South Huntington Literacy Programs Wrap Up

It's summer but lots of South Huntington students are in class right now, sharpening their skills and learning new ones as they get ready for the new school year.

Two programs, Jump Start and Summer Literacy, are operating at Countrywood Primary and Birchwood Intermediate, said Dr. Christy Baralis, who coordinates the two programs.

About 100 students, ranging from entering kindergarten to incoming sixth graders are participating in Jump Start, where the focus is on English language learners, or Spanish-speaking students who are in the dual-language programs.
Another 150 students are enrolled in the Summer Literacy classes, with a focus on students needing literacy support and extra instruction for their reading and writing skills.

The programs "are rigorous programs that provide students with meaningful learning experiences that help boost their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in a creative and meaningful manner," Baralis said. "The teachers of the two programs do an amazing job at creating outstanding and interesting lessons, aligned to the new Common Core Standards, that keep the students motivated and excited about reading and writing as well as eager to want to come to the summer program every day."

On a recent day, parents who are new to the school system listened to an explanation of various school procedures.

The programs wrap up Friday.