Pioneer Park Elementary School in Belle Glade KicksOff Fifth Year Implementation of PreK-3rd Literacy Program, StoryBook Treasures

At Pioneer Park Elementary in Belle Glade, Florida, an inspiring story is being written. The epic tale of overcoming adversity and discovering new frontiers of success begins with a dedicated Principle, some very driven, intelligent elementary schoolers, and JustWorld’s partner program—Storybook Treasures.

In 2014, Dr. Sandra L. Moreau became the Assistant Principal of Pioneer Park Elementary, a school which was expressing negative literacy statistics in Pre-K to 3rd grade students. The average proficiency at the 3rd grade level was a mere 23.9% as measured by the English Language Arts (ELA) Florida Standards Assessments (FSA). In simple terms, students were unable to meet important milestones during the most formative years of their education and falling short on standard assessments. However Dr. Moreau had a plan to change their trajectory for the better, because not all heroes wear capes, some carry books. 

“I was able to plan with teachers and help our school increase reading gains by setting goals and ensuring that teachers had efficacy in themselves and in students to believe that the goals were attainable,” said Moreau, who didn’t let even the unprecedented challenges of a pandemic stand in their way. 

“I became the Principal of the school in 2020 and have continued to focus on literacy even during the pandemic and having students at home. Communication was sent on a regular basis reminding parents about the importance of reading. Students were able to pick up books to read at home through a drive through system.”

It was when Moreau stepped into the role of Principal in 2020 that Pioneer Park Elementary’s ambitious goals truly came to fruition. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2019/2022 students demonstrated exceptional gains, with 80% of students showing improvement in ELA and FSA/ELA proficiency skyrocketing to 47.9%. 

The students were not only great, they were the very best. In FY22, Pioneer Park ranked as the top elementary school for ELA learning gains, averaging more than a year’s growth annually and securing the highest gains in the country. 

Moreau’s leadership has inspired greatness in her students, but also the fellow educators and faculty members who have carried her strategies into the classroom. 

“I am fortunate to work with amazing teachers and staff who are willing to go above and beyond for our students on a daily basis… Our students deserve the best and they deserve leaders and teachers who care about them and want the best for them,” said Moreau. 

Their investment is evidenced by their students’ passion for learning, and the glittering statistics which illustrate reading proficiency increasing by over 20 points over the past five years. The mechanism they used to achieve these improvements is no secret. 

In 2018, Pioneer Park Elementary implemented the Storybook Treasures program as supported by JustWorld, a non-profit organization with the goal of providing books and reading materials to promote literacy in disadvantaged communities. Moreau identified the remarkable effects of Storybook Treasures since it was introduced five years ago, and has carried it through as a valuable element of the curriculum ever since. 

Through the Storybook Treasures program, classrooms are supplied with a set of books along with additional copies for each student to take home. The books and lesson materials are curated to support the curriculum, and also to represent and celebrate the diversity which makes communities like Belle Glade special.

“StoryBook Treasures is loved by all of the teachers who use it and the students love it.  Any opportunity to provide books in students’ hands and ensure they are reading is welcome. Our parents love that students come home with high interest books and enjoy reading at home,” said Moreau.

  As their love of reading has limitless bounds to blossom with the support of Storybook Treasures, so does their ability to excel throughout their education career and thus make strides towards a bright and prosperous future. 

“By improving students’ reading levels and their love of reading, we are changing their outcomes,” said Moreau. 

Moreau isn’t focused solely on measurable achievements, because she recognizes that a flourishing student is one who is supported in all areas of their well being and development. A Social Emotional Learning experience helps support children through their emotional growth as well, and Pioneer Park Elementary has been awarded for these interventions. 

“During our Social Emotional Learning, we participate and encourage students through activities that focus on more than just reading but also students’ social emotional health.  We focus on the child’s current academic needs but promote life-long learners through our efforts,” Moreau explained. 

“Our School-wide Positive Behavior Supports focus on providing behavioral incentives for students.  We were awarded the Florida PBIS (Positive Behavior Support and Interventions) Bronze Award for our positive school climate for the 2021-2022 school year.”

Studies show that the road out of poverty is paved with education, and Belle Glade is in the midst of building a highway. Moreau, who is a Haitian born American, has faithfully served the community for many years and is proud of their efforts to make a difference.

“I love the Glades Community.  There is such great support for our schools from our community leaders, our wonderful board members and also our families. I have worked in many capacities throughout the district…It is an honor and privilege to be the Principal of Pioneer Park Elementary in this wonderful community,” said Moreau. 

Moreau’s list of accomplishments is many, but she’s a long way from finished, because she has no plans to rest until every child meets their immense potential. 

“I think we have made great improvements but still have a long way to go.  Until all or the majority of the students are reading on grade level or getting closer to on grade level proficiency, we still have work to do,” said Moreau. “I am proud of our growth and how we are inching closer to making sure that all of our students excel. I want to see all of them walk across the graduation stage in high school and beyond.”

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JustWorld Youth Ambassador Gala Committee Supports Storybook Treasures for Annual End of Year Fundraiser

To ensure the Storybook Treasures program can continue changing the lives of students at Pioneer Park Elementary, JustWorld’s youth are answering the call to action. The newly formed Youth Ambassador Gala Committee is composed of 15 motivated JustWorld Ambassadors between 13-years-old and 22-years-old, who are not only ambitious equestrian athletes but dedicated young philanthropists. 

The committee has already kicked off what is arguably their biggest project ahead of the Annual JustWorld International Gala, the End of Year Fundraiser, which has been nothing short of spectacular thus far. In two short weeks they’ve managed to raise an impressive $14,000 for Storybook Treasures, and before the fundraiser has even officially gone live. 

Set to officially kick off on Giving Tuesday, November 29th, they have set a fundraising goal of $50,000 to reach by December 31, 2022. Yet champion Youth Ambassadors like Lucy Rappoport and Ethan Calvo have already exceeded expectations. Rappoport joined the Ambassador program in 2022, and as a result of her passion to make a difference she has raised over $7,000 for the End of Year Fundraiser to date.

“I’ve spent the last few months as a member of JustWorld surrounded by the most generous and kind people. Being a part of JustWorld allows me to see the world beyond my own. I can be the change I want to see thanks to this incredible organization,” said Rappoport. 

Ethan Calvo is also a new member of the JustWorld family, having joined the Youth Ambassador program in 2022, but the mission has always been close to home. Calvo’s belief is that when we work together there are no boundaries to the positive change we can see. 

“Being part of the Youth Ambassador Gala Committee has been an amazing experience to say the least. As a first generation American I know and have seen the effects of poverty firsthand. And being part of this committee and such an incredible organization I am able to spark change and lead people to make a difference not only as an equestrian but as individuals. We are stronger together and are able to make a difference not only in our community but around the world,” said Calvo.

Stronger together is a sentiment echoed by JustWorld Ambassadors and project champions alike, and with the continued support of Storybook Treasures in the hands of Dr. Moreau the children of Belle Glade will write some incredible stories—their futures.

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JustWorld International

Established in 2003, JustWorld was founded to provide equestrians with a way to support carefully vetted education programs for impoverished children around the world. Thousands of JustWorld Ambassadors from more than 40 countries have since committed to “ride for the cause” and assist JustWorld in accomplishing its mission to help build brighter futures for these children and their communities. Equestrian-based companies and events worldwide support JustWorld’s efforts, and the governing body of the global equestrian sport, the FEI, has endorsed JustWorld as its official charity partner. In 2022, JustWorld is helping improve the lives of nearly 10,000 impoverished children around the globe daily.

To donate, become an ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or follow @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.