Kennett focuses efforts on young, struggling readers with summer program
By Kim Chiomento, Correspondent, The Times
Educators in the Kennett Consolidated School District are using a new program to keep kids reading over the summer.
KENNETT — Tracey Marino, the Principal at Greenwood Elementary, is passionate about mitigating summer learning loss. She has turned her passion into developing a new program specifically targeting young, struggling readers and also those students who may not have easy access to books.
“Studies have shown that learning loss can be minimized through the distribution of books.” says Marino. “With summer upon us, our goal is to keep our kids reading.”
Students who live at or below the poverty line are at greatest risk for losing up to three months of skills and knowledge over the summer.
“The research tells us that these children make the same or better gains as their well-resourced peers, but, easy access to books and other learning opportunities are the key component to their success,” says Marino, “Another very important factor is selection. Books need to be at a child’s ‘just right’ reading level and also be books they really want to read.”
Marino combined forces with both teachers and students to develop reading level appropriate “wish-list” books. The entire Greenwood staff has been very supportive of this initiative, however, Mr. Kilpatrick, Mrs. Figueroa, Miss Pascarelli and Mr. Pennacchia have become key leaders within the program.
On the last day of school, students received the first of at least 10 summer reading books from their wish list. Every Friday (except for the 4th of July), Marino and a team of teachers will meet these students; at Bayard Taylor Library, to discuss what they have read. And, coming to the library for these sessions exposes students, who may not been familiar or have had a reason to visit, a great community resource. Families, with children participating, have been sent a written explanation of the program; and will also receive weekly, enthusiastic, “keep reading” reminder phone-blast messages from Greenwood’s summer reading team.
The new books and program support has come from fundraising initiatives held at Greenwood Elementary throughout the year. With approximately 150 children receiving books (25% of the school’s student base) and many energized teachers participating, Marino expects the program to make a real impact. “I am delighted to see this initiative come to fruition. We are very fortunate to be offering this opportunity, and also have many caring, energized teachers who are committed to our students and the program’s success,” says Marino.
Greenwood Elementary serves children, grades 1-5, residing in the Kennett Consolidated School District. To learn more visit: gw.kcsd.org
