Paterson celebrates its two students who achieved PARCC perfection
PATERSON — Fourth-grader Imani Reaves didn’t spend much time reading through the letter she received earlier this year about her standardized test scores.
“I gave the letter to my mom,” recalled the 9-year-old. “When she looked at it, she started smiling and got real happy. She told me I got a perfect score. I couldn’t believe it.”
Imani was one of two Paterson students – along with sixth-grader Salman Chowdhury – to get perfect scores in both math and language arts in the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career) tests this year.
The two youngsters were the stars of the district’s celebration of its top PARCC achievers at Wednesday night’s school board meeting. City education officials hold the annual celebration to highlight the success stories in a district with some of the lowest student test scores in the state.
Overall, the event honored 165 Paterson students whose scores put them in the state’s “exceeded expectations” category. Some of those 165 attained perfect scores in either math or language arts, but not both subjects, officials said.
Imani, who attends Alexander Hamilton Academy, and Salman, a student at Paterson’s Gifted and Talented Academy, both said their parents encourage them in their studies.
Imani’s father, Edward Reaves, said his daughter does her homework right after school, including the afternoons in which she participates in gymnastics or swimming.
“Every now and then my wife and I remind Imani to do her homework but we never have to pester her,” Reaves said.
Imani said her favorite class is social studies. “I also love writing essays, especially about dogs and cats,” she said. Someday, she would like to become a scientist.
Virginia Galizia, principal at Alexander Hamilton, praised Imani’s dedication. “She has an intrinsic search for knowledge and an innate curiosity to find out about things,” Galizia said.
Meanwhile, Salman said algebra is his favorite subject. “I also love doing timetables,” he said. “I do them when I am done with my work at school and also at home.”
Salman said that he occasionally times himself while working on multiplication table to track his progress. Salman credited his second grade teacher, Nicole Slota, for whetting his appetite to learn more.
“Ms. Slota always showed us the results of our homework and explained anything we didn’t understand,” Salman said. “She also made up a lot of games that made learning fun.”
Salman said he participates in the volunteer safety patrol program at his school. When the day’s final bell rings he helps first- and second-graders put on their jackets and take care of their book bags.
When asked what advice he would give to other students, Salman was quick to reply.
“Don’t use electronics,” Salman said. “Also, don’t ask your parents to get you a phone. I knew if I had a phone, I wouldn’t study as much. My parents only let me use my Xbox after my homework is finished and then it is only for an hour.”