By Janet Strauss, Senior Manager
Grounded in a Shared Beginning
This year marks an exciting milestone for Farmington River as the district launches its first full implementation of Into Reading across Grades K–3, strengthening Tier 1 instruction through a coherent and aligned literacy approach. What’s emerging is more than the rollout of a new curriculum—it’s a community choosing to build a strong, equitable literacy foundation together.
Teachers Leaning Into the Work
Teachers have embraced this shift with notable dedication. They are digging into high-quality instructional materials, internalizing lessons, strengthening routines, and ensuring explicit foundational skills instruction. Their efforts are already visible: predictable structures, strong phonics instruction, and aligned student practice were seen in every classroom observed during Cycle 1. Students benefit from developmentally appropriate instruction anchored by high-quality texts, setting the stage for meaningful growth.
Leadership that Models Learning
This progress reflects intentional leadership centered on growth. Principal Laurie Flower has been pivotal in launching lesson internalization and aligning professional learning to classroom practice. Superintendent Tim Lee has provided steady guidance at the district level, ensuring that teachers feel trusted, supported, and equipped to navigate meaningful instructional change.
A Community Committed to Readers
Farmington River’s journey demonstrates what becomes possible when a district chooses shared learning: strong curriculum, supported teachers, and students who are poised to thrive as readers, thinkers, and lifelong learners.
Pictured above – Rebecca Hamill
Preschool/Early K Teacher
Farmington River Regional School District