Weekly Updates – September 29, 2023

Before a quick update on some curricular work, we must plug the Trojan Trot on Friday, October 6th. More details are below. This is such a fun community event and fundraiser. Our PTA does an incredible job in raising funds so that our kids have the opportunity to go on fun field trips and these funds support our school community in many ways. We thank you for all of your generous support.

Additionally, we have made some collective improvements towards our approach to literacy instruction by adopting a supplement to our reading curriculum. We are excited to have a new, strong research and evidence based foundational literacy program at IRE to improve literacy outcomes for all students learning how to read. Jen Anderson, our literacy specialist, notes that this fall, you might hear your student talking about a UFLI (“you fly”)  lesson. UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute) lessons provide explicit and systematic phonics instruction and follow a scope and sequence designed to ensure that all students acquire each skill needed, and learn to apply each skill with automaticity and confidence. Students learn the relationships between sounds and letters to strengthen their reading and spelling skills. Regular instruction focuses on how to read words, analyze word parts, and write and recognize words. Students are also given regular opportunities to read texts that support reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension.  Last spring a number of teachers started teaching UFLI lessons and saw significant improvement in student’s spelling and reading.  We are confident that all students will benefit from receiving this instruction this year at IRE!