Posted August 12, 2011

Mrs. Ditzel introducing an activity to her summer class: (L-r) Kelley Degan, Nicholas Garrow, Kyle Shanno, Almas Awan, Paris Shea, Jahyra Quarshie, Alisa Anufrieva, Lucas Shaughnessey.

The Summer Reading & Writing Program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

The program, which began in 1986, provides academic intervention service to eligible students as an extension of academic intervention services received during the previous school year. The services which form the basis for a student’s eligibility to attend the Summer Program include remedial reading, special education, and early English language learners.

The program was intended in the beginning for pre-kindergarten children only. It has since expanded over the years to include students through eighth grade.

In the Summer Program students are immersed in language arts activities to maintain their skills, and curriculum support is provided to compliment school year instruction. Students are not assigned homework, there are no classroom tests, and grades are not given, but there is an attendance requirement. At the end of the program, students’ accomplishments are celebrated and shared with their families at Project Night.

Upon the program’s 25th anniversary, the following summer teachers are recognized for their years of service in the program: Mrs. Janet Clayton - 23 years, Mrs. Donna Gronau - 20 years, Mrs. Florence Gunn - 24 years, Mrs. Patricia Linen - 25 years, Mr. Mark Mattis - 22 years, Mr. Bruce Raymer - 20 years, and Mr. Steve Shephard – 20 years.

Mrs. Beth Geragosian, Principal of the preK-4 program, explained, “The contributions and dedication of the teachers over the years are inspiring and are what makes this program exceptional.”