Elementary teachers outline structured-literacy rollout; students propose donated high-school sign

During the Jan. 9 work session, Blackhawk administrators described a multiyear elementary literacy initiative focused on explicit, systematic phonics instruction and introduced a career-awareness pilot called 'World of Work.' The administrator said the district has trained 12 teachers as Orton-Gillingham tutors and implemented a phonics screener to target instruction.

The presenter described the district’s adoption of a phonics resource called 'You Fly,' noting it is inexpensive and broadly available: "You can buy this resource for $70 for a manual... and every single component that comes with it is online. It's free," the presenter said, describing the program as a practical, low-cost component of the structured literacy rollout.

On student engagement, two students addressed the board about a proposed new Blackhawk High School entrance sign. Sophia Parish said the sign has been purchased and installed; student leaders described three design options and a plan for senior masonry and FFA students to handle landscaping and site work. "The sign project would be a way to further build that bridge of diversity," Grace Davis, student council president, said while describing the community and educational benefits of the project.

Administrators said these curricular and student-led projects are intended to strengthen early reading outcomes and provide authentic career-education experiences. No formal board vote was required on the sign presentation tonight; the students asked the board to review backup materials and support completion by the May commencement.

Next step: board members acknowledged the presentations and will proceed with the policy and budget steps that support instructional materials and student projects.