Landmark Kindergartners Read to Gov. Jared Polis for March is Reading Month

Students in teacher Karsten Dommermuth’s kindergarten class practiced their reading skills with a special visitor on March 30. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis joined students in honor of March is Reading Month, where the roles were reversed with students reading their favorite book to him, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.
 

Beginning in kindergarten, reading instruction focuses on creating building blocks – phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency, Dommermuth said, adding she hopes the reading experiences students have in her class helps them engage in the joys of reading. “It plays an integral role in shaping their school life as well as at home.”

Principal Mike Collins shared the governor’s visit was a wonderful opportunity for his school’s youngest learners. “We were honored that Gov. Polis chose to visit Landmark Academy at Reunion. Reading is a fundamental skill, and it was so much fun seeing our scholars interact with him, especially as they peppered him with questions about being governor.”
 

With a long history of advocating for Colorado’s children and their education – which is one of his Bold Four initiatives – Gov. Polis enjoys the low-key moments when he can interact with and encourage reading.
 Left to Right: Landmark Board President Timothy Gallagher, Governor Jared Polis, and Landmark Board Director Maggie Knaub

“Developing a love for reading at an early age is so important for kids’ success, and I am proud to celebrate Reading Month with the wonderful kindergarteners at Landmark Academy at Reunion. The success of our kids means success for Colorado’s future, and I’m excited we were able to successfully achieve the opportunity for every child to go to free, full-day kindergarten,” Gov. Polis said.
 
Left to Right: Landmark Principal Michael Collins, Governor Jared Polis, and Landmark 2022 - 2023 Principal Jenna Reeves

Landmark Academy at Reunion’s English language arts curriculum is aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and provides students with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary for success in listening, reading, speaking, viewing, and writing. Students here consistently score higher on state assessments than their peers in neighboring schools.About Landmark Academy at Reunion 
Landmark Academy at Reunion is a tuition-free, public charter school in Commerce City, Colorado, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.

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