Mesa Public Schools celebrates 35 years of Family Literacy program, highlights two-generation gains

Mesa Public Schools celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Family Literacy Program during the April 23 board meeting, with families, teachers and district staff describing multigenerational benefits and the program’s community impact.

Christine Niven, Family Literacy Specialist, told the board the program uses a two-generation model that includes adult education, early childhood education, PACK Time (parent-and-child together time) and parent time. She said the program helps parents gain English, workforce and parenting skills while their children receive high-quality early instruction.

Participants and staff described real-world outcomes. A parent said she gained confidence speaking with her child’s teacher and learning English; a Taylor Junior High seventh-grader, Kiara, told the board the program gave her a lifelong sense that "school wasn't just a place where kids were sent. It was a place where our whole families belonged." Staff said the program served about 145 families this year across eight schools (capacity roughly 20–25 families per site) and that expansion would require additional grants or nonprofit partnerships.

Board members praised the program as a “front door” to engage hard-to-reach families and suggested community support such as book donations to build home libraries. Staff noted funding comes through Title I and grants and that program leaders pursue outside funding to expand capacity.

The board recognized Christine Niven, who announced she is retiring this year, and lauded the program’s national recognition as a model site for family literacy.