East Rochester Elementary School has been presented with a Primary Project National Certification from the Children’s Institute. Primary Project is a national evidence-based program that helps children in Pre-K through third grade adjust to school, gain confidence, social skills, and focus on learning. Primary Project addresses children’s school adjustment difficulties and increases their chances for success by identifying young children who show emerging school adjustment difficulties and providing them with one-on-one time with a specially trained and supervised paraprofessional.

The program coordinator of the Primary Project in East Rochester is Elementary Principal Marisa Capuano. Program supervision during the start-up of the program was accomplished by Counselor Amanda Wigle and was taken over by Counselor La’Ron White for the 2021-22 school year. ER retiree Sharon Smith was also integral to the program. Liz Pappas will step into the role vacated by Mrs. Smith this fall.

To earn this certification, East Rochester Elementary School met the required number of critical and essential elements of the Primary Project rubric. Areas of strength in our Primary Project program are noted below.

• Services to children in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade.

• A systematic screening and selection process.

• Services to children by a valued child associate.

• Consistent weekly supervision of the child associate by our certified mental health professional.

• Quantitative program evaluation.

• Integration of Primary Project into a continuum of programs in the school.

• Playroom. The Primary Project playroom is a well-lit, inviting space for students.

The certification is valid for three years through July 2025.