Research has shown us that the earlier we catch a struggling reader, the better chance we have to rescue that student from potential failure.  Mary S. Shoemaker School has several programs available for students in grades K-4 that will provide support for students that are having difficulty learning to read. .

• Kindergarten Literacy Enrichment provides small-group literacy instruction for kindergarteners who need additional support to keep up with their classmates.  Participation in the program is by teacher recommendation.  Activities include letter recognition, letter/sound recognition, initial sound activities, sight word recognition and early concepts about print.
• Basic Skills Instruction provides small group instruction for students in grades 1-4 during class time to provide students with additional support to keep up with classwork.  Participation in the BSI program is by test scores or teacher recommendation.
• Extended Day Program adds 45 minutes of reading instruction for students 3 times each week to reinforce strategies that are being taught in the classroom.  Students are recommended by their classroom or BSI teacher.
• Summer Learning Camp is a summer school program.  Students are recommended by their classroom or BSI teacher and participate in reading, writing and math activities.
• Study Buddies are a group of fourth grade students who volunteer to spend some time each week reading with younger students.
• Reading Assist is a program provided by volunteers who are trained by the Reading Assist Institute in a multi-sensory approach to learning letters and their sounds.  Students are recommended for this program by their teacher or the Pupil Assistance Committee and are carefully assessed by the Reading Assist volunteers.
• Reading Partners is a volunteer reading tutoring program that is run by the BSI department.