we will continue to pursue as a potential option in the future.
7.Full day kindergarten requires a minimum of 20 children to generate sufficient resources to sustain the program. It is therefore important for all full day kindergarten families to completely meet their financial obligations.
8.Kindergarten students in the Kindergarten/First grade classroom must also meet the above requirements.

As the new principal of Orting Primary School, I want to thank you for your input, which I believe significantly contributed to solutions that were good for our children and families.

Our district mission is, “Learning today for a Changing Tomorrow”. Full day kindergarten is a powerful strategy that supports stronger achievement throughout a student’s school years. We are committed to continuing to explore and collaborate with you for additional ways to fund and offer full day kindergarten for as many students as possible.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our school. We are looking forward to seeing you and your child for Open House on August 27 from 5 to 7 PM! If you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Sincerely,

Robin Totten
Orting Primary School Principal
Phone: 360-893-2248
Email: tottenr@orting.wednet.edu