Editited and finished

Children Teaching Children
By Cristina Cerone & Vinnie Costa




From Left to right: Vinny & Cynthia Allard, Brook & Cristina Cerone, Kimberly & Bob Dawson, Marco & Mary Miceli, Lily & Donna Young , Zoe Pena& her Grandmother Aurora Perez.

February 25, 2009: Barnard School’s Pre-K Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program was invaded by six of Jefferson Elementary School’s finest. The six students, all taking part in the Italian CILA Kindergarten program, were on hand to be part of RIF’s second book distribution of the year. This year’s RIF theme is Reach for the Stars.

In November of 2008, the Jefferson Italian CILA students were introduced to Dr. Simona Rodano, an experienced singer, actress and songwriter, she has appeared on RAI Television and Theatre in Italy, Europe and the United States (for more information on Dr. Simona Rodano visit her website wwwfataitaliana.com), who taught the eager children, “Su Nel Cielo, Up In The Sky” an original Italian song. Within a matter of minutes, the infectious song had solidly ” …planted itself in our heads and heart” and is what sparked the idea in organizer Cristina Cerone, to get the two programs together. Cerone’s hope, one great big payoff: Awareness of the Italian CILA and how important it is to continue with it.
Cerone spoke with Vicki Rashbaum, NYS RIF Ambassador 2008-09/Barnard Pre-K Social Worker, about her ‘out-there’ idea and with Rashbaum’s blessing, the RIF parent volunteers got busy in the classrooms preparing! Within weeks the event had been organized; three of Barnard Pre-K classes were chosen to view and participate in the performance, Mrs. Block/Carew’s, Mrs. Coronious’ and Mrs. Ceja's classes were all involved with the singing and dancing. “It amazed me how quickly and easily it all came together.” Cerone later commented.
The event was a huge success. The children, when asked if they had fun, responded unanimously, “YES!”

Here’s what others in attendance had to say:

"This gives the kids another perspective, that there’s a big world out there after Pre-K. It’s wonderful to see the older kids as role models for the younger ones."- Vicki Rashbaum

"What a wonderful way to bring New Rochelle schools together to collaborate, programs like RIF and Italian CILA! This could be the start of something big."- Patricia Lambert, Principal, Barnard School

"Children teaching children models good education and good partnerships, collaborations between schools fosters positive learning experiences."- Kim Block, Barnard Pre-K teacher

Parents in attendance were doubly impressed, Donna Young, CILA parent, "New Rochelle is such a culturally diverse city, it’s nice to see how our children are interacting with each other in a positive way.” Aurora Perez, CILA Grandmother, "I love this! A nice opportunity to expose this wonderful program to Barnard Schools Pre-K parents who may be looking for a program just like this.” This marriage of programs was an educational way of bringing children and culture together and it couldn't have been more fun. “I think it’s wonderful we can get two fabulous programs together, they can only benefit from each other." Mentioned Cathy Merigliano, Barnard Parent and RIF Volunteer and I think every one involved agreed with the Miceli Family sentiment, it was indeed, “A special day.”



Rashbaum & the Jefferson CILA Italian Kindergarten children

*Special thanks to Vinnie Costa for his brilliant editing www.vinniecosta.com.