BRIDGEPORT — First- and second-graders at Bridgeport Elementary School showed off their writing skills and shared their thoughts on Valentine’s Day during a Title I parent meeting Friday.

Parent Coordinator Maria Kayafas, who teaches Title I reading for third- and fourth-graders, spoke about the students’ progress in the program.

“We want to have a nice bridge between home and school. We want to highlight these kids any chance we get so they can feel good about their reading and writing progress and parents can be proud of them. I always start with tips they can do at home to help with their reading and writing.”

Kayafas said Title I has about six meetings per year. The district uses the program to assist students with reading and math proficiency.

“We highlight different grade levels. This time it’s first and second grade, and they’re doing Valentine’s Day as their theme,” she said. “They’re going to read their own writing.”

Elementary school teachers selected two or three of their pupils in each class.

Kayafas said their progress matched the standards for English and language arts, such as relating a narrative and retaining details. In first grade the students write explanatory texts on topics and demonstrate understanding a sense of closure. Second-graders are expected to do a more thorough job.

“Each grade level steps up a little bit,” she said.

Another element is public speaking.

“This is good for them because they get up in front of a group to speak and express their thoughts,” Kayafas said, noting parents’ participation is always welcome.

“We want parents to see what we’re doing,” she said. “We’re fortunate to have so many Title teachers in the school from math and reading.”

The theme of the presentations was “Pizza my Heart.” The students wrote about people in their lives who had a “piece of their heart” and how they demonstrated love.

Afterward, parents and family congratulated the students.

Kelly Zanes of Bridgeport was impressed.

“That was amazing that they were able to bring the kids up and talk and read aloud how they felt about their parents,” Zanes said. “That was cool.”

Kristin Brown of Bridgeport agreed.

“I think it’s wonderful what they are doing for Valentine’s Day to show their love and appreciation for family, friends and whoever else is special in their lives,” she said.

Shaun McGee, an uncle and member of the Wheeling Miners football team visiting from Atlanta, Georgia, commended the school staff.

“This is a good thing that they did for the kids, to show what they’re learning and giving the kids another way to express themselves and the love for the people that mean the most to them sure means a lot to the different parents,” McGee noted.

Bridgeport Elementary Principal Kamaron Sabinski said these activities benefit students and cover state standards for writing and presentation.

“Mrs. Kayafas and the teachers and the students all work hand-in-hand to make this possible, and every single year it is successful. The parents love coming in, and they see what they’re learning, enjoy hearing them up on stage,” she said. “I couldn’t be prouder of what they do. It’s a true team effort. It takes Mrs. Kayafas working with each home room teacher and collaborating with the students to make it happen.”

The next Title I meeting will be held in April. Kindergarteners will share books they have written.