MASD was in the state spotlight as we welcomed community and education leaders and decision-makers to Fink Elementary School for a close-up look at the District’s continued efforts to improve student literacy.
The event came as MASD was selected as a “Bright Spot” and one of only four school districts in the state (and the only in Central PA) to be included in the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition's new report, Proof Points: Lessons from School Districts Driving Literacy Growth.
The report highlighted MASD for its success in implementing structured literacy practices aligned with the science of reading, and showing how meaningful literacy growth is possible, despite economic situations.
MASD Superintendent Dr. Chelton Hunter, Fink Elementary Principal Mrs. Jodi Jackson, MASD Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mrs. Christine Mostoller, along with building reading specialists, led elected officials, including State Senator Patty Kim and State Representatives Justin Fleming and Tom Mehaffie, on classroom tours to see the science of reading in action, and how research-aligned literacy strategies are implemented in District classrooms.
Following the tours, a roundtable discussion was held focusing on the impact of literacy on students, schools, and the regional economy, as well as the importance of the need for continued state investments to ensure consistent implementation across the state.
Improving the literacy skills of the District’s youngest learners has been a top priority of Dr. Hunter, who, at the event said, reading gives students the ability to do anything, adding it builds confidence to chase whatever future they want for themselves. Under his leadership, the District made a full commitment to implementing structured literacy practices and evidence-based instructional strategies and targeted support to meet students where they are academically.
The District has hosted elected officials and state dignitaries in the past, including a visit from Governor Shapiro earlier this school year. We are proud to showcase our District but even more proud of our staff for what they do for every student, every day!
Recognizing MASD’s literacy strides were (front row, pictured left to right) Christine Mostoller, MASD Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Shelly LeHew, MASD Title I Reading Specialist, Rachel Garnick, PA Literacy Coalition Manager, and Ami Healy, Capital Area Intermediate Unit Program Supervisor, Educational Services.
Pictured in the back row are (pictured left to right) MASD Superintendent Dr. Chelton Hunter, Dr. Stacey Cherny, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education, Jodi Jackson, Fink Elementary Principal, Dr. Pam Kastner, President, The Reading League of Pennsylvania and PaTTAN State Literacy Lead, State Representative Tom Mehaffie, State Senator Patty Kim, and State Representative Justin Fleming.