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Dear Parents and Guardians,
February is I Love to Read Month, a time to celebrate the power of reading and the critical role it plays in every child’s academic journey. At USC, reading is the foundation for all learning, and developing strong readers remains one of our highest priorities.
In kindergarten through second grade, students are learning to read. Through our new CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) curriculum, students receive explicit, systematic instruction that builds essential skills in phonics, vocabulary, language comprehension, and fluency. These foundational years are critical, as each lesson builds upon the next, creating a strong and lasting literacy foundation. By third grade, students reach an important milestone as they transition from learning to read to reading to learn. At this stage, reading becomes the primary way students access content across all subject areas, including science, social studies, and mathematics. A strong reading foundation allows students to confidently engage with increasingly complex texts, think critically, and deepen their understanding, skills essential for long-term academic success.
Because reading instruction is sequential and cumulative, regular school attendance is more important than ever. When students miss a day of instruction, particularly within a structured curriculum like CKLA, they miss essential learning that directly supports future lessons. Even brief absences can create gaps that make it more challenging for students to stay on track, especially in the early grades when foundational skills are developing rapidly.
As parents and guardians, you play a crucial role in nurturing a love for reading at home. To support your child’s literacy development, engage in meaningful conversations, introduce new vocabulary, and encourage exploration of a wide range of reading materials, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics, newspapers, and even recipes. Reading aloud together and discussing stories strengthens comprehension and enriches your child’s overall learning experience.
Your support in fostering a love for reading both at school and at home is invaluable, and we sincerely appreciate your collaboration. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting consistent attendance, strong literacy instruction, and a culture that values daily reading. Together, we are building confident, capable readers who are prepared to tackle increasingly complex texts and succeed in school and in life. Happy Reading!
Regards,
Jennifer Taylor
Principal, USC Elementary
It’s a Great Day to be a Rebel!