Teachers and principals spotlight literacy gains and student achievements

Multiple principals and classroom teachers used the meeting to spotlight student and staff achievements and to report early literacy gains from structured reading programs.

Dr. Lauren Schultz, principal at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, introduced third‑grader Ivy Morales and cited assessment results showing notable gains: attendance at 97 percent, strong ELA benchmark growth, a Lexile score of 935 and improvements in math proficiency and growth metrics. "She scored 100% proficiency on three of the tested math areas on link form B and her link growth profile has her at a 30 point increase for form B," Schultz said.

At the middle school, Principal Kenya Mccur highlighted student‑athlete Jeremiah's leadership and academic progress, and praised staff members including Mr. Grao. Several teachers at the meeting described the positive classroom impact of the Foundations and Wilson programs. Tracy Barone, a special‑education teacher, reported measurable phonics‑inventory improvements after implementing Foundations: mastery gains in 17 of 21 consonant sounds and 5 of 5 short vowels in a mid‑year assessment, and increased student confidence and engagement.

Superintendent Mr. Dino reiterated district adoption of science‑of‑reading approaches and said state officials have identified the district as an example in the transition: "the Department of Education is using us as a model," he said. Several speakers asked the board to continue funding training and staffing necessary to sustain those gains.

The board received the presentations and expressions of gratitude from parents and staff; administrators acknowledged the need for continued investment in program training and the staffing to deliver these interventions.