Young 5's Are Here and Thriving

Get an inside look at Northville Public Schools’ new Young 5’s program, which is thriving in its first year with 72 students enrolled! This free, full-day program launched this school year and is being offered at Winchester and Ridge Wood Elementary Schools. Providing our littlest learners, also known as Kinderstangs, an additional year to grow academically, socially, and emotionally before kindergarten. The Young 5’s program emphasizes foundational skills like fine and gross motor development, early literacy, and hands-on math activities. Hear from Alison Tomasaitis, Young 5’s teacher at Winchester, as she shares the daily structure, learning goals, and success stories from the classroom. Discover how Northville’s commitment to early education is setting up these students for lifelong success!
Show Transcript

The introduction of the Young 5’s program reflects the district's commitment to offering comprehensive educational experiences from the earliest stages of development. Targeting children who may benefit from an additional year of academic and social readiness before entering kindergarten, the program ensures that these littlest Mustangs have a strong foundation for success. The NPS team recognized the need to bridge the gap between pre-K and kindergarten, and the positive response from families has validated the decision.

Families opting to enroll their children at Northville, can have confidence knowing they will receive a world-class education tailored to each child's unique developmental needs. The program has not only attracted 72 new students but has also enhanced the district’s ability to foster an inclusive learning environment, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to achieve their highest potential. The program is held at Ridge Wood and Winchester Elementary Schools.

Dr. Sandra Brock, who led the creation of this program, shared, “The Young 5's program aims to introduce students to key content standards and foster their early reading and mathematics skills. Much of the instruction emphasizes nurturing the whole child and promoting a sense of community within the classroom. We believe that this approach will significantly contribute to our KinderSTANGS’ development and help establish a strong foundation for their K-12 educational journey.”

As part of the district’s broader strategic vision, the success of the Young 5’s program dovetails with ongoing efforts to ensure every student in the district is equipped to excel, regardless of where they begin their academic journey. Northville Public Schools' strategic work focuses on individualizing instruction and support, allowing students to grow and succeed at their own pace, while benefiting from the district’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

As the district celebrates the early achievements of the Young 5’s program, Northville Public Schools remains dedicated to providing innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational opportunities for all students. From their first day in the classroom to their graduation, Northville students are being set up for success, ensuring the legacy of academic excellence for which the district is known.

The future looks bright for Northville’s littlest Mustangs, as they embark on a learning journey that will empower them to thrive, not only within the walls of the classroom but throughout their entire lives.

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