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Franklin Grove highlights Orton‑Gillingham training, student supports
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Summary
Franklin Grove principal Heather England told the board the K–6 school serves about 437 students; kindergarten teachers received Orton‑Gillingham training this summer and the school emphasized intervention, an instructional specialist and community events including a buddy bench dedicated to Noah Edwards.
Franklin Grove Elementary staff presented district highlights to the Decatur SD 61 board on Oct. 28, describing academic and community supports aimed at whole‑child development.
"We have approximately 437 students. We're a K through 6 building," Principal Heather England said, adding that the school’s theme this year is the whole child. England said all kindergarten teachers attended a weeklong Orton‑Gillingham training over the summer, with follow‑up sessions during the school year. "It's research based. It aligns with the science of reading, and it really supports a foundation and groundwork for reading as the students move up in grades," she said.
England and Assistant Principal Stephanie Strying described student supports including a full‑time student interventionist, Natasha Young, who helps with behavior plans, restorative conversations and links to community resources, and an instructional specialist, Julie Turner, who helps teachers with best practices and data‑driven small‑group instruction.
The school highlighted community engagement through events such as Grandparents Day, a new family bingo night, a WSOI food drive and two buddy benches made from recycled bottle caps donated by local partners. The bench dedication honored Noah Edwards, and staff said these partnerships support school climate and family involvement.
Board members asked whether Orton‑Gillingham training would expand beyond kindergarten; England said the focus this year is kindergarten with the intention to increase teacher training across grade levels over time.
