By Guest Columnist, Robin Sanders, Head Principal, Pelahatchie Elementary School
Pelahatchie Elementary School was named one of seven elementary schools designated by The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) as a Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading School, an honor that highlights the school’s commitment to implementing evidence-based reading instruction to boost student literacy. MDE presented Pelahatchie ES with this recognition in a school-wide celebration on August 14, 2025.
The designation is part of MDE’s statewide initiative to support schools in strengthening reading instruction using the Science of Reading — a body of research that identifies the most effective strategies for teaching children how to read. This recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrate strong growth in reading achievement, effective instructional practices, and a clear dedication to ensuring that every child becomes a proficient reader.
This recognition reflects the hard work of both students and staff. The transition to structured literacy at our school has had a profoundly positive impact on our students, staff members, and school culture. One of the most notable changes has been the increase in student performance across various literacy benchmarks.
Our teachers have embraced instructional strategies that meet students where they are and help them grow as confident, capable readers. This recognition is a testament to our shared mission to give every child the literacy skills they need for future success. The Mississippi Department of Education’s Science of Reading program focuses on integrating phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension into daily instruction. Schools honored under this program are showing measurable progress toward ensuring that all students read at or above grade level.
Pelahatchie Elementary’s dedication to literacy reflects the community’s belief that reading is the foundation for lifelong learning. As the school continues its journey, staff members say they are committed to helping every student write their own success story.
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