Mabel I. Wilson staff honored for leading district's shift to the science of reading

Mabel I. Wilson School faculty were recognized at the MSAD 51 school board meeting Jan. 2 for leading the building's transition to the "science of reading." Corey Muncy introduced the team and Vice Principal Mallory Orzechowski highlighted the program and named the literacy specialists and mentors responsible for the work.

Orzechowski said the school's literacy leadership includes one administrator, two literacy specialists and grade-level literacy leaders who meet to review data and curriculum. She described extensive work this year and last to evaluate tier-1 curriculum options, examine scope-and-sequence documents, visit schools across New England and observe programs in action.

The leaders also continue classroom coaching and small-group instruction as part of tier-2 and tier-3 interventions while maintaining their regular teaching duties. "They truly live by example," Orzechowski said, thanking staff members who balanced the extra leadership responsibilities.

Board members praised the report and noted the recognition aligns with district priorities on literacy and student achievement. The board did not take formal action on curriculum selection at the meeting; Orzechowski invited the board and community to review the school's work and the district's interactive annual report when it becomes available online.

The recognition reflects a wider district effort to emphasize evidence-based reading instruction and to track literacy outcomes through local and state assessments.