Investing in Literacy Through Community Partnership

First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia is grateful to continue its partnership with Sherwood Elementary School through a recent contribution that supports student literacy and learning. This gift reflects the church’s ongoing commitment to Sherwood Elementary through its reading partnership, supported by the Missions Committee. The contribution is designated for classroom children’s books and take-home reading resources that help strengthen early literacy skills.

​

During a special recognition, representatives from Sherwood Elementary School and First Presbyterian Church gathered to celebrate the impact of this partnership on students and families. The take-home reading packs provided to third-grade students play an important role in reinforcing reading skills beyond the classroom.

​

These packs are grounded in the science of reading and include decodable text tailored to individual students based on reading assessment data. This personalized approach allows teachers to target specific phonics skills while supporting learning both at school and at home. Research-based activities, writing pages, and multilingual video phonics lessons help families stay engaged in their child’s reading journey.

Teachers value these resources for their flexibility and effectiveness, while families benefit from tools that strengthen home-school connections. Sherwood Elementary expressed sincere appreciation for First Presbyterian Church’s investment in literacy and in the future of its students.

​

Through partnerships like this one, First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia continues to live out its commitment to serve the community, nurture learning, and support children and families as they grow—both in and beyond the classroom.