I think the NPR segment shows quite a bit of insight for a national piece. Kirkland is a dynamic community that's changing in so many ways. Although growth will likely help our wonderful downtown businesses, I'm concerned that our public schools are not prepared to deal with the growth and shifting demographics.

Dozens of would-be kindergarteners in the Kirkland area have been turned away from full-day programs for the 2008-2009 school year. Peter Kirk Elementary -- whose students live in Norkirk, West of Market, and the Highlands -- is one of the schools affected.

The district uses a lottery process to determine which families can obtain full-day kindergarten. Some kids "won" a full-day slot, some will be placed in half-day morning, and some in half-day afternoon programs.

For many half-day programs are not a viable option. The "half-day" pm program is shortened on early release days to less than 1.5 hours. Furthermore, parents won't know until June whether the slot is for morning or afternoon, causing a mad scramble for arrangements. This is tough when both parents work, which is often the norm to afford to live in our great city.

My child's preschool (near Park Place) has done a great job educating the little ones about their community. The sad fact is that some Kirkland classmates will wind up leaving their former classmates and community to attend kindergarten elsewhere, either another public school that's miles away (if they can find one that has slots) or a private $chool.

Many parents chose to live in Kirkland because of its schools, so this issue hits hard. District officials are hard to reach, with multiple e-mails and calls not returned, so parents are left figuring out what to do. It's also not so easy for parents to tell their child that "their" school -- the one a few blocks away -- has no place for them. And as occupancy increases, will even fewer kindergartners be educated here in Kirkland?

Although attempts are being made to phase in full-day kindergarten statewide, Washington state is falling behind the curve as compared to many other states. The Eastside is an example, considering the numbers being turned away. You can find out more at kindergartenwatch.wordpress.com.