Following the recommendation of the Literacy Committee and the support of the GCS School Board, GCS will be implementing the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program for grades K–5. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who was involved in the process of researching and selecting new instructional materials for our school.

Several of our 8th grade students joined Mrs. Downing’s 4th grade class to assist the 4th graders with revising and editing their narrative writing. After a few ice-breakers to ease the students’ nerves, the 4th graders read their narrative stories to their 8th grade partners. Then, the 8th graders provided feedback on paragraphing, punctuating dialogue, and descriptive writing. It was an incredible opportunity for both the writer and the editor with benefits including improved writing skills, enhanced critical thinking, and increased awareness of the writing process. We are grateful to Mrs. Downing and Mrs. Haight for arranging such an impactful learning experience for our students!

Our Grade 2 students recently completed a CKLA pilot unit entitled Take Flight, where they explored the history of aviation, and listened to stories about early aviators. They learned new vocabulary and researched the impacts of flight on the world. As a culminating activity, students were treated to a presentation from Lieutenant Colonel Walter Hale, Air Force veteran and pilot in the Air National Guard.  Later this month, they will see a live reenactment performance of Amelia Earhart!

We are continuing to evaluate the pilot reading and writing program, CKLA (see units by grade below).  Have your children shared any experiences or lessons in particular?  Do you have any feedback on work they’ve brought home or topics they’ve learned about?  Please share your thoughts with Lauren Teeden, Curriculum Coordinator at lteeden@sau50.org.

• Gr. K: The 5 Senses & Underdogs & Heroes: Stories
• Gr. 1: How Your Body Works & Different Lands, Similar Stories
• Gr. 2: Insects & The Age of Aviation
• Gr. 3: Animal Classification
• Gr. 4: Geology or The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
• Gr. 5: Early Americas: Maya, Inca, and Aztec

Click here to view a recording of the presentation.

The SAU 50 Special Education Parent Partnership Group sponsored a Dyslexia and Specific Learning Disability Presentation on January 27, 2025. Learn about New Hampshire law and how it is implemented in our schools. We also discuss when Dyslexia is a Specific Learning Disability that requires Special Education.

Presenters include:

Lauren Teeden - Greenland Central School, Assistant

Principal/Curriculum Coordinator

Leah Weeks - Rye Elementary School, Reading Specialist

Jennifer Thomas - Greenland Central School, Reading Specialist

Corinne Sinclair - Greenland Central School, Case Manager

Kaleen Edwards - Rye Elementary School, Case Manager

Jenn Drew - Greenland Central School, School Psychologist

Stacey Kirby - SAU 50 Director of Special Education

After reviewing samples from four potential literacy programs, the literacy committee selected Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) for further exploration. Members of the committee visited area schools to see CKLA in action and also participated in a training with a CKLA Reading Specialist. The team was consistently impressed by the quality of the instructional materials and unanimously decided to pilot CKLA in the new year.

A notable feature of the CKLA program is that literacy skills are taught in the context of social studies, science, or literacy with an emphasis on building knowledge and vocabulary.

This winter, one or more classes from each grade level (K-5) will participate in the CKLA pilot. Families of students in pilot classrooms will receive additional information directly from their child(ren)’s teacher.

The pilot is partially funded by a generous grant from the Pattony Foundation. We are grateful to have this funding source available to support literacy initiatives at GCS!