Jean Ricotta (Locust Principal), Mrs. Solano (Homestead Teacher), Audrey Bellovin (Hemlock Principal), Ms. Sullivan (Hemlock Teacher), Dr. Viscovich (Homestead Principal) and Mrs. Hayes (Locust Teacher) The PTA's Joint Primary Principals Forum took place at Locust school Thursday, November 13th at 9:30 am. The topic was "Literacy in First Grade" Ms. Bellovin, Hemlock's Principal, spoke initially about the recent changes in the style of teaching. She went on to talk about the increasing demands being placed on our children in an age of technological instant gratification. The Balanced Literacy Program has transformed the way in which literacy is taught to the Kindergarten and First grade students since its inception 6 years ago. The principals posed the question "What is Balanced Literacy"? First grade teachers Jennifer Solano from Homestead, Anne Hayes from Locust and Amy Sullivan from Hemlock were on hand to answer. The first grade teachers spoke in depth about all the components of the program.

The teachers and principals agreed that the goal in all the classrooms was to promote independent reading and writing. In addition, they are training students to manage their own learning. After The Balanced Literacy Program had been explained the teachers and principals opened the meeting to questions from parents.