Why did Senator Joe Crisco, Representative Linda Gentile, Mayor James DellaVolpe, Police Chief Kevin Hale, Superintendent Carol Merlone, Officer Lovermi, parents and other community members all descend upon Mead School in Ansonia last month?
They all came to participate in Mead Loves to Read Day.
Ansonia pride was in high gear as the community volunteered their time to tackle literacy, as they read to students in their classrooms.
“Our community is aware that reading is a critical skill that our children must acquire in order to be productive citizens and life long learners,” said Mead School Principal Terri Goldson.
During the school year, Grade 6 teachers Katie Twyman, Evelyn Willet, Christa Cable and Melissa Casey challenged their students to participate in The Key is to Read program.
Students have read over 900 books and counting.
Grade 3 teacher Mrs. Breen started a program called Reading Buddies. Her students visit Mrs. McMahon’s Kindergarten class once a week and peer read to help spark an interest for the younger emerging readers.
Teachers Maryann Murolo and Amanda Lombardozzi is spearheading the after school literacy program called World of Words.
Students in grades 1 and 2 receive literacy support to improve vocabulary and reading skills.
Assistant Principal Amy O’Brian said, “Teachers are implementing a variety of effective teaching strategies and programs that help to promote literacy and other academic areas.”
Due to a lean budget, a number of teachers at Mead are turning to DonorsChoose.org, a web-based nonprofit organization that supports schools through donations.
“We are fortunate to have our community and a variety of organizations like the Valley United Way, Lions Club and the Masons that support public education,” said Goldson.
If you are interested in supporting a school project or program, please contact your local school or logon to DonorsChoose.org.
