Santa Cruz Elementary awarded $82,000 grant

Santa Cruz Elementary was one of 11 schools in Arizona to receive the Arizona READS Grant worth $82,000.

The grant is similar to the federal grant, America Reads, but with different requirements needed in order to apply. For instance, the Arizona grant is only available to non-Title One schools, the opposite of the federal grant.

Dr. JoEtta Gonzales, Director of Curriculum for Maricopa Unified School District, said the other eligibility requirements include a current core reading program with a reading coach and the use of the AIMS or DIBELS testing system. Santa Cruz uses the Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) system.

The grant is intended for professional development and includes the salary of an additional reading coach, as well as reading supplies for students.

Santa Cruz Elementary Principal Lynnette Michalski said the grant is only good for one year, so the school is working to start using the money as soon as possible.

“I’m excited to start using the money to improve our program,” Michalski said.

Photo by Katie Winkley