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Elementary schools awarded literacy grant
By ADRIENNE CRISSMAN
The Poland Local School district received the Ohio Third Grade Guarantee Literacy Grant for all three elementary schools.
According to the Ohio Department of Education, the Third Grade Reading Guarantee is “a program to identify students behind in reading from kindergarten through third grade. Schools will provide help and support to make sure students are on track for reading success by the end of third grade.”
The $100,000 grant, written by teachers Mary Hernon and Tracy Kaschak, with the help of Janet Kirns, former Title I teacher, will allow the school district to purchase the Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention System for all intervention specialists and Title I teachers.
“Ideally, the LLI System is designed to bring a child to grade level in 18-22 weeks,” said Hernon.
The funds will also allow the district to purchase the Benchmark Assessment System for all kindergarten through third-grade teachers, intervention specialists and Title I teachers.
On Sept. 17th, the Intervention and Title One Teachers and tutors were trained on Benchmarking, which allows teachers to identify what reading level the child is at. Hernon said the main goal is to get students reading at grade level.
“We want the students to be successful in the classroom,” said Hernon. “You want kids to become life-long readers, even at the elementary level, setting that foundation is important.”
Stephanie Mateja, principal at North Elementary School, said the teachers’ work shows their dedication.
“The grant will help not only the school, but the district as well,” said Mateja. “Their work will have such a great impact on the elementary students.”