Freeport became one of the first school districts on Long Island to host LitCamp, a new four-week summer literacy program created by nationally renowned author and literacy expert Pam Allyn.
Throughout the month of July, 80 students entering grades 1-4 participated in the innovative and interactive program, which is held in collaboration with Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company. The program combines research-based reading and writing lessons that are based on seven key strengths: belonging, friendship, kindness, curiosity, confidence, courage and hope. In honing these strengths, students will be properly equipped to lead lives filled with accomplishment, joy and community. LitCamp is designed to turn the "summer slide" - any loss of reading or learning skills that occur during the summer months - into the "summer leap" by keeping students engaged and engulfed in the world of literacy.
The district welcomed Allyn for a special visit to New Visions School to see her program in action, lead a read aloud and speak with the students, who have been participating in daily Leveled Literacy Intervention lessons with a reading specialist in small groups.
"We are pleased to provide enrichment and support for our students beyond the school year," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. "Our summer programs allow our students to continue their efforts to reach higher levels of understanding and achievement in literacy, math, science and the arts. We have 2,200 students attending 13 programs affording them a variety of amazing opportunities. These include programs from credit recovery to earning college credits. Our students grow from the support of the LitCamp, science research projects, project-based learning in the English Language Learner program and the Summer Arts Academy. Through use of alternate funding, we are able to offer many of these programs at no cost to our taxpayers."