Jami J. Langel Foundation Funds New Reading Curriculum
The first day of the 2012-2013 school year was made even more exciting for Gehlen Catholic's transitional kindergarten through 6th grade students. The students were greeted with the new reading curriculum entitled "Treasurers" thanks to a gift from the Jami J. Langel ('79) Foundation for Reading Excellence.
Elementary Principal, Mrs. Lorie Nussbaum, explained the elementary curriculum committee spent the 2011-2012 school year researching various literacy programs.
The new reading curriculum features multiple benefits. First, the curriculum enhances differentiated indstruction for students, thus enhancing the education of students with learning difficulties to those who are talented and gifted. Next, research indicates that literacy is interrelated. The new “Treasurers” Program incorporates reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, writing, vocabulary, fluency, listening, and technology. This was integral due to the addition of SMARTBoards in August 2011 donated in honor of Rosemary (Groetken, ’35) Deegan and the Friends of Gehlen Ball Fund-a-Cause. Finally, the program encompasses whole group and small group learning, as well as practice based upon whole group learning.
Mrs. Nussbaum said the “Treasurers” reading program is a more hands-on approach versus class discussions followed by a worksheet. Teachers are better able to recognize the skills and challenges of each student. Therefore, teachers can offer additional instruction and support in small group and individual settings. The new reading program also meets the Iowa Core Curriculum requirements to enhance the quality of Iowa’s educational system.
Jami’s wife, Kathy; his parents, Marvin (’53) and Joyce; and his sister, Lisa (’80), were awed when they visited the classrooms to see the reading curriculum. Kathy said that when she and their children reviewed the curriculum, it was exactly what Jami would have wanted. After seeing it in place, the program exceeded their expectations.
The Jami J. Langel Foundation for Reading Excellence was established prior to God calling Jami home to create a greater awareness of the importance of reading and to fund special reading programs at Gehlen Catholic.
You can ensure Jami’s legacy lives and to help improve student literacy and learning, send your tax deductible donation to the Jami J. Langel Foundation, % Gehlen Catholic School, 709 Plymouth Street NE, LeMars, Iowa 51031. All contributions of $250 or more will be acknowledged on the Jami Langel Foundation donor wall located in the Kolker Library and Media Center.
"I've struggled all my life because I couldn't read or write very well. I've always wanted to be a lector at church and help on different committees, but shied away because I was a slow reader. I feel that if there are children in my same situation, that could get the extra help they need, they could go through school and life with the confidence to do anything." Jami J. Langel