Summer Reading Program Making a Difference
More than 100 elementary school youngsters were able to start classes this September on a more secure footing than they probably would have if it wasn’t for the Huntington School District’s summer reading program.
In all, 114 boys and girls took a daily break from traditional summer activities to strengthen their language arts and literacy skills. The program was supported by a grant from New York State Senator Carl Marcellino.
This marked the seventh consecutive year the district offered elementary grade level students an opportunity to improve their reading abilities by working with teachers five days a week for two and one-half hours each morning over a four week period. Hundreds of invitations were mailed to students and program organizers were pleased with the healthy turnout of youngsters who are now scattered among grades 1-5.
“A small instructional setting helps these students maintain or increase their reading levels,” said Joan Balsari, who served as the program’s administrator.
Classes featured two teachers and two aides and ranged in size from 15 to 24 students, depending on grade level. There were also three classes devoted to students who are in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program, to provide them with intensive instruction.
The district continues to be aggressive in searching for opportunities to improve student performance levels and has been pleased with the support this particular program has received. The program, based at Washington Primary School was also staffed with a nurse and a secretary, who handled a variety of clerical tasks and assisted parents.
“Students were fortunate to have such dedicated teachers and aides as their instructors,” said Mrs. Balsari, who is a second grade teacher at Washington Primary School. “Thanks go to all the parents and students for getting up early each summer day to attend this program.” Huntington transportation department officials developed a plan that provided bussing for students to and from school each morning.
“It was a wonderful program,” Mrs. Balsari said. The feedback offered by parents and students seconded that sentiment many times over.
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