at this point of the year. They
know all of the letters and all of
the sounds, so now it’s time to
work on comprehension,” added
Gagliardino. The experience
has also paid dividends for
the fifth graders. Laughton
explained, “It’s just great
to see the fifth graders
get excited about reading.
They’re talking about what
reading level their buddy is
on, and they’re trying to find
print and online books that
incorporate their sight words.”
Both teachers have expressed
excitement with being able to capitalize on the campus setting in
order to stay connected with both schools. Tye Mitnick, a fifth grade
student, commented that, “It’s great seeing the younger kids react
to materials that you have learned. The kindergarten teachers have
taught them well!” Another fifth grader, Elijah Sippel, added, “Never
having this (as kindergarteners) makes us want to work harder for
them.” Clancy Kimble, a fifth grader new to South Fayette, explained
that she “suggested this at my old school, but it didn’t happen.
It’s cool we did this. It helps the little kids because it gives them a
role model.” A kindergartener, Lauren Biernacki, said the Reading
Buddies experience has been “good. I like reading now.”
“Laurie Gray, Elementary School Principal, Tom Kaminski,
Intermediate School Principal, and I could not be more proud of
the connectivity we have experienced between both buildings
through this program,” added Tyler Geist, Assistant Elementary
and Intermediate School Principal. “The fifth graders have acted as
fantastic mentors and instructors to our kindergarteners and both
classes of students have transformed the Elementary School Library
into a cross-building learning experience which helps both sets of
students share in the joys of reading. We would like to thank both
teachers and their students for their continued commitment to
collaborative excellence.” A fifth grader, Tanush Shrivastava, added,
“I see him (kindergartener) learning a little more each time. I feel
sad when people don’t feel good about reading because reading
is awesome.” Christian Brandi, fifth grader, notes “Emotionally,
it’s being with kindergarteners and then getting them to a higher
reading level so they don’t struggle. That’s what this is about.”
South Fayette | Summer 2016