The foundation of literacy learning for our students begins in earnest even before Kindergarten, in an effort to prepare them not just for elementary school, but also for more challenging secondary school work and college and careers. The opportunities we provide across our elementary schools are unique and sweeping: a dynamic and yearlong reading partnership program with parents; student-led conventions that focus on science and math as a specialized window into reading and writing; and essential instruction through the visual arts and theater.
Specifically, at the Barnard Early Childhood Center, home to our community's only Pre-K program and the launchpad for thousands of our youngest learners, teachers have worked tirelessly to implement the nationwide Reading is Fundamental (RIF) initiative. By design, this program relies heavily on parent involvement. Mothers and fathers are embraced as high-value partners and asked to work throughout the year to contribute their energy, commitment, and enthusiasm. The program not only improves literacy for our students, but it also transforms the lives of our parents. Over the years, many parents have transitioned from volunteering to becoming certified teaching assistants and teachers within the Barnard community.
In another outstanding example, K-5 students at Columbus Elementary School participate in a vibrant annual program called STR2EAMing into Learning. Highlighted by a two-day interactive convention, students present written and oral reports to parents and community members. In doing so, they demonstrate the learned capacity to integrate science, technology, reading and research, engineering, art, and mathematics to complete their projects.
Educators in New Rochelle also use local history to teach fundamentals. At Davis Elementary School, students led an ambitious, month-long investigative study into a decision made in 1961 to close one of our elementary schools. By identifying civil rights issues and other critical themes, students prepared detailed written reports for a hallway exhibit that was the culminating display of their efforts.
Of course, we also take advantage of the incredible resources available right here in our community, tapping into a deep bench of support. Jefferson Elementary, during its annual Great Read Aloud, creates an exhilarating environment filled with more than 30 school and community leaders who read books to children in every classroom. Students at Trinity Elementary were recently inspired by a visit from New Rochelle High School alum and Miami Marlins pitcher Tom Koehler. And at Ward Elementary, our largest K-5 school, more than 1,000 students who had just completed a month-long Readathon were treated to a surprise visit from New Rochelle resident and New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera.
Such a diverse grouping of activities stands out as the kind of programming that can engage children in profound ways as they learn and practice their reading, speaking and writing skills. When kids are truly engaged, learning is meaningful and enduring. Yet creating these kinds of events involves a great deal of time and effort. Just recently, fourth graders participating in Webster Elementary School's Repertory Theater program performed in front of parents and teachers, the crowning achievement of having worked tirelessly for several weeks with an artist-in-residence. Ultimately, students created a play, but in that preparation, they were seamlessly and without struggle taught lessons in English language arts, social studies, and other primary content areas, too.