Methuen Literacy Partnership gets to work!

About 40 volunteers met at the Timony School last month, uniting to improve literacy skills for Methuen’s youngest students.

The Methuen Literacy Partnership kickoff was attended by parents, educators, School Committee members and volunteers eager to do hands-on work in an effort to bring first- to third-graders – a segment where many are reading below grade level – up to speed.

“(Literacy) affects everything – your confidence, your ability to graduate, it affects socio-economic things when you’re older,” said state Rep. Ryan Hamilton, who is on the Steering Committee, adding that third-graders who read at level have a better chance of success as they grow.

The Partnership is a collaboration between the city, Methuen Public Schools and Nevins Library. It will utilize “evidence-based programs, family engagement opportunities, volunteer recruitment, book access, and community events into a united and equity-focused literacy strategy across all of Methuen,” according to MethuenReads.org. “The goal is to build a comprehensive ecosystem of support for children from birth through elementary school.”

Superintendent Lisa Golobski-Twomey, a former English teacher, said that as a district, Methuen is laser-focused on “new curriculum, tutoring, partnerships with families … because we know that literacy is the root of so many opportunities for students.”

The Partnership has done surveys, talked to community members and – based on feedback – created a pilot program. Now the real work begins.

Participants read posters that addressed the importance of literacy, the Partnership’s goals and more, then filled out sticky notes about what gives them hope and what needs more attention. Then they met with 3 table hosts on topics of early literacy (birth-5), family and community engagement (together things will improve) and summer learning (how to address learning loss).

Campaign lead Dr. Jessica Kallin was impressed with the kickoff’s turnout.

“This shows the commitment Methuen has to increasing literacy and the future of our kids,” she said. “Your input and ideas will move this program forward.”

For more information, upcoming events and ways to participate, visit methuenreads.org, follow the Methuen Literacy Partnership on Facebook and Instagram @methuenliteracypartnership, or e-mail contact@methuenreads.org.

Signing the pledge to “Join the Push for Proficiency” are Tenney reading specialist Marguerite Sciuto (foreground) and School Committee member Martha Sirois.