Kindergarten and first grade students at Port Salerno Elementary School are strengthening their foundational reading skills through Project STELLAR, an innovative, grant-funded early literacy initiative.
Project STELLAR, which stands for Stingrays Targeting Early Literacy, Language, and Reading, provides targeted coaching, evidence-based instruction, and ongoing progress monitoring. Two dedicated literacy coaches work alongside teachers to strengthen instruction and create consistency across classrooms.
The program is made possible through support from the Children's Services Council of Martin County and the Education Foundation of Martin County, in partnership with the Martin County School District and Port Salerno Elementary School.
Leaders from the partner organizations recently visited the school to see the program and its progress in action. They observed interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and students confidently practicing their reading skills.
The program's long-term goal is for 90% or more of participating students to score at or above grade level on the Grade 3 FAST PM3 English Language Arts assessment.
Through focused instruction and strong community partnerships, Project STELLAR is building confident readers and brighter futures, showing how Martin Means More from the very beginning.
Watch the video to see Project STELLAR in action: