This fall, Saint Agatha School is excited to unveil a new, research-based literacy curriculum for students in Kindergarten (K2) through Grade 2. Rooted in the school’s tradition of academic excellence, this initiative reflects a deep commitment to continuous growth and to equipping every student with the essential tools for lifelong reading success.

Starting in September, students will benefit from the integration of two leading, evidence-based programs: Heggerty Phonemic Awareness and the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations. These programs are grounded in the latest research from the science of reading, providing a structured, systematic approach to literacy development.

“This enhancement is a proactive effort by our dedicated faculty to deepen the effectiveness of early literacy instruction, which is a noted strength at Saint Agatha School,” said Barbara Smith, Assistant Principal and Director of Curriculum. “Our K2 through Grade 5 teachers meet regularly as a professional learning community,” she added, “and it was through these collaborative discussions that the desire emerged to strengthen the foundational skills that support long-term reading success.”

Daily Literacy Instruction with Proven Methods

Heggerty lessons will be woven into morning circle time, featuring brief, 10-minute oral language activities. These sessions help students build critical phonemic awareness through fun and engaging exercises such as rhyming, sound identification, blending, and segmenting words—key skills for reading readiness.

UFLI Foundations will support daily phonics instruction through both whole-group and small-group formats tailored to each learner’s needs. This program emphasizes decoding, spelling, and word recognition, laying a strong groundwork for literacy.

Together, these tools will complement the school’s existing Into Reading curriculum by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, which supports reading fluency, vocabulary development, oral language, and comprehension.

“Our educators are thrilled to begin this new literacy journey with our students,” said Principal Gregg Chambers. “We are committed to giving our youngest learners the strongest possible foundation in reading and writing to set the stage for a lifetime of learning.”

Meet the Dedicated Team Behind This Literacy Initiative

Saint Agatha School’s newest chapter in literacy instruction is guided by a committed and passionate team of K2–Grade 2 educators:

Mrs. Erin Leary, currently a Kindergarten (K2) teacher and a former first-grade educator since 2010, is known for creating warm, engaging classrooms and encouraging student growth. She will be leading teacher training for the UFLI program.

Mrs. Jennifer Sullivan, a Kindergarten teacher and our Athletic Program Coordinator, brings decades of classroom experience. Her student-centered approach and natural leadership cultivate a nurturing environment where young learners thrive.

Mrs. Kathy Bretagne, a certified Early Childhood and English Language Learning educator, teaches K2 with a strong emphasis on building relationships and tracking individual student progress throughout the year.

Ms. Liz Douglass has over 30 years of teaching experience at Saint Agatha School. Her love of literacy and infectious enthusiasm create a lively and inspiring first-grade classroom.

Mrs. Donna Bartlett, an experienced second-grade teacher, excels in collaboration and creative instruction. She celebrates daily student milestones and promotes an engaging, hands-on learning environment. Mrs. Bartlett also plays a key role on the planning committee for this new literacy program.

Mrs. Alice Sciasci, also teaching second grade, integrates academics with social-emotional learning, helping students connect classroom lessons with real-life experiences.

With expert educators and evidence-based programs, Saint Agatha School is proud to embark on this enhanced literacy journey, ensuring that every student builds a strong foundation in reading, writing, and lifelong learning.