gh second grade will be listening to stories on tape thanks to school, district and community volunteers and Hannah’s House, Inc., an organization that provides literacy services to Cumberland County children. D’Ippolito Elementary School is launching a new literacy program called “Bedtime Story Buddies” for its youngest learners.
Students in kindergarten through second grade will be listening to stories on tape thanks to school, district and community volunteers and Hannah’s House, Inc., an organization that provides literacy services to Cumberland County children.
The community leaders, district administrators, and D’Ippolito staff have been busy recording stories on tape. The tapes and books were sent home with students this past month.
“Our hope is that every child will have the opportunity to listen to a story before go
ing to bed at night,’ said Mrs. Gail Curcio, the building principal. “Many of our students do not have access to books at home, or they do not have someone to read to them in English. Reading aloud to children is considered an essential tool to promote fluency, build vocabulary and enrich background knowledge.”
The program was suggested by Melissa Painter, a former D’Ippolito teacher who is now a district literacy coach. Painter is also responsible for securing the materials from Hannah’s House, which has teamed with the school to provide dozens of tapes players
, recorders, and books.
“We are grateful to Francina Pendergrass and the staff of Hannah’s House, Inc., who have been working with the school since June on the project,” said Mrs. Curcio. “Without their contribution and collaboration, this initiative would not be possible.”
“We are very excited about the project, and I am grateful to the guest readers,” said Mrs. Curcio. “I know the children will be delighted to hear stories from all of the district and community leaders and staff members who took time to volunteer for this project.
Mrs. Curcio said the project should bridge the gap between the classroom and the students’ homes.