Guided Reading Books, Fiction

Five Somerset teachers and specialists requested a $5000 grant to purchase leveled readers for small group instruction designed to build comprehension.  These books will supplement the book collection shared by all grades, in the “bookroom”.  Many sets were purchased almost fifteen years ago, and are either incomplete or in poor condition.  These teachers planned to order the books in the spring so they will be available for instruction by the fall of 2011.

Veirs Mill E.S. Fourth Grade Trip

The Fourth Grade students at this MCPS school visit historic St. Mary’s City to enhance their knowledge of the history of Maryland, just as our own Fourth Grade students do each year.  This is in accordance with the MCPS social studies curriculum.  However, the cost of the trip per student is often more than families can contribute.  Teachers coordinate fundraisers in the spring and donate money, themselves.  In the spring of 2011, we agreed to pay for the two buses needed for the trip, dramatically reducing the cost to the students and teachers.  As a result, one Fourth Grade teacher reported that this was the first time that every student participated:  “I can’t help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for your generous grant.  For the first time, we had all permission slips turned in and we did not have to worry about students who could not afford the trip. Everyone was able to experience Historic St. Mary’s City! Thanks again for giving them the opportunity to experience what they have been learning about in reading, writing and social studies. What a gift!” — Shelly Horton Niverth

Guided Reading Books, Non-Fiction

In the Fall of 2010, the directors agreed to provide funds to purchase non-fiction leveled books for guided reading groups in all grades.

The focus of these reading groups will be to increase reading vocabulary, increase oral vocabulary, and improve comprehension as measured by written responses (brief constructed responses, or BCRs). These new materials will give teachers and paraeducators working with reading groups a larger collection from which to offer students guided texts.

Research  shows that reading non-fiction text increases students vocabulary which then increases comprehension. Teachers and paraeducators will use these materials to reinforce comprehension through the use of text features. Students will practice constructing brief responses after reading these texts, as a way to both improve and measure comprehension.

Sandra Kalavritinos, Reading Specialist and Test Coordinator, submitted this proposal.  She will coordinate the selection and distribution of the new books that will be housed in the Primary Bookroom on the first floor.

New Hampshire Estates Elementary School

The Foundation has developed a special relationship with New Hampshire Estates Elementary School in Silver Spring. This school is Pre-K through 2nd Grade, and includes a Head Start program.  The majority of the students speak a language other than English at home, and the school strives to involve the whole family in each student’s education. Every year the Board pledges $1000 to help fund their Family Learning Nights, in which the school staff prepares separate lessons for parents and students — to help parents help their children at home. At the end of each session, the children receive a book to bring home.

In the fall of 2008, the Foundation voted to donate additional money toward New Hampshire Estate’s Building Understanding on Saturdays (BUS) program. This program was originally developed using extended-day funds from Title I, funds which are no longer available. The program takes the parent and a student to local sites to explore and discuss curricula topics. The sites are selected to help students develop background knowledge of upcoming topics of study. During the trip, parents are given materials to work with their child that ask students questions, and have them fill out charts and questionnaires. Each trip ends with a free book on the topic for each child to take home.  This program costs approximately $1,750 for each trip; the school plans three to four trips per year.

The Foundation continues to support both remarkable, valuable programs.

Click here for a note from the Principal of New Hampshire Estates E.S.