School District Secures Literacy Grant for K-5 Resources and Teacher Support

The Forest Hills Public Schools Board of Education meeting on May 20, 2024, highlighted significant advancements in literacy and language education through the approval of a new literacy grant, referred to as 35j. This grant will provide substantial funding for the district to acquire essential literacy materials for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

The grant mandates that all K-5 teachers receive additional professional development and curriculum support focused on literacy. Among the resources discussed were "Jump Rope Readers," a series of nonfiction books aimed at enhancing early research skills and familiarity with informational texts, which are vital for student assessments.

Additionally, the board introduced various educational programs funded by the grant. These include "Handwriting Without Tears" for grades K-2 and a selection of decodable books for grades K-5 from multiple vendors. Detailed information about these resources is available in a comprehensive attachment to the meeting minutes.

The meeting also featured the introduction of the "Trail School Wellness" program, designed to support Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in schools. This initiative includes 25 lessons focusing on character development, such as self-awareness and responsible decision-making, along with family resources for each unit.

Furthermore, the board announced participation in the "Talk Abroad" program, which will enhance foreign language education by providing teachers with a variety of lessons, assessments, and opportunities for students to engage in real conversations with native speakers.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving literacy and language skills among students, with the new grant and programs set to play a crucial role in these efforts.