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Health & Fitness

'Hoops & Homework' at Maple Hill Awarded Excellence in Education Award

The program involved high school students working with elementary student on academics and basketball skills.

Mrs. Jodie Ruccio, a first grade teacher at Maple Hill Elementary School, will be recognized on Nov. 18 by the Connecticut Association of School (CAS) for an exemplary program that she ran during the spring of 2013. The Recognition of Excellence in Education Celebration will be held at the Aqua Turf in Southington.

Mrs. Ruccio's brainchild was called "Hoops & Homework." Students from all grade levels were invited to stay after school to participate in the program and so many were interested that two sessions were held. The first half of each session was a time for the students to complete their homework under the watchful eyes of Naugatuck High School students who had volunteered to help with the program. Many of the members of the NHS girl's basketball team, where Mrs. Ruccio is the coach, were involved.

Several staff members also volunteered to assist with the homework part of the program and worked with students in the library. After homework was complete, the Maple Hill student joined the high school players in the gym for some tutoring in basketball skills. The younger students loved playing with these talented teens and the high school students had just as much fun.

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Claudia Ciullo, a secretary at Maple Hill, noted that the program "noticeably improved student achievement, diminished homework anxiety, and recognized the importance of what it takes to be a good student-athlete."

The CAS Recognition of Excellence in Education Celebration spotlights exemplary programs and/or extraordinary staff members that have contributed to significant school improvement, promoted school success, or have had a positive impact on a member school.

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