Earlier this school year, the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation gave a $100,000 grant to Minnetonka Public Schools to purchase decodable readers, a resource to support literacy instruction for young learners. Used in Kindergarten through second grade English and Spanish Immersion classrooms, decodable readers are books designed for students to apply their phonics learning to real reading. The 35,292 books received through this grant will impact countless students across all elementary schools for years to come.  

“Decodable readers align with the professional learning our teachers have been deeply engaged with over the last two years, all in support of our efforts to ensure each student is reading at and above grade level as soon as possible,” said Associate Superintendent Dr. Amy LaDue. 

The wide-reaching nature of the resource made the gift a strong fit for the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation to support. “The Foundation’s Endowment Committee works closely with the District to source longer term innovative projects that meet the criteria of the Foundation’s Endowment Project Fund,” said Jill Howe, Executive Director for the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation. “Our Board of Trustees evaluates, discusses, and decides which projects are the best fit and that accomplish the mission and vision of the Foundation.” 

The Foundation had received consistent requests for decodable readers through its Teacher Grant program for several years, highlighting the opportunity to strategically provide these resources districtwide. “We thought this might be something we can give to the entire district,” said Troon Dowds, Board of Trustees Chair for the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation. “By giving a $100,000 grant to this program, we are able to impact almost every student’s learning.” 

Once funded, the decodable readers were intentionally selected to align with the specific phonics skills embedded in Minnetonka Public Schools’ District curriculum. These supplemental reading resources align with the State of Minnesota’s READ Act, adding to and expanding the ways educators are able to connect with students in support of their reading goals. 

In their first semester of use, the readers are already making an impact in classrooms. “We are encouraged by the feedback we have received from teachers and students and are excited to provide parents in the District with the opportunity to see how impactful these materials are for the current and future Minnetonka students,” said Howe. Click here to watch a video about the decodable readers and see students’ learning in action.

“As a District, we are so appreciative of the Foundation’s partnership and support of our efforts,” said Dr. LaDue. “Without this generosity, it would be a longer process to get every teacher the tools to supplement and support each student’s needs. From annual teacher grants that bring innovations to life in the classroom to large endowment gifts, the Foundation elevates our work to provide outstanding and unparalleled learning experiences for students.” 

To learn more about the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation’s ongoing support of innovation for education, visit minnetonkafoundation.com