WPS Reading Team presented with Impact Award
The Wakefield Educational Foundation [WEF] hosted its 29th Annual Celebration of Learning on April 16th, recognizing over one hundred individuals who have positively impacted Wakefield education and the community. This year, the prestigious Impact Award was presented to the Wakefield Public Schools [WPS] Elementary Reading Team.
The WPS Elementary Reading Team comprises dedicated professionals: Reading Specialists, Suzanne Geraghty, Kathy Holland, Maria Morgan, Mary Penta, Karen Purba, and Alyson Smith; Interventionists Julie Ward, Trish Roop, and Maureen Maher; Coach Michele Labrecque; and Curriculum Coordinator Valerie Drinan.
The in-person event was filled with positivity and inspiration, honoring the exceptional individuals who contribute to Wakefield’s students’ success. Assistant Superintendent Kara Maura presented the Impact Award to the Reading Team, acknowledging their outstanding dedication and hard work.
Mauro spoke of the Reading Team’s commitment to “adapting practices to align with the science of reading,” which “has already improved literacy outcomes for our students. The team has worked diligently to create systems for intervention that align with the science of reading, which is grounded in research-based principles of how the brain processes written and spoken language.”
Mauro went on to say the team “ collaborated with each other, general education teachers, administration, and consultants from Hill for Literacy to secure their understanding of the essential building blocks of reading and how to support students who may struggle in any of these areas. They have created consistent systems for intervention aligned with our general education curriculum, supported the development of equitable progress monitoring to ensure all students who need it receive intervention and have worked flexibly to ensure that their schedules support this work.”
The Reading team has embraced the science of reading and is addressing students’ current reading challenges and fostering long-term literacy development for the district. Mauro stated that these interventions catch students early, provide the necessary support, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to become a proficient reader. “This is not easy work and we feel so fortunate to be able to share our gratitude for the impact that you have had on our district and our students. “
WEF warmly congratulates the WPS Reading Team on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates their dedication to fostering literacy for all students. To continue supporting our Wakefield educators, WEF relies on the generous contributions of key local business partners, private donors, and a series of annual fundraisers, all of which directly support our grant process. These vital fundraisers include WEF’s Wakefield Public Schools Calendar showcasing student art; the S.T.A.R.S. program recognizing exemplary WPS staff; the Online Auction; and the Adult Spelling Bee. WEF has proudly awarded over $730,000 across the Wakefield Public Schools since 1989. To learn more about our work, follow WEF on Twitter or Facebook, or go to WEF01880.org.