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Dear USC Families,
As we wrap up the first month of school, the progress our USC Elementary students have made in such a short time has been truly remarkable. Students have embraced the learning process with enthusiasm, contributing to a positive and engaging classroom culture through consistent routines and meaningful interactions. Alongside their academic growth, students have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of exciting and enriching events this quarter. They enjoyed USC Homecoming festivities and explored learning beyond the classroom through field trips to Big Island Rendezvous, History Fest, Farming of Yesteryear, local pumpkin patches, and a nearby farm, gaining firsthand experience with farming operations and historical perspectives.
Alongside these memorable experiences, our students have also been growing academically through exciting changes in the classroom. As I referenced in the back-to-school letter, we launched a new reading curriculum, Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), a significant step forward in aligning instruction with the Science of Reading. CKLA emphasizes systematic and explicit instruction in phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency, providing students with the foundational skills and strategies they need for long-term reading success. Teachers are carefully planning their pacing and daily lessons to ensure all essential components are covered while keeping instruction engaging and effective. As students immerse themselves in CKLA, parents can expect to see them sharing their learning at home, discussing the books they are reading, the strategies they are practicing, and the skills they are building. This connection between classroom learning and home engagement reinforces reading growth and celebrates student progress.
In addition to our new reading curriculum, students have access to tiered interventions to meet their individual learning needs. Tier I provides all students with universal, high-quality, evidence-based instruction in the general classroom. Tier II offers targeted small-group support, including the University of Florida Literacy Initiative (UFLI) and other research-based programs, to students who need additional guidance. Tier III delivers individualized, intensive interventions for students with severe and persistent learning deficits, ensuring that every child receives the instruction necessary to grow and succeed throughout the year.
As we move through October, we appreciate your continued support and partnership in making USC Elementary a positive and engaging place for students to learn and grow. Our students thrive because of the dedication of our staff and the encouragement from their families at home. Together, we are building routines, creating lasting memories, and laying a solid foundation for success. Let’s keep the momentum going as we enjoy the fall season filled with bonfires, football games, and autumn activities!
We look forward to sharing more student successes and upcoming events in next month’s newsletter.
Regards,
Jennifer Taylor
Principal, United South Central Elementary