Lake Charles, LA
Willona Jackson, Supervisor of Special Projects
Loree L. Smith, Federal Programs Coordinator
(L to R) Tiny Stills, Special Services, Speech; Beth Ferguson, Library Services; Dr. Jason VanMetre, Chief Academic Officer; Carolyn T. Edward, Middle School; Dr. Shannon LaFargue, Superintendent; Willona Jackson, Special Projects; Loree Smith, Federal Programs, Family Engagement; Julianna Hair, McKinney-Vento; Dr. Jill Portie, Elementary Department; Maureen Kelly, Grants Department; Jeanice Biondini, Discipline & Behavior; Karley Picou, Washington-Marion High School
Mission to Literacy
Calcasieu Parish School Board is on an important mission—a Mission to Literacy. The district is revising and improving its reading/literacy standards and the curriculum and instruction for students in the elementary grades. Last year, the District Literacy Team revised the reading curriculum, instruction, and materials to help more students continually improve their reading skills and attitudes. They identified new books at each grade level, connected books to specific character traits that contribute to student success, and provided professional development activities for all teachers to join the Mission to Literacy.
The Literacy Team joined forces with Calcasieu’s leader for partnerships to help families understand the district’s new reading program and how they may help their children at home to strengthen reading skills and attitudes. Together, the two departments conducted a series of monthly District Literacy Nights at different elementary schools. At each school, families and students visited various “stations” to review and enjoy the new books and conduct fun activities (e.g., reading puzzles and games) to build student comprehension, vocabulary, and other reading skills.
For example, one station introduced parents and students to the PBS-TV program Molly of Denali. The show features a native Alaskan girl, her dog, and friends. On their daily adventures, they read “informational texts” such as maps, guidebooks, websites, weather reports, interactive games, and more. The program takes students on reading adventures through Alaska.
More than 350 parents and over 450 students participated in the monthly meetings, along with about 100 school and district educators. At each District Literacy Night, students took home grade-specific books linked to character education, and other activities to strengthen reading skills at home. Community and business partners were active, too. They provided refreshments, donations, and gift cards for door prizes. A parent reacted, “We most enjoyed the different stations which were fun-filled and exciting, and that encouraged parents and children to interact while learning.”
In addition to those attending these meetings, all families at all schools were informed in many ways about the new literacy curriculum, advances in instruction, and the roles they can play on the Mission to Literacy.
Read more about Mission to Literacy in Promising Partnership Practices 2023.
