Kindergarten students at Gerald Neary Elementary School in the Haverstraw-Stony Point School District in Rockland County have made substantial progress in reading, in addition to receiving a national award, thanks to a successful partnership with the district's teachers and the SWBOCES Lower Hudson Regional Information Center.

The district began working with LHRIC five years ago to implement the Waterford Early Reading Program in kindergarten only. LHRIC works with local districts to implement the computer-based program, which helps students overcome obstacles to literacy development. The research-based software addresses key elements of reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency and comprehension. During the summer of 2001, the school's first- and second-grade classes also received the program. Trainers from LHRIC's Comprehensive Courseware, professional development team worked with the District's Director of Technology Dr. Brian Monahan, teachers and the principal to ensure success.

The school will accept the Best Practices Award from the Waterford Institute in November during the institute's annual conference, to take place in Salt Lake City, Utah. The conference will give representatives of the Rockland district an opportunity to interact with other Best Practice schools around the country.

By: Evelyn McCormack, SWBOCES Public Relations Director