The district’s JumpStart program recently kicked off its second year at Wing. Created for first grade students in need of additional support in English Language Arts, it serves as an innovative early intervention program. When the program debuted last year, supported by classroom instruction and Wing’s support team, it resulted in tremendous academic growth for the students enrolled. 

Working with teacher input, Wing Principal Michael Giacchetto, Superintendent Ellen Semel and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Christopher Smalley determine the criteria for student participation. Selected students work with teacher Robb Le Vien for an hour each morning before the regular school day begins. During this time, the first graders are immersed in a variety of ELA activities, with careful attention paid to needed skills and specific student learning styles. Students engage in shared reading, phonemic awareness, paired reading, penmanship, technology-based programs and tactile activities. At the end of each session, the students are provided with a full breakfast.