Forks Elementary highlights reading gains, sets 80% proficiency target

Sarah Decker, the presenter from Forks Elementary School, used the board's Spotlight on Success segment to outline student enrollment, early-learning capacity and a focused literacy plan.

"We've got 389 students this year," Decker said, and she told the board that the school's ECAP program is at capacity with 47 students and a waiting list. Decker described the school's early-literacy programs — Wilson Phonics, Heggerty and ReadWell — and said on-site phonics training last year helped produce gains in kindergarten and third-grade reading outcomes.

Decker presented a SMART goal tied to the school-improvement plan: "80 percent of our students achieving grade level proficiency in the I Ready reading assessments by spring 2026." She explained the 80 percent target aligns with PLC benchmarks for unit success and said teachers are implementing curriculum with fidelity and targeted interventions for students below grade level.

The board formally approved Forks Elementary's improvement plan during the meeting, a step Diana said the district needs to secure categorical funds such as Title I and LAP. Decker also reviewed family-engagement work — quarterly family events and two planned academically focused family nights — and described playground and positive-behavior programs intended to support social-emotional learning and reduce office referrals.

Board members praised the school's enthusiasm and collaborative teaching teams. The approval of the school-improvement plan completes the district's set of plans that Diana identified as required for funding eligibility.