The Bethpage Union Free School District Board of Education meeting on Jan. 21 at Central Boulevard Elementary School featured a special presentation titled “Spotlight on Literacy,” highlighting the district’s robust elementary reading program. Ms. Valerie Filbry, Director of Literacy & English Language Arts, and Ms. Dominique Siebert, Principal of Central Boulevard Elementary School, led the presentation.
Ms. Filbry and Ms. Siebert explained that the district’s K-5 literacy program is designed to cultivate lifelong reading, writing, communication and critical thinking skills in students. The comprehensive program focuses on developing key areas such as oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
A standout feature of the program is its integration of literacy with other disciplines, including science, social studies, the arts, and social-emotional learning (SEL). Students also engage in literary analysis, tying their reading experiences to broader themes and academic subjects. To support this interdisciplinary approach, classrooms incorporate programs such as Fundations, Heggerty, Into Reading, Writing Workshop, Waggle and Achieve 3000.
The literacy program employs a workshop model of teaching, which includes mini-lessons, guided practice, independent work and assessments. Word study and phonics instruction extend beyond elementary school, continuing into the middle grades to ensure a seamless literacy journey.
The arts are an essential component of the literacy program, with activities like reader’s theater enriching students’ understanding and engagement with texts. Additionally, each classroom is equipped with a library of more than 100 award-winning titles, fostering a love of reading in students.
Technology integration is another key aspect of the program. Digital resources are utilized to enhance learning and provide students with modern tools to support their literacy development.
Following the presentation, 5th and 6th graders from Central Boulevard Elementary School hosted an exhibit of literacy tools and projects in the back of the auditorium. Board members and attendees had the opportunity to explore various displays, which included a demonstration of digital literacy tools, an exhibit on the National Book Challenge, visuals highlighting the elementary writing process, a “literature gallery” showcasing diverse reading materials, writing projects crafted by students and a table of thank-you gifts, featuring wrapped books with descriptive themes displayed on the wrapping. This engaging exhibit provided attendees with a firsthand look at the impact of the district’s literacy initiatives on students’ learning and creativity.
The “Spotlight on Literacy” presentation and accompanying student exhibits underscored Bethpage UFSD’s dedication to fostering literacy as a foundational skill for academic success and lifelong learning. The comprehensive program’s innovative teaching methods, integration of the arts and technology, and emphasis on cross-curricular connections exemplify the district’s commitment to preparing students for the future.
