We welcome you and your child to the Springfield Local School District’s Title I program. We are excited to work with you on this important partnership of learning. This newsletter is provided to help you better understand the Title I program currently operating in our school district.

Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides financial assistance to schools with high numbers or percentages of low-income students to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards.

Title I Schoolwide Programs

Title I schools with percentages of low-income students of at least 40 percent may use Title I funds, along with other federal, state, and local funds, to operate a schoolwide program to upgrade the instructional program for the whole school. Currently, all of the buildings (Crissey, Dorr, Holloway, Holland, SMS, and SHS) receive Title I funding to operate a schoolwide program.

Title I schoolwide programs may serve all students in a school, rather than providing separate services as required under the targeted assistance program. A schoolwide program allows the school significant flexibility, as it considers all students to be Title I-eligible students and all teachers to be Title I teachers.

Title I Targeted Assistance Programs

Title I schools with less than 40 percent low-income students or that choose not to operate a schoolwide program offer a targeted assistance program in which the school identifies students who are failing, or most at risk of failing, to meet the state's challenging academic achievement standards. The Springfield Digital Academy will receive Title I funding to operate targeted assistance programs. Targeted assistance programs are supplemental Title I services provided to a select group of eligible children who are identified by schools (or districts) as failing or most at risk of failing to meet the state’s reading and mathematics standards. Children must be ranked and served from highest to lowest risk using multiple educationally related criteria. Targeted assistance programs must offer supplemental services beyond what is offered in the required curriculum. Typical services include additional instruction or tutoring; professional development on Title I programs to administrators, teachers and parents; additional books and other supplies; additional equipment and increased parental involvement activities.

On behalf of the Springfield Local School District and staff, I wish you and your child a successful year of learning. I thank you for your support and engagement in our Title I program.

Your partner in education,

Taryn Miley

Assistant Superintendent of Academic Affairs

419-867-5742

Springfield Local Schools

Family involvement and engagement in literacy are critical factors in promoting a child's reading and writing skills, as well as their overall educational success. Here are several ways in which family involvement and engagement can be encouraged and why they are important:

1. Shared Reading: Parents and caregivers can engage in shared reading with their children from a young age. Reading aloud together not only exposes children to new vocabulary and language structures but also fosters a love for books and learning. Discussing the story, asking questions, and encouraging critical thinking during and after reading sessions enhances comprehension and literacy skills.

2. Setting a Reading Routine: Establishing a regular reading routine at home helps create a structured learning environment. When children know that reading is an integral part of their daily life, they are more likely to develop strong reading habits.

3. Access to Books: Ensuring access to a variety of age-appropriate books at home is crucial. Family members can take children to libraries, bookstores, and book fairs to explore new reading materials and select books that align with their interests.

4. Modeling Literacy Behavior: Parents and caregivers should lead by example. When children see adults reading, writing, and valuing literacy, they are more likely to emulate these behaviors. Adults can share their own reading experiences and talk about how literacy has benefited them.

5. Interactive Literacy Activities: Engaging in interactive literacy activities, such as storytelling, writing together, or creating family newsletters, encourages children to use and expand their language skills. These activities can be both enjoyable and educational.

6. Encouragement and Praise: Providing positive reinforcement and praise for a child's reading and writing efforts is essential for building confidence. When family members acknowledge a child's progress and efforts, it boosts their motivation to continue learning.

7. Homework Support: Family members can help children with homework, particularly reading and writing assignments. Offering assistance when needed and creating a quiet, organized space for study can enhance the learning experience.

8. Conversations About Literacy: Encouraging discussions about books, articles, or other written materials fosters critical thinking and language development. These conversations can take place at the dinner table, during car rides, or as a dedicated family discussion time.

9. Literacy Events and Activities: Families can participate in literacy-focused events and activities in the community. This could include attending author readings, joining book clubs, or participating in writing workshops together.

10. Celebrating Achievements: Celebrating literacy milestones and accomplishments, such as finishing a challenging book or writing a well-structured essay, reinforces the importance of literacy in a child's life.

11. Open Communication with Teachers: Establishing open lines of communication with teachers and school staff allows families to stay informed about a child's progress and any literacy-related concerns. Collaboration between home and school is vital for a child's educational success.

The importance of family involvement and engagement in literacy cannot be overstated. When families actively support and participate in their child's literacy development, it enhances the child's overall academic achievement, boosts confidence, and instills a lifelong love for reading and writing. Family involvement in literacy also reinforces the idea that literacy is not solely a school-based activity but a skill that is valuable and relevant in all aspects of life.

In an exciting move that promises to ignite the imaginations of young readers across the state, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library has made its heartwarming debut in Ohio. This beloved literacy program, founded by iconic country music legend Dolly Parton, has taken its mission of fostering a love for reading and learning to new heights as it extends its reach to communities throughout the Buckeye State.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is renowned for its innovative approach to early childhood literacy. Through this program, children from birth to age five receive free, high-quality books delivered right to their doorsteps. Now, families in Ohio have the chance to participate in this literary adventure, setting the stage for a brighter future for young learners.

"The Imagination Library is more than just books," said Dolly Parton, the visionary force behind the program. "It's a doorway to endless possibilities, a chance for children to dream, learn, and explore through the power of storytelling. I'm thrilled that the Imagination Library has found a home in Ohio, where families will embark on unforgettable literary adventures together."

For more information and to enroll in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Ohio program, please visit https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/enroll.