LISBON — Educators at the Beaver Local School District are learning new curriculum for next year.

District Superintendent Eric Lowe said that kindergarten-through-eighth grade teachers are going over the new Wonders teaching materials this summer, and that the Title Team has been busy learning about UFLI, a phonics based reading program, which will be utilized in kindergarten-through third-grade for pullout reading interventions.

“All of the new Wonders teaching materials have been given to K-6 teachers so that they can familiarize themselves with them and begin planning over the summer if they desire,” Lowe said.

Wonders is an evidence-based English Language Arts curriculum that is aligned to meet state standards. It was created by McGraw Hill and is designed to “empower students in reading, writing, speaking and listening,” according to the McGraw Hill website.

Lowe also said that, “Thanks to the combined efforts of many staff we managed to unpack, organize, inventory, label, and distribute all K-6 English Language Arts CORE teaching manipulatives and materials to pods prior to the end of the year.”

In addition, Lowe said the district is examining what will be used for Special Education pullout reading intervention in kindergarten-through-seventh grade.

He noted that fourth grade will continue using the Wilson curriculum as done in the past, as it was approved by the Ohio Department of Education.

“We hope to get this training during our opening days of inservice,” he said.

In other matters it was noted during the June Board of Education meeting that the Eighth Grade Make a Difference Day held on May 27 was a success.

Students visited various locations, including nursing homes, Lake Mount Church, the East Palestine Golf Course and St. Clair Township to provide community service.

Some students also remained at the school to assist with outdoor cleanup.

Lowe also wished to thank everyone for their efforts in making the 2024-25 school year a success, and shared that summer maintenance items are in full swing to prepare for the next school year.

He also welcomed two new hires, Alison Hupp for middle school math, and Bryce Halverstadt as an Intervention Specialist.