D113A Board of Education Applauds Work of River Valley Reading Specialists

Reading specialists, Colleen McNaughton and Liz Janusz were recognized at the Board of Education meeting Wednesday night for their leadership in the area of literacy. Janusz and McNaughton should be particularly recognized for their leadership and training in the areas of Common Core State Standards, fluency work and helping teachers implement a framework for literacy and Daily 5. Recently the two spearheaded some training at River Valley in the area of literacy. As part of the training they met teachers at school over the summer to help them develop stronger literacy programming for their children. All the teachers, including Janusz and McNaughton volunteered their time.

McNaughton joined the River Valley Team eleven years ago as a fifth grade teacher. When a reading specialist’s position opened up at the school, she was a natural for it. Her love of reading and children made it impossible not to hire her for the position. McNaughton said, “It was an honor to be recognized for a job I love doing. District 113A is not only a great place to learn but it is also wonderful to work by the side of my colleagues and in such a supportive community.

Principal Debby Lynch stated that it has been a joy to watch the children at River Valley grow and learn, she believes much in part to the leadership efforts of Janusz and McNaughton.