Minister Gumbs visits LU to review reading program, literacy initiatives

CAY HILL--The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Melissa D. Gumbs, visited Learning Unlimited Preparatory School (LU) as part of the Ministry’s focus on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes across all schools. The visit, initiated by the Minister, was intended to gain deeper insight into how the private institution approaches literacy development, early reading foundations and differentiated support for learners. The Minister was accompanied by members of her Cabinet, as well as the Heads of the Division of Examinations and the Inspectorate of ECYS, and the engagement forms part of a broader strategy to assess and strengthen evidence based reading practices throughout the education system.

The meeting at Learning Unlimited was led by Head of School Amissa President, together with Fran Alexander, Head of Primary School and Middle School Coordinator, and Maya Hotwanni, Kindergarten and Early Childhood Coordinator and Literacy Coordinator. The visit began with a guided tour of the Junior Academy, which includes Preschool, Pre Kindergarten and Kindergarten. During the tour, the Minister and her delegation observed LU’s “Switch A Roo” initiative, an activity in which students read aloud to their parents instead of the traditional approach where parents read to children. This initiative is designed to build student confidence, strengthen reading fluency and reinforce the connection between home and school.

Following the tour, the school’s leadership team provided an overview of LU’s reading program and the materials used across grade levels. Discussions covered several components of the literacy framework, including the structure of the Scholastic Guided Reading Program and how it supports differentiated instruction, the use of Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing in Math and Language three times per year to provide benchmarks and track each student’s proficiency level, and the implementation of “What I Need” (WIN) periods, during which teachers deliver targeted support to students based on individual learning needs.

The Minister also received information on Reading Literacy Month, during which each class conducts an author study supported by books written by the featured author. As part of this month, the school activates a reading alarm at various times during the day, prompting all students to drop everything and read for ten minutes. Students also participate in a musical chairs activity that incorporates books, where each child reads the book placed under the chair where they land for a set period of time. The aim is to expose students to a wide range of texts and encourage them to continue reading the books they enjoy most.

Additional literacy practices highlighted during the visit included the emphasis placed on Show and Tell in Kindergarten to encourage verbal expression, along with daily read aloud sessions that build vocabulary and listening comprehension. The school further explained how English as a Second Language (ESL) Pen technology is used to assist English language learners by translating test questions and supporting comprehension.

Minister Gumbs expressed appreciation to the school leadership for their openness and commitment to literacy, noting the value of gaining perspectives from both public and private institutions. “This visit helps us better understand the different approaches taken across our education system and highlights the innovative ways schools are cultivating a love for reading,” the Minister shared. “Strengthening literacy is a national priority, and collaboration with all education partners, public and private, is vital.”

The Ministry will continue its engagement with schools across the island as part of ongoing efforts to enhance literacy outcomes for all students in St. Maarten.

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