District recognized for reading

NEW LONDON — Huron County schools were recently recognized for their success in fostering student literacy. New London Middle School and New London Elementary School were named 2026 Governor's Science of Reading Champion Schools. Science of Reading, part of the state's ReadOhio initiative, represents an interdisciplinary evidence-based approach to improve childhood literacy outcomes in Ohio Schools. Specifically, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce says the Science of Reading: • Informs how students learn to read and write proficiently from early childhood through adolescence. • Explains why some students have difficulty with reading and writing. • Indicates that all students benefit from explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing to become effective readers. • Does not rely on any model of teaching students to read based on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues, including a three-cueing approach. New London Schools posted its thoughts on the achievement online: We are proud to announce that New London Elementary School and New London Middle School have been named Governor's Science of Reading Champion Schools for 2026. Because New London High School earned this recognition last year, this means something truly special — all three school buildings in New London Local Schools are now designated Science of Reading Champions. This recognition from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce celebrates schools that demonstrate strong implementation of evidence-based literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading. Over the past several years our teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to strengthen literacy instruction. This work was supported by state literacy grants awarded in 2020 and again in 2025, allowing our district to build a strong literacy system without an increase to the the local tax base. Most importantly, this recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers, staff, and students who make literacy a priority every day. New London is setting the standard for literacy.