Whispering Pines Elementary School has established a year-long commitment to improving reading and writing across grade levels. At first glance, Whispering Pines Elementary School looks like a botanical garden. The front of the building features little gardens surrounded by palms and other trees. The rest of the school is lush with flowers, trees and gardens as well. This environment provides a backdrop for frequent outdoor reading time where students gather to enjoy books in small groups. The second grade Reading is Fundamental Program was conducted in the gardens as well. Danny Hall, who was employed at the school for 20 years and is now a faithful volunteer, takes great pride in beautifying the school grounds. He created the gardens and labors over them every day.

A PJ Day was held during the After FCAT Spirit Week (hosted by the 3rd grade team teachers - Team Leader Nancie Gordon, Joan Saint-Hilaire, Jill Rochfort, Michelle Messina, Hayley Ross, and Isabel Caballer). Students wore PJs and brought stuffed animals and blankets to school. They read aloud to all pre-K and Kindergarten students who selected the books. In addition, a special Picnic in the Park took place. Students had a picnic in the neighboring mini-park and were introduced to Nigerian drum music provided by a parent volunteer. Later the participants wrote in journals about the experience. Besides these literacy activities, students had the opportunity to put into practice their abilities to read and follow directions and to figure out written events in sequence. Students brought board games to school to play in teams. No electronic games were allowed. Ms. Gordon’s class, which had 100% attendance, was permitted to have Game Night!

Principal W. J. Roberson frequently celebrates the students’ literacy achievement. Each week, he announces the Reader of the Week on the morning announcements. These students are nominated by their teachers based on classroom or Accelerated Reader performance. Each month he announces the Writers of the Month and awards certificates to students who demonstrate excellent writing proficiency using the school’s monthly writing prompts.

Another motivational plan the school has in place is the Bike Award. The names of students who have 100% perfect attendance are placed in a drawing for a bike. Literacy Coach Ms. Pando maintains that there is a direct correlation between student attendance and reading achievement. Therefore, everyone at Whispering Pines Elementary School encourages readers to be present in school each and every day. Twelve bikes are given away each semester – two per grade level, one for a boy and one for a girl. Ms. Evelyn Greer, local school board member, donated the bikes.

Well done Whispering Pines Elementary School! Thank you for your commitment to the students and the community.