Suncrest Elementary School is making significant strides in literacy development as part of the Community Schools of Frankfort’s commitment to the Pillar of Literacy. Focusing on early learners, particularly in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade, Suncrest has implemented a strong and well-planned system to build foundational reading skills. “At Suncrest, we’ve been focusing on building strong literacy foundations in our youngest learners,” says principal Diane Vielee. “The growth we’ve seen in these students so early in the year is truly inspiring.” With targeted reading strategies, teachers have successfully fostered an environment where students are not only improving academically but are also developing a genuine love for books and storytelling.
One key to this success has been a collaborative effort between teachers, literacy coaches, and administrators. Utilizing progress monitoring and weekly decoding skill practices, Suncrest has helped 80% of its students meet crucial literacy benchmarks, such as letter recognition and mastery of high-frequency sight words. “The Pillar of Literacy isn’t just a guideline for us — it’s a driving force behind everything we do,” notes AP Samantha Mitchell. The school’s focus on literacy, bolstered by instructional support from literacy coaches and the continued professional development of teachers, is creating a lasting impact. “What’s truly rewarding is seeing how much our students are embracing reading. This transformation is what the Pillar of Literacy is all about -empowering our students to explore, imagine, and grow through the power of reading.”
Looking ahead, Suncrest is prepared for continued growth, with systems in place to support both teachers and students. With the help of ESSER and Title I funding, Suncrest has been able to sustain the work of instructional coaches and literacy interventionists, ensuring that the progress made today will build a solid foundation for future learning.
