The Huntington School District’s drive to lift academic performance across all grade levels knows no bounds. Officials are determined to reach every student in one way or another and help them excel now while simultaneously putting in place a strong foundation for future success.
The Saturday Academy program for a group of 60 English-as-a-new-language students ranging from kindergarten to second grade is an example of the district’s determination to do whatever it can to strengthen the skills of those who need some extra support.
An energetic set of teachers worked with the youngsters on Saturday mornings for several hours from January through March in classrooms at Huntington High School. Flower Hill School third grade dual language program teacher Glenn Edwards coordinated this year’s Saturday Academy.
“Students learned about informational writing and developed a step-by-step writing piece, which they shared with each other and in front of the other classes at their grade level,” Mr. Edwards said. “The students also practiced their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in preparation for taking the upcoming New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test in April and May.
Teachers Lauren Soskil, Christine Hoffman, Itzel Cedilla-Rosas, Teresa Connolly, Gabrielle Gurrieri, Nancy Giorgos, Mary-Lou Erickson and Vivian Joseph worked with the five dozen students during the three month program.
“The weekend program provides participating students with focused support related to the full range of English language arts skills,” Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “They enjoy the extra time with their teachers, while at the same time gaining confidence as a result of the rapid progress they make and the learning they accomplish.”
