Reading, Language Programs, continued:

Besides the McGraw-Hill reading series for grades K-6, the Backpack Program was begun in 2003 for grades kindergarten through second. K-8 began using SRA picture/vocabulary cards in 2004, the same year that Accelerated Reader was launched. In 2005, I.C.S. began using the LeapFrog program in grades PK-1, Headsprout in grades K-3, the Six Minute Solution and Vocabulary through Morphemes in grades 6-8, and Language! in grades 4-8. English from the Roots Up began in grade 4 in 2005 and will extend to grade 5 in 2006. New programs begun in 2006 include READ NATURALLY (available for grades K-8), Breakthrough to Literacy for kindergarten, and the Writing Program from Notre Dame for grade two. We believe that success in reading brings about success in all the subjects. These programs will help our students to handle more difficult reading in science, social studies, and other textbooks, as well as library books and magazines. Grants were received from the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul, the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian priests), the Blanche M. Walshe Foundation, and the Elizabeth Coates Foundation. Many books in both English and Spanish have been added to the school library to meet the needs of our students.