White Marsh Elementary showcases K–2 literacy system as board honors Carson Scholars

White Marsh Elementary School staff presented the board with a multi‑layered approach to early literacy on April 15, emphasizing a protected daily literacy block using the Benchmark Advance curriculum, a dedicated 'WIN' (What I Need) block for targeted small‑group instruction and intervention, and tutoring by certified reading specialists.

"Literacy is a coordinated system that ensures every student receives strong core instruction, targeted support when needed, and opportunities to grow as readers and writers," said the school's principal as teachers described daily rotations (teacher‑led small groups, writing, word work, independent reading and a technology station) designed to preserve core instruction while delivering tiered interventions.

The board also paused to recognize students named 2026 Carson Scholars — a national merit recognition that includes a $1,000 college scholarship held in trust — and called each scholar to the front for a certificate and photograph.

Why it matters: The presentation illustrated one local school's implementation of the district's K–2 literacy goal and the systems (data monitoring, co‑planning, family practice folders, Judy Center early‑childhood partnerships) used to sustain it. Board members praised the collaboration and asked questions about WIN‑block length (30–45 minutes), group rotation and daily formative data collection.

What’s next: Staff will continue school‑level implementation and the board thanked teachers for the demonstration. The item was informational only.