The Washington County Public School District was recently invited to the annual University of Georgia Archway Summit to discuss the importance of further fostering literacy within the state.
Committed towards empowering communities to address long-standing and critical community and economic development needs, the University of Georgia’s Archway Partnership addresses issues related to economic development, education, workforce development, leadership, health and welfare, and overall quality of life.
Archway brings together local leaders who prioritize needs and identify projects that benefit their community. Projects are determined by members of a local, community-based Executive Committee, not decided by the University of Georgia. Archway acts as a connection point between communities and UGA students and faculty who work on the community’s selected projects.
Washington County is one of eight current counties in Georgia hosting an Archway Partnership.
At the recent Archway Summit, Washington County Public Schools District Director of Literacy Leah Clark discussed the school district’s initiatives regarding literacy in the community.
Director Clark outlined the work that is being done in the schools and throughout the county to promote the importance of literacy, including presenting families with valuable resources to ensure their children’s success.
She highlighted the efforts of local Archway Professional Conni Fennell-Burley, who has helped mobilize efforts in the creation of WACO Reads – a community based literacy team of civic and business partners promoting and advancing the importance of literacy in Washington County.
“It is so important to have the community involved in this initiative,” said Leah Clark. “We want to be sure that we provide the citizens of Washington County with the tools and knowledge to help their children and grandchildren hit the right milestones before they even get into the schools.”
For further information on the work being accomplished and how to get involved with WACO Reads, visit washingtoncountyschoolsga.org/literacy.