Reading is a foundational skill that all education is built upon.
Research shows that a child who doesn't learn the reading basics early is likely to struggle with all learning throughout their life.
Low reading skills are the root cause of many low-achieving students.
This same research estimates that 85 to 90 percent of students who are poor readers can increase their reading skills to average level with intensive, early instruction.
USD 350 schools provide this type of early identification of struggling readers and provides additional time and instruction to students to bring them back up to grade level.
This includes early instruction in phonics, an emphasis on listening skills, language development, conceptual and vocabulary development, storytelling, exploration of children's literature, and literacy-related activities that can enhance children's love of books and learning.
The additional help for these students will enable them to gain the foundational skills needed to move on to interesting and challenging children's literature that can help expand vocabulary and increase background knowledge and comprehension.
Parents should take any opportunity to read with young children and always encourage older students to read as a valuable hobby.
FREE physicals will once again be offered on May 5th at the Health Department. The physicals will be available for any 7th-12th grade students. Hours for the physicals will be from 4:00-8:00 pm. Students will need to complete the family history portion before arrival.
A reminder to parents that the last day of school has been changed to May 21. School will dismiss at 12:00 pm and buses will run at approximately 12:30 pm.
Upcoming events: May 12 Baccalaureate 7:00 pm, May 14 Elementary track meet 12:00 pm, May 18 Senior Class Night 7:00 pm, May 21 Last day of School, May 22 Graduation 4:00 pm.
Thought for the week: Ambition without knowledge is like a boat on dry land. - Mark Lee
Dr. James Kenworthy is the superintendent of USD 350 St. John/Hudson
