Board of Education News:  Programs That Make a Difference

 

 

At the November 9, 2006 meeting, the “Program Highlights” section focused on the Expanding Horizons program at the George H. Robertson School.  This is an after-school literacy program which is funded by a grant through UCONN.  David Petrone, Principal of GHR, explained that 5 teachers from GHR and one from CNH are involved in this innovative program, along with certified teachers from UCONN.  Tutors from UCONN who are studying to become teachers are involved as well.  Yasmine Forte, a fourth grade student who participates in the program, said it “combines reading with a ton of fun.”  “Sometimes we forget we’re learning because it’s so much fun,” she told the Board of Education.  Janine Goldsnider, 4th grade teacher at GHR, said that Expanding Horizons exposes children to different genres.  Phase I is read aloud.  Phase II is independent reading, and Phase III involves doing a creative work about what was read.  The Renzulli Learning System is sometimes used during this last phase.  Children who have participated in this program show wonderful gains in fluency.  Getting kids motivated to read by using what they are interested in is the key to the program.  Tune in to Munivision, Channel 13 to learn more about “Programs that Make a Difference.”