At Perry Elementary School, literacy is more than just learning to read and write; it’s a foundational skill that prepares students for all aspects of life. According to Jackie Staib, principal of Perry Elementary, “There’s nothing simple about literacy. It’s complex, challenging, and essential for students to engage fully in their world.”
Simple or not, Staib and her staff are committed to providing the best education possible.
A Ground-Up Movement
In recent years, Perry Elementary has transformed its approach to literacy education. Staib and her team began implementing science-backed methods like LETRS training five years ago, driven by teachers’ desire for new strategies that would better serve their students. This program provides educators with tools for explicit instruction in reading and language comprehension. Staib proudly notes, “We’ve been fully LETRS trained for a few years now, and it’s created a unified vision for our literacy instruction.”
Innovative Programs Supporting Literacy
Perry Elementary is also home to exciting new initiatives aimed at making literacy engaging and accessible. A highlight is the school’s literacy lab, a dedicated space in the library where students participate in hands-on literacy activities. The lab allows students to interact with reading materials in creative ways, promoting a love for learning that goes beyond textbooks.
Additionally, Perry has launched the “Power of Parents” initiative. This program provides kindergarten parents with short instructional videos that demonstrate literacy-building activities they can do at home. This partnership with parents encourages a daily five-minute practice that fosters meaningful discussions and literacy skill-building outside of the classroom.
Empowering Teachers, Empowering Students
Staib emphasizes that one of the most exciting aspects of Perry’s literacy journey is the empowerment of her staff. “My teachers are now making decisions based on what they know about their students and their needs,” she explains. This productive struggle allows teachers to adapt benchmarks and goals in ways that make sense for each child, rather than relying solely on standardized measures.
With these innovative programs and a dedicated teaching staff, Perry Elementary is setting the stage for students to develop literacy skills that will serve them throughout their lives. “We’re just now starting to see the results, but it’s been an exciting journey,” says Staib. And with initiatives already expanding to the preschool level, the school is committed to helping students start strong from day one.