Student Zarai Esquivel reads her new accelerated reader book recently at Stanfield Elementary School. The Wildhorse Foundation announced Aug. 25, 2023, that it awarded a grant for the school to purchase the Renaissance Accelerated Reader Program.

STANFIELD — Students at Stanfield Elementary School are speeding ahead with literacy skills thanks to a $7,575 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation for the Renaissance Accelerated Reader Program.

Superintendent Beth Burton said several of the school’s staff members are very passionate about the use of AR programs. In addition, she said Stanfield Public Library Director Cecili Longhorn has discussed its merits in facilitating parental involvement with their children’s reading.

Having the school and the public library on the same page, Burton said, will benefit students. Both libraries are labeling and leveling books similarly.

“The way that books are leveled in AR, parents are better equipped to help their students choose appropriate books,” Burton said. “I am excited that our partnership with Stanfield Public Library is creating an opportunity for us to better partner with parents to increase student literacy and promote a love of reading.”

During the 2022-23 school year, second grade teacher Kim Harwood and fellow teachers discussed the past successes of utilizing an AR program. The consensus, she said, was to bring it back to Stanfield.

After receiving administrative approval, Harwood took the reins in writing the proposal for a Wildhorse grant. The foundation announced Aug. 25, that Stanfield Elementary School was selected as one of its second quarter grant recipients.

Burton said the program is being utilized by all kindergarten through fifth grade students. And the grant makes that possible. In addition to the program, Harwood said Wildhorse provided money for each teacher to purchase AR books for their classrooms.

Harwood said each student completes the program’s Star Assessment to measure their reading level. That information, Burton said, assists them in not only selecting books that interest them but also ones that are at their comprehension level.

“It was so amazing to see the students so excited about reading,” Harwood said. “They begin to gain confidence and want to read more.”

Burton expressed appreciation for having staff and community partners who are passionate about promoting literacy and reading. In addition, Burton and Harwood are thrilled with Wildhorse’s support.

“This grant gives our students an opportunity to improve their reading skills by reading for enjoyment,” Harwood said.

The Wildhorse Foundation is managed by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The foundation board considers quarterly grant applications with a focus on public health, public safety, the arts, education, salmon restoration, historic preservation, environmental protection and cultural activities. 

For more information, visit www.thewildhorsefoundation.com. For questions, contact 541-966-1628 or foundation@wildhorseresort.com.