Summer courses will seek
to help at-risk youngsters
By clare MARie celano
Staff Writer
Joan Hermelee
FREEHOLD — The borough school district’s newly hired language arts literacy specialist, Joan Hermelee, is not wasting any time getting started.
Hermelee presented her proposal for a summer literacy academy for at-risk students and a summer English as a Second Language (ESL) enhancement program at a recent Board of Education meeting.
The programs she discussed with the board will run from July 7 through Aug. 1. Lessons will be three hours each day and will be held at the Freehold Learning Center, Dutch Lane Road. Transportation will not be provided by the district.
New instruction strategies will provide students with a "little extra" something that will give them an edge they can take into the upcoming school year. The work will also provide the children with encouragement and an environment that is not frustrating to learn in, according to Hermelee.
She said the literacy academy will consists of an accelerated program to instruct new strategies, encourage a feeling of success and promote a love of reading for at-risk students entering grades two through four.
"The ESL enhancement program will increase the language, reading and writing skills of those students needing enforcement in these skills," Hermelee said. "This program will support the literacy skills needed for the next grade."
Hermelee said the summer session will begin with 30 minutes of skills, including phonics, comprehension, story mapping and a read-aloud. During independent reading time, the teacher will be conducting guided reading lessons or conferencing about the books the student has read.
Writing instruction will also be a part of the program. According to Hermelee, students will write one or more stories, using prewriting, editing and publishing skills. She has also included what she referred to as an "author’s chair" where the writer can share his or her writings and ask the class for suggestions [positive and constructive criticism].
The three-hour day also includes time for classroom routines, snacks and a break.
The literacy academy will provide space for two classes of 15 students each in the second, third and fourth grades.
The summer ESL program is not new but will continue to provide students with independent strategies to use when reading and writing in their new classes. There will be one class of 25 pupils entering kindergarten through second grade.
The cost for both programs is $26,000.
Before coming to the borough in March, Hermelee worked in staff development in the Plainfield, Union County, school district. She also assisted in the writing of a new curriculum for early intervention based on a reading recovery program run by Rutgers University. In addition to helping to write the program, she also taught the program for six years.
Hermelee said she is very excited about working in the borough school district. She said one of the reasons she came to Freehold Borough is because she knew the district is small and therefore close.
"In this district everyone knows everyone and cares about each other, which makes me feel a part of a warm, friendly environment. Each staff member is important, effective, cooperative and a team player," Hermelee said.
Hermelee said that during the summer courses she will use new approaches to reading and writing and will not repeat the strategies that were used during the regular school year. She said she believes she has a lot to offer at-risk children who are falling behind in their work.
"That’s what we’re all here for; to help the children," she said.
The summer programs were subsequently approved by the board at a May 5 meeting.