By:  Dr. Annette Weissman, Principal SIB Community School

Sunny Isles Beach Community School was designed with a commitment to a strong math/science/technology curriculum, but I am choosing to write first about reading because it is fundamental to a child’s success in these other areas.  Even before school opened in August, our efforts were focused on a very effective reading program. 

SIBCS received the 2009 edition of the reading series and students and teachers were very enthused about its content and presentation.  Teachers attended an in-service to ensure that they were familiar with all the new elements of the program.  In addition to the basal readers, the children and teachers have many other resources available to them.  Just last month we launched our Accelerated Reader program. Students read a book at their independent reading level and then take a comprehension test on the computer for that book. Points are awarded for success on the tests and teachers, students, and parents are able to track each student’s progress.  As the students demonstrate mastery, their reading level is raised.

SIBCS provides intervention programs during and after school for students struggling with reading.  Students also have the opportunity to work with several online programs to remediate and reinforce reading skills. Other programs target successful readers who are encouraged to set loftier personal goals.  Reading is infused in every subject during the school day and is a nightly assignment at every grade level.

Last month we celebrated reading with a grand opening of our Media Center which houses our print materials as well as a huge DVD collection, a computer lab, and teacher and parent resources.  Our Student Government Association just launched a gently used book drive to enrich our classroom libraries and enable students to broaden their reading to every genre.

As always, our successes in the classroom need parent support. Here are some very simple ways you can help.  Make sure your child reads for 30 minutes every night.  Discuss the book your child is reading with him.  Ask him to summarize the story, elaborate on the characters and the plot, compare with other books he has read. Inquire about his AR reading range and his test scores. Guide your child to read a variety of printed materials – fiction, non-fiction, poetry, newspapers, and magazines. Model good reading practices.  When your child sees you read a book or magazine, he will realize that reading is a pleasurable activity that he will carry with him into adulthood.