Harlan Elementary School
Read to Wright: Reading Makes Everything Right
Florence City Schools
Principal: Dr. Thomas Casteel
Superintendent: Mr. Bill Hopkins
During the 2024–2025 school year, Harlan Elementary School launched Read to Right: Reading Makes Everything Right, a student-centered literacy initiative co-created by Florence City Schools Social Worker, Sonja Croone. Designed for K–2 students, the program builds a love of reading while strengthening listening comprehension, character development, and family engagement. Rooted in collaboration, the initiative paired a district social worker with early literacy teachers to extend learning beyond the classroom. Ms. Croone selected appropriate texts and created engaging learning environments that aligned with curriculum goals and student interests. A key focus of the program was listening comprehension. Through interactive read-alouds, students explored texts connected to seasonal themes, core subjects, and character education topics such as kindness, perseverance, empathy, and respect. Guided discussions followed each reading, promoted critical thinking, oral language development, and student confidence. Teachers reported stronger engagement and attentiveness during literacy activities. Students were also motivated to read independently, leading to increased library use and richer nonfiction discussions. Beyond academics, the program strengthened school–family relationships and connected support services to classrooms. Currently, this program has expanded districtwide, Read and Right provides a sustainable, collaborative model that promotes literacy, equity, and lifelong learning.
