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Highland Park launches districtwide fifth-grade–first-grade reading-buddies program
Summary
Highland Park Elementary presented a program pairing every fifth grader with a first grader for monthly reading and craft activities; administrators said the pairing accounts for student needs such as shyness and English-language learning and that the program will continue annually.
Highland Park Elementary School presented a new reading-buddies program on Feb. 11 that pairs the entire fifth grade with first-grade students for monthly reading and craft activities, Principal Joanne DeVito said. DeVito introduced newly arrived assistant principal William Smalls and described the program’s goals: build relationships, improve early reading skills and provide older students leadership opportunities.
How it works: DeVito said each first-grade teacher provided class lists and recommended fifth-grade partners for students with specific needs — for example, pairing a shy first grader with a more outgoing fifth grader or matching English-language learners with students familiar with their home language. The buddies meet monthly to read stories, complete math and reading-related crafts and exchange small holiday gifts.
Impact observed: DeVito described improved first-grade reading confidence and said the “patience, kindness, and genuine admiration they share with and for one another is beautiful to watch.” She also thanked central administration for support during the school’s recent staffing transition and thanked the board and superintendent for recently delivered desks and chairs.
Next steps: Highland Park staff said they will continue the program annually and expand activities and experiences for the participating students. Jason Taylor produced a short video the school shared with the board showing classroom interactions and activities.
