Hickman’s PEP Junior Kindergarten Gives “The Gift of Time”
June 27, 2010 by Doug Dillard
Filed under Local Events
Hickman Elementary offers a “Junior Kindergarten” program called “PEP” for Primary Extended Program. This class is for the youngest Kindergarten-age eligible children (turning 5 between June 1 and December 2) who may benefit from an additional year before entering a regular full-day Kindergarten the following year.
A San Diego Unified School District approved pilot program, PEP began in 2006 and provides an alternative and voluntary choice for parents. Recent news reports have shown that today’s Kindergarten includes previously 1st Grade expectations while at the same time California has amongst the youngest populations of Kindergarten students (most states have cut-off birthdates of September 1st and some at June 1st to turn 5 years old). Many California districts have created similar classes to PEP to support these young children.
Research-based and modeled after Poway Unified School District’s program, PEP allows for the time needed for developmental maturation socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively to succeed with greater readiness for today’s very high academic standards in Kindergarten and 1st Grade.
Hickman parents and teachers are seeing the value of developmental readiness and maturity as overall school scores have risen, data shows great success of former PEP students, and parents are 100% supportive and appreciative of the program. PEP is not a remedial class, but a developmental Kindergarten that is California Standards-based. Primarily for students who enter Kindergarten still 4 years old, PEP provides for a strong foundation for early and long-term school success. Children participate in all regular school activities and events 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. daily. The second year the students begin a regular, full day Kindergarten with greater readiness skills.
Hickman Elementary is currently accepting PEP applications and CHOICE applications. The school is located in Mira Mesa at 10850 Montongo Street, San Diego, CA 92129 and the school number is (858) 271-5210.
Hickman’s office will reopen August 26th but during the summer break the Principal may be contacted by district e-mail (jwroblewski@sandi.net) for PEP enrollment information.
GLM on Wed, 30th Jun 2010 9:13 am
This is a great program and the teachers are the best. My daughter attended and was much more prepared for Kindergarten. I highly suggest any parent that is on the fence about starting their 4 year old in Kindergarten to consider this program.
Kathy on Wed, 30th Jun 2010 9:57 am
Both of my kids went to preschool for 2 years before entering Kindergarten. One went to Solana Beach Presbyterian and the other to Mira Mesa Presbyterian. What a HUGE difference I think it made when they started elementary school. Both of them are in the top of their classes in every subject and they are very social. I attribute that to the education and interaction they received in preschool.
This PEP program sounds awesome, and it is definitely something I would have enrolled my kids in, if it would have been available back then.
LLA on Thu, 1st Jul 2010 6:38 pm
I have been lucky that all my 3 kids have attended the PEP program at Hickman. This is an exceptional program. My oldest daughter will be going to 2nd grade has benefitted from this program. Her reading/writing level is right at the top and is advanced in Math. Not to mention that she has gained confidence and her social and emotional skills have flourished from the extra year. The teachers in this program at A+ teachers, you could not ask for better teachers. They are full of patience, kindness and have a lot of love for the kids. I highly recommend them. My other 2 just finished their PEP year here as well and I have no doubt they will be successful in Kindergarten this coming fall. I highly recommend this program