Karns City School District's successful transition to daylong kindergarten from a half-day program should not go without notice.

Just about two months into the change from previous years, parents are joining teachers and district administrators in praising what is being accomplished.

There is more time for lessons, the kindergartners are being given more exposure to art and other subjects, and the children are having the opportunity to experience fun on the playgrounds and eating in the cafeterias.

All of those plusses will help ease anxieties associated with beginning first grade.

"The response has been very positive," said district Superintendent Larry Henry.

Many parents are undoubtedly pleasantly surprised at how their children have adapted to the full-day kindergarten experience. But Mark Jones, a Chicora Elementary School kindergarten teacher, made a good point in noting that today's kindergarten pupils may be more prepared for a full day than pupils 10 years ago because of the increased numbers of students participating in Head Start and pre-school programs, and with more children spending their days outside the home with baby sitters or in child-care centers.

It's obvious that full-day kindergarten is a winning formula for Karns City. District administrators, teachers and parents might be reflecting on how this positive step could have eluded the district for so long.