Principal Efrain Murillo said recent student performance data reflects the impact of the school’s literacy efforts and the implementation of the UFLI reading program.
“In the 2023–24 school year, about 35% of our first-grade students scored at mid or above grade level on the spring iReady reading diagnostic. This year, that number rose to 61%. While we still have more to do, that kind of growth is still remarkable, especially over such a short period of time.”
Kenmore educators say students are showing improvement in phonics, reading fluency, spelling and vocabulary development through consistent literacy instruction, structured routines and targeted reading support implemented across campus.
Kindergarten teacher Marjorie Barker said all of her students this school year have reached the goal of reading and writing independently, with students mastering more than 40 “high frequency” unique words, a major improvement over recent years.
Barker credits the growth to consistency in Accelerated Reader testing, literacy incentives and the implementation of the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) reading program.
“The consistency is making a huge difference,” Barker said. “Students are excited to read and are building confidence every day.”
Barker said her students are also empowered to write daily journals and share with peers regularly in the classroom, helping students strengthen communication skills while supporting one another academically.
She added that several students have also developed strong reading habits outside the classroom, including regularly visiting the local library in Baldwin Park and checking out up to 15 books at a time, with some students already reading at a 2nd or 3rd grade level.
1st grade teacher Veronica Valdez also spoke about the growth she has seen in reading, spelling and phonics among her students.
Valdez said the school’s daily-open library, encouragement for students to regularly check out books, parent volunteer partnerships and literacy support at home have all contributed to student success. She also credited the UFLI program for helping strengthen routines and consistency in literacy instruction.
“The students enjoy the programs because they know the routines and expectations,” Valdez said. “They also get very excited to see the ‘New Books’ section at our library.”
According to librarian Ines Lopez, Kenmore students check out an average of at least 300 books every day, reflecting the strong reading culture developing across the campus.
Valdez also expressed gratitude for the school staff who support campus literacy efforts and the collaborative culture among educators.
“We trust each other and continue learning together,” Valdez said. “The training opportunities we receive help validate the direction we are taking and continue strengthening our instruction for students.”
The school’s literacy growth was further reflected in its participation in a Districtwide Jackie Robinson reading challenge established by Baldwin Park Unified Board of Education Member John B. de Leon. Kenmore Elementary surpassed the original 42 million-word goal, with students collectively reading more than 55 million words schoolwide.
The campus was recognized for recording the highest number of words read among all District elementary schools and received a $1,000 donation in recognition of the achievement.
“I am incredibly proud of our Kenmore family,” Murillo said. “These foundational literacy skills are critical, and this growth would not be possible without the dedication of our teachers, staff and families.”
Photos
Kenmore Elementary 2026, Kinder student reads book
Kenmore Elementary 2026, Ms. Barker's Kinder class
Kenmore Elementary 2026, Kinder student reads 40 high frequency words
Kenmore Elementary 2026, First Grade Ms. Valdez Class
Kenmore 2026, Jackie Robinson Reading Challenge Donation with School Administrators and student receiving check.