The Lower School Leadership Team and curriculum chairs rolled out the division’s new English Language Arts curriculum at Lower School Literacy Night Sept. 24. The nearly 75 parents and guardians in attendance learned about Wit & Wisdom and 95 Phonics, which has been adopted this year for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade.

The event was spearheaded by Erin Cole ’04, Assistant Head of Lower School for Student Learning.

“Lower School Leadership, in partnership with the English Language Arts curriculum chairs, was excited to host this event for families to learn more about our new literacy curriculum,” she explained. “This opportunity was designed to inform parents about the curriculum selection process, in addition to offering grade-level specific information on 95 Phonics and Wit and Wisdom, both components of the new literacy program in Kindergarten through fifth grade. 

The division-wide presentation included an exploration of why this new curriculum was selected, a timeline of the training as teachers prepared to roll out their new lessons this year, and a high-level overview of the science of reading. Attendees then went to breakout sessions for a more comprehensive look at what ELA looks like for their students.

The session for families in PreK through second grade was led by curriculum chair Erin Hunter, LEAP teacher Beth Moss and second-grade teacher Christi Vereckey. Hunter said she was “was most excited to share the rich, diverse and engaging texts that our new curriculum provides for each grade level and to show parents a behind-the-scenes look at the lessons.  

“It has been so exciting to see how much the children are learning and how they are rising to the challenge of increased expectations,” she added. “There are so many opportunities for our students to engage with text in meaningful ways, and I hope that we were able to convey that to families.”

Families in third through fifth grades also enjoyed a robust overview of how the curriculum works for their students. Curriculum chair Wes Brown, LEAP teacher Renae Gallagher and fifth-grade ELA teacher Jennifer Trevino walked them through what ELA learning looks like at these grades.

“My colleagues and I framed our breakout session around the essential question, ‘How do Wit & Wisdom and 95 Phonics support literacy development for all students in the Lower School?’” Brown explained. “Our time together reflected the elements of Wit & Wisdom lessons — welcome, launch, learn, land and wrap. Parents participated with genuine curiosity and were enthusiastic to see how this aspect of their child’s academic journey equips them to thrive in our complex and interconnected world.”

The information was well-received. In the days since the event, Cole said, members of the Lower School team have gotten a positive response from parents and guardians who attended.

Amy Cantando, whose daughter, Emma, is in first grade, was among the numerous parents who reached out to Cole to share her reactions to the evening’s information.

“I was honestly blown away learning more about this curriculum and the thought that went into the selection of it. It came across as a deeply rich curriculum that gives the kids the building blocks for lifelong learning rather than just the ability to memorize things, and I love that,” she wrote in an email. “I am so absolutely thrilled that Emma gets to learn this way. … You’re teaching them to think critically, ask questions and learn how to have deep discussions with their peers about their observations and how their opinions may be similar or different.”

Fellow first-grade parent Erica Meyers agreed. 

“The presentation was incredibly informative. Your team did a tremendous job, and it was obvious that a lot of time and effort went into last night's event,” she shared with Cole. “Thank you for providing the opportunity to gain such invaluable insight into the classrooms. We learned so much and are excited to go on this learning exploration with Marley.”  

For the Lower School Leadership Team, the curriculum leads and classroom teachers, responses like this have been gratifying.

“Families have communicated their genuine appreciation for being included as partners in this process and for the planning and preparation that went into this important curriculum shift,” Cole said. “Literacy development is integral to who we are and what we teach in the Lower School and impacts students’ development in all subject areas. This decision was an important one, and we are thankful to have the guidance and input from our curriculum selection team.

“We look forward to sharing more information and celebrating student learning throughout the school year.”