All students at Bennie were assessed on a number of grade level assessments during the month of January and early February. Based upon the results of the assessments, some students were found to have made gains and were discontinued from the Academic Support Programs. Other students who did not meet grade level benchmark goals would benefit from extra help during the day and were added to the program. Children who are in the program receive reading support within the classroom under the direction of the teacher. At times, they work with me, the reading specialist. Depending on what grade they are in they may be working on literacy skills such as letter and sound identification, sight words, reading fluency and story retelling and comprehension skills. Please read with and to your child regularly. Dr. Mary Bigler, who is a professor at Eastern Michigan University and an international literacy speaker recommends continuing to read with and to children even when they are in upper elementary grades. All Bennie Bobcats should have involved caring adults listening to them and reading with them on a regular basis. Not only will it help them academically, but it makes memories that will be treasured the rest of their lives.