Governor Whitmer Visits Troy Schools

Governor Whitmer Visits Troy Schools, Wass Elementary

The Troy School District had a special visitor this week. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is “getting to work,” with Michigan residents by observing, listening and hearing tough questions from those on the front lines of important issues. Her office reached out to TSD Superintendent, Dr. Rich Machesky, expressing interest in job shadowing a literacy specialist at one of Troy’s schools. On Monday, she visited Wass Elementary, to see the challenges, work and success around their literacy program. She likely chose the Troy School District to job shadow because their literacy specialists are recognized at the county, state, and national level and for their excellence and innovation in reading education. The work Troy teachers and literacy specialists are doing is impacting all students and specifically some of their most challenging student groups.

While at Wass, Governor Whitmer shadowed reading specialist Kristyn Cubitt conducting a Reading Recovery lesson with a first grade student, sat in on a coaching session with third grade teacher Lauren Fragomeni, and held a small group lesson with Kindergarten students. Wass Principal Matt Jansen shared what it takes to be a literacy specialist in Troy: at least five years teaching experience, an advanced degree in Reading, and Reading Recovery training.

Said Kris Griffor, TSD Administrator, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education: “It meant so much to our team that the governor took the time to come to the Troy School District to learn more about our literacy work. Over the last five years we have worked with our central office team, our building administration, and our teachers to co-create a world class model of comprehensive literacy instruction. Investing in the learning of our teachers continues to ensure the learning of all of our students. Having the Governor understand our work helps to advocate for what all students in Michigan deserve.”

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