OSKALOOSA, Iowa — A generous grant from Cargill in Eddyville is giving young students at Oskaloosa Elementary School new opportunities to strengthen their reading skills.

The company awarded the school’s first-grade team funds to purchase Fundations decodable books, resources designed to help students master grade-level reading through skill-building and fluency practice.

“The books will support our students by providing more repetition of essential skills,” said Megan VandeVoort, a first-grade teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary. “We hope it will not only help with proficiency but foster a love of reading.”

The investment comes at a crucial time. VandeVoort noted that the school is working to build the first-grade reading scores on Iowa’s FAST statewide screener.

“These books are intended to provide that extra boost of learning students need,” she said, adding that the materials will be a lasting resource for classrooms in the years ahead.

With opportunities like these, Oskaloosa Schools is committed to equipping students for success—making it a great place for families to grow and thrive.