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Ontario‑Montclair presents early‑literacy programs; board hears data on reading gains
Summary
Presenters from Ontario‑Montclair School District described early‑literacy initiatives—Reading to Kinder, KinderGo, vending machines stocked with books, TeachTown and intensive reading workshops—and reported measured gains including thousands of books read and a 10.5‑point phonemic awareness increase.
Robert F. Gallagher and Dr. Alana Hughes Hunter of the Ontario‑Montclair School District told the county board their early‑literacy strategy combines family engagement, targeted curricula and in‑school remediation. The presenters described Reading to Kinder (parent workshops that distribute books and bookshelves), KinderGo library partnerships and book vending machines placed on several campuses. They reported district figures including "we have read over 14,225 books" and a reported "10.5 jump in phonemic awareness" tied to the program.
Board members praised the work and pressed for details on outcomes, modalities and costs. One board member suggested piloting the intensive reading workshop countywide, proposing a controlled pilot with performance measures and limited duration. The presenters said the vending machines and materials so far were paid from school site funds and not through an outside grant.
