May 20, 2025
Read On Communities
Read On Flagstaff community partners are working together to improve school readiness and early literacy outcomes for young children in the region.
Family Engagement
Part of a statewide network of local Read On Communities, Read On Flagstaff and United Way of Northern Arizona recently hosted a literacy fair that brought together families, educators, and a wide range of community organizations for storytelling, literacy activities, and workshops with practical strategies for parents and caregivers to help build language and literacy skills at home.
Supported by a community action grant from Read On Arizona, more than 700 books were distributed at the fair, helping families grow their home libraries and encouraging reading with young children. Participating organizations — from First Things First to Bookmans to University of Arizona Cooperative Extension — also shared local early learning programs, preschool options, and community services with attending families.
United Way of Northern Arizona is a community lead of Read On Flagstaff.
Early Literacy in the Early Grades
The Flagstaff Unified School District, also a collaborative partner in Read On Flagstaff, has been implementing several new strategies to increase third-grade reading proficiency, including evidence-based reading curricula, skills-based supplemental programs, and educator training in the science of reading.
FUSD and Coconino County Education Service Agency are expanding access to LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training, with a goal of reaching 80% of K–5 educators, including those in special education, pre-K, and English learner classrooms. Administrators and instructional specialists are also being trained to ensure aligned, high-impact instruction.
Read our recent case study focused on DeMiguel Elementary to see how these strategies are changing educators’ approach to reading instruction and producing positive results for students.
The Literacy Center, a community lead of Read On Flagstaff, also offers evidence-based tutoring for English learners and struggling readers at its location in Flagstaff as well as FUSD school sites and online.
High-Quality Preschool
Expanding access to quality early learning is another strategic priority of Read On Flagstaff. Elevate PreK offers full-day, year-round programming with evidence-based curriculum for 4-year-old children from low-income families.
Data from a recent evaluation study showed measurable increases in executive function, self-control, and interest in learning among children in the program. Elevate PreK also had a dramatic, positive impact on family circumstances among those with children in the program.
Partners continue to explore long-term sustainability of the program through philanthropic support and strategic partnerships.
KinderCampTM is another way FUSD is helping increase school readiness and build early literacy skills. This targeted intervention program, provided free to families, is a signature early education initiative coordinated by United Way of Northern Arizona. It is held during the month of June and facilitates successful transition for students going into kindergarten who have minimal preschool experience and meet other eligibility criteria.
Read On Flagstaff is showing what’s possible when a community rallies around its youngest learners—with continued collaboration, targeted support, and a shared commitment to literacy.
