(KNZA)--Hiawatha Elementary School will be offering five-day kindergarten starting this school year.

The USD 415 Board of Education during a special meeting Thursday morning voted to implement the 5-day schedule for the 2017-18 school year.

In a news release, Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the board and leadership of USD 415 feel the five-day schedule will benefit students developmentally and academically.

Moser said the district understands that differences exist among students as they enter kindergarten and some parents may prefer a 4-day schedule.  Therefore, the option is available to select a 4-day schedule for parents who feel it’s best for their student.  In that case, Friday’s would be a non-school day.

Parents who have questions, or prefer to select the 4-day option, are asked to contact Hiawatha Elementary School Principal Tom Schmitz.