Peters Elementary students were treated to a special visit made possible through a Literacy Grant that was awarded to the Northern Lehigh School District.

On Thursday, Dr. Carrie Rowe, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, visited the school to read to Janet Bashore’s second grade class.

Principal James Schnyderite noted how special it was that Peters Elementary School was selected as the visiting site.

Schnyderite said the planning for the visit began because of the district’s recent announcement that it had been awarded a Structured Literacy Grant in the amount of $322,088.

As part of her visit, Rowe read the book “Creepy Crayon!” by Aaron Reynolds to the second grade students, and answered questions about her job as secretary of the state Department of Education.

Additionally, Rowe donated a signed copy of the book for the class, and provided each student with a book to take home and read with their family.

Bashore said that the students loved the book that Rowe chose, and that they are appreciative of the book donations.

Schnyderite said the grant will go a long way in the district’s efforts to ensure that emerging readers in the K-3 classrooms do not experience a literacy gap or allow any existing gaps to grow.

He said the district is tentatively planning the following for the funding:

• Beginning in 2027-28, move to the third edition of its Amplify CKLA core program, with six years of materials.

• Pay for a universal screener for the same six years.

• Current evidence-based intervention resources would be sustained for another six years.

• About 30 K-3 teachers and reading specialists would complete Keys to Beginning Reading, a 36-hour, IDA-accredited course.

Schnyderite said the $322,088 grant is tentatively divided as follows: $185,500 for core reading materials; $64,500 for universal screening; $43,600 for intervention resources; and $26,400 for professional development. Due to the grant, no local funds are required for the listed expenses, he said.

Northern Lehigh Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Link said that the funding was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Scott Pyne, director of Educational Technology and Curriculum & Instruction, with the direct support and collaboration of the district’s elementary administration and staff.

“Their hard work and commitment to strengthening literacy instruction have positioned our district to benefit from this significant investment in our students,” Link said. “We truly appreciate the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s support and commitment to our students, faculty, and staff.”

After reading to the students, Rowe met with members of the district’s administrative team to discuss the state grant award, its implications for the district, and broader educational matters affecting schools across Pennsylvania.