Stanfield turns pages with accelerated reader program

Published 5:00 am Saturday, September 30, 2023

STANFIELD — Students at Stanfield Elementary School are speeding ahead with literacy skills, thanks to a $7,575 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation for the Renaissance Accelerated Reader Program.

Superintendent Beth Burton said several of the school’s staff members are passionate about the use of AR programs. In addition, she said Stanfield Public Library Director Cecili Longhorn has discussed its merits in facilitating parental involvement with their children’s reading.

Having the school and the public library on the same page, Burton said, will benefit students. Both libraries are labeling and leveling books similarly.

“The way that books are leveled in AR, parents are better equipped to help their students choose appropriate books,” she said. “I am excited that our partnership with Stanfield Public Library is creating an opportunity for us to better partner with parents to increase student literacy and promote a love of reading.”

During the 2022-23 school year, second-grade teacher Kim Harwood and fellow teachers discussed the past successes of AR programs. The consensus, she said, was to bring one back to Stanfield.

After receiving administrative approval, Harwood took the reins in writing the Wildhorse grant proposal. The foundation announced Aug. 25 that Stanfield Elementary School was selected as one of its second-quarter grant recipients.

Burton said kindergarten through fifth grade students are using the program, which the grant makes possible. She added that Wildhorse provided money for each teacher to purchase AR books for their classrooms.

Harwood said each student completes the program’s Star Assessment to measure their reading levels. That information, according to Burton, helps them not only select books that interest them but also ones at their comprehension level.

“It was so amazing to see the students so excited about reading,” Harwood said. “They begin to gain confidence and want to read more.”

Burton expressed appreciation for staff and community partners passionate about promoting literacy and reading. In addition, Burton and Harwood are thrilled with Wildhorse’s support.

“This grant gives our students an opportunity to improve their reading skills by reading for enjoyment,” Harwood said.

The Wildhorse Foundation is managed by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The foundation board considers quarterly grant applications with a focus on public health, public safety, the arts, education, salmon restoration, historic preservation, environmental protection and cultural activities.

For more information, visit www.thewildhorsefoundation.com. For questions, contact 541-966-1628 or foundation@wildhorseresort.com.