Teachers at Lakeside Middle School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, held a special family literacy night on October 8, 2025, to boost student reading skills amid a growing literacy crisis. The event brought together families, educators, and community partners to share strategies for at-home learning and highlight the lasting value of books in a digital world.
Event Highlights and Family Involvement
The literacy night aimed to make reading fun and accessible for middle school students facing challenges in comprehension and engagement. Families joined interactive sessions that went beyond classroom lessons, focusing on ways parents can support their child’s progress at home.
One key attraction was the Scholastic Book Fair, where students picked out new reads tailored to their interests. This setup not only sparked excitement but also encouraged ongoing reading habits outside school hours. Representatives from the Allen County Public Library stopped by to offer tips on using library resources, including online catalogs and summer reading programs.
The evening wrapped up with announcements about a new little library being installed right outside the school. This small, community book exchange will allow students and neighbors to swap books freely, promoting a culture of sharing and discovery.
Principal’s View on Literacy in the Digital Era
Ashley Finneran, the principal at Lakeside Middle School and a former English teacher, stressed that literacy touches every part of life. She pointed out how quick access to digital content has shifted how kids learn, sometimes at the expense of deep reading skills. Yet, Finneran believes the power of written words remains essential, no matter the technology around us.
In her remarks, Finneran noted that events like this help bridge the gap between school and home. By involving families, the school hopes to build stronger support networks for students struggling with reading. This approach aligns with broader efforts to combat declining proficiency rates seen in recent state assessments.
Finneran’s passion for the topic stems from her years in the classroom, where she saw firsthand how engaged parents can make a big difference. She encouraged everyone to view literacy as a shared adventure, not just a school assignment.
Key Activities and Resources Offered
Attendees had plenty of hands-on opportunities to explore tools for better literacy. The event included workshops on creating home reading routines, which many parents found practical and easy to apply right away.
Here are some standout features from the night:
- Scholastic Book Fair with age-appropriate selections for middle graders.
- Library experts sharing free access to e-books and audiobooks.
- Discussions on the new little library’s role in daily community reading.
These elements made the evening both informative and enjoyable, drawing over 100 families despite the weekday timing.
Indiana’s Ongoing Battle with Middle School Literacy
While Indiana celebrated record gains in third-grade reading scores this year, middle school literacy remains a worry. State data from the 2025 ILEARN tests show that only about 35 percent of sixth through eighth graders met proficiency standards in English language arts, down slightly from last year in some areas.
Fort Wayne schools, including Lakeside, reflect this trend. Local educators link the issue to pandemic disruptions and increased screen time, which can shorten attention spans for complex texts. However, initiatives like this family night show promise in reversing the slide.
To illustrate the progress and challenges, consider this table of recent literacy trends in Indiana:
| Grade Level | 2024 Proficiency Rate | 2025 Proficiency Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third Grade | 38.5% | 43.2% | +4.7% |
| Sixth Grade | 36.8% | 35.1% | -1.7% |
| Eighth Grade | 37.2% | 36.5% | -0.7% |
These figures highlight why targeted events matter, especially as the state pushes science-based reading programs in elementary years to build a stronger foundation.
Community Response and Next Steps
Feedback from the event has been positive, with parents praising the practical advice and kids excited about their book choices. One mother shared how the library session opened her eyes to digital reading options that fit busy schedules. This kind of response underscores the event’s success in fostering community ties.
Looking ahead, Lakeside Middle School plans more family nights focused on different skills, like writing and critical thinking. School leaders also aim to track student progress over the next semester to measure the impact. In a time when reading proficiency affects future success in jobs and life, these steps feel timely and vital.
Such efforts remind us that tackling literacy crises takes teamwork from schools, homes, and neighborhoods. If you are a parent or educator in Fort Wayne, consider getting involved in similar programs to help young readers thrive. Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word to support literacy in our community.
