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Showcasing Our Success
Focus on Reading
· The K-3 teaching staff implemented an uninterrupted 2 hour daily reading block as part of the Reading First Program. Students received new books and materials to improve reading comprehension, reading fluency and phonetic skills through a variety of whole group and small group activities. Teachers were inserviced and an intensive testing program was instituted to monitor student progress.· The teaching staff centered reading strategies on a monthly school-wide reading focus.
Each monthly focus was based on areas of need from the previous year. · The Read-Aloud Program involved K-2 students checking out a book 3-4 times each week to be read at home with an adult or parent. Students return the book with a signed slip and receive an incentive and credit. Students enjoy reading at home with parents who ask a specific set of questions.
· The Accelerated Reader Program allowed students to check out books on their reading level. They read the books, test on the computer and receive prizes and points. Family Accelerated Reader Night provided an opportunity for students and family members to read and test comprehension skills on the computer. We had over 96 parents and 160 students participate during the year.
· Our neighboring Delphi Chassis Systems Employees have contributed time to help our H.O.S.T.S program. They mentored second and third graders to improve the student's reading ability. The H.O.S.T.S. program has over 40 mentors serving over students. The mentors came from Delphi, SVSU student body, Consumers Energy, retired teachers, the Saginaw Fire Department and the community.
2. Recognizing and Valuing Culture and Ethnicity
· During Black History Month & Hispanic Heritage Month, several assemblies and activities were held:
a. The Saginaw High School Soul Choir sang a melody of traditional hymns and contemporary songs.
b. The Saginaw High School Drum Line played a repertoire of songs through percussion instruments.
c. Rhonda Farrell-Butler visited from the Saginaw Public Library to share African-American Folk Tale puppets.
d. Dr. Jack Nash, a dentist and former Loomis student, visited and shared his experiences.
e. Patty Pinner, an accomplished author, shared her motivation for writing with students.
f. Staff members celebrated with a "Soul Food Potluck" and a Hispanic Luncheon. · Many speakers, community leaders and guest visited students throughout the year including: Art O'Neal, Kathy Gieger, Florine Harden, Richard Powell, the Human Society and an African Medical Team Nurse.
3. Activities and Recognition of Students:
· PreKindergarten and Headstart students ended their year in school with a "standing room only" crowd of parents and friends.
· Mrs. Ruffin's first graders increased their reading ability through a variety of daily writing activities.
· Mrs. Persinger's second grade students accumulated the most A.R. points in the entire building while Mrs. Pockrandt's second graders visited a play and implemented a reader's theater in their classroom.
· Mrs. O'Toole's third graders participated in the Think First Safety Awareness for Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries.
· Mrs. Dupuis' third and fourth graders participated in the Saginaw River Testing Program and received a 2nd place award in the District for their display.
· Students were able to participate in a school-wide Field Day as a culmination of the variety of physical education skills they learned throughout the year.
· Students of the Month were recognized for their good citizenship, good behavior, good academics and good attendance. Students received a certificate, school supplies and an ice cream sundae. Students were showcased on SETV.
· The Parent Group met weekly with Mrs. Carter, our school social worker, to improve their health through exercise and good-eating habits. They discussed a variety of topics with Mae Hamilton of Michigan State Cooperative Extension Services. The parents will also participated in the Relay for Life Walk-a-thon for cancer.
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