DeLauro Promotes Reading, Celebrates Student Creativity at John Lyman School

New Haven, CT—Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) visited the John Lyman School in Middlefield today, touring classrooms and seeing part of a school assembly on ‘My American Dream.' The Congresswoman also met with first and second graders who had a perfect participation rate in Rosa's Readers, a reading program she created. Rosa's Readers asks first grade students to read at least 20 books outside the classroom with parents, siblings, relatives and teachers, increasing their interest in reading. Thousands of students have participated in the program since it began in 2001.

"Teachers and principals across Connecticut are struggling to do more with fewer and fewer resources than ever before," DeLauro said. "But despite their troubles, innovative schools like John Lyman, where students take an active role in the decision-making process, are making great strides and doing a wonderful job educating kids across Connecticut. Seeing them in action was inspiring and I look forward to continuing to hear about their successes.

"I am particularly impressed with the level of interaction the student government representatives have with the school administration. It is an innovative way to teach students about our form of government. I was especially proud to learn that it was the student representatives who suggested a salad bar where the students could choose their own vegetables which, they argued, would prevent wasted food. It shows them that their voice can make a difference."

John Lyman's Hello Chorus also performed for DeLauro, welcoming her with a song students composed with their teachers.