HCSD Students Continue to Build Bridges to Literacy

Bridges To Literacy is the Harrison Central School District’ summer initiative designed to help the youngest students bridge the gap and enhance their reading capabilities through the somewhat unstructured summer months.

Coordinated by Stephanie Goldman, Assistant Principal of Parson Elementary School, this innovative program is now entering its second decade. This year 75 rising first through third graders met at either Harrison Avenue Elementary or S.J. Preston Elementary from August 1- August 19th. Together these students worked with 16 teachers one-on-one or in small groups to develop their core literacy skills and build confidence as readers. The Harrison teachers were: Sandra Bodnar, Jenny Capolongo, Eileen Carney, Veronica D’Andrea, Shannon Fennell, Jenn Kennedy, Lauren Lacavalla, Robyn Levy, Lauren Masi, Nikki Martelli, Dori Nardi, Cindy Neese, Yvonne Occipinti, Nicole Taliercio and Johnna Williams, and were aided by Christina Torres and Tina Mariani.

In addition to the creative way of incorporating art and music into learning, new programs such as movement and mindfulness were added as an essential building block. Parsons Elementary School’s first grade teacher Kira Haftl provided a workshop for yoga and mindfulness, and every day for five minutes, students would have mind breaks from their reading work.

Parents are an instrumental part of developing strong successful readers. A well-attended parent workshop provided parents with reading comprehension questions that can be asked at home.

At the end of the Bridges to Literacy program, a final celebration was held with parents working in the classroom with their child and the teachers. Each student received a small stuffed animal to take home – a “buddy” that would listen to them practice their reading skills.