For the 2016-17 school year the Pleasant Valley schools are taking a new approach to writing and the students are loving it.

"Since the PSSA added a writing section, we knew we needed to do something so we decided to try something new," said district reading supervisor Keri Ramsay. "We are working with the Lucy Calkins Units of Study for Writing and are very excited about what is happening."Ramsay brought along a few of the teachers and students who are involved in the program, and it was pretty evident that everyone, students and teachers, were happy with the progress.Ramsay said the program is taught daily for 30 to 50 minutes. There is a mini-theme lesson followed by free writing. During free writing, the teachers conference with the students to get their feedback and give direction.Each of the teachers present admitted that the free writing aspect was difficult since they are used to controlling the hows and whys when they give an assignment. But Ramsay said students' work is proof that the program is effective.Each of the children present took a few minutes to read to board members and administrators from their "chapter books."Ramsay said that the district hopes to involve more teachers in the program in the future.