On November 19, students from Mrs. Catucci’s fifth period English class at JHS made their way to Warren Street Elementary school with picture books in hand. Part of the purpose of the field trip was to develop an activity that focused on the speaking standard of the English Language Arts curriculum. Mrs. Catucci stated that “It is important for high school students to practice their speaking skills. This field trip allowed these 20 ninth graders to open up to speaking in front of a crowd. Since a lot of students feel anxiety when speaking in public, I thought this New York State standard would be best met while in front of a younger audience.”

Mrs. Catucci reported that, by practicing their children’s books in advance, students were able to show gradually increasing improvement in their speaking abilities. She commented “However, most importantly, students used literary devices, such as volume, rate, rhythm, and repetition, to create an emotional or aesthetic response in their audience. This means that the trip allowed the students to grow as speakers and readers.”

Mrs. Catucci also noted that the class trip to Warren Street would not have been possible without Warren Street's wonderful K-2 teachers. Special thanks to Mr. Ziomek (principal); Mrs. Ackerbauer & Mr. McHenry (kindergarten teachers); Mrs. Sitts & Mrs. Hale (first grade teachers); and Mrs. Frenyea  & Mrs. Miller (second grade teachers). The support of Ms. Riccio, who acted as a chaperone, was also greatly appreciated.

Pictured above, first grade teacher Mrs. Sitts looks on as a JHS student reads to a small group of her students.