Garland ISD families came together on Saturday, September 27, for a “Tailgate with SAIL” event, where they learned hands-on strategies to support their students’ literacy growth at home. SAIL, the district’s Sheltered Approach for Improved Literacy program, helps close reading gaps for students in Pre-K through third grade who are historically underserved and strengthens the partnership between home and school. Currently offered at eight campuses, SAIL continues to expand each year to reach more students and families across the district.

“We know our teachers and administrators work hard to communicate where students are academically, but sometimes parents miss conferences or don’t fully understand the benchmarks,” said Simone Mkanganwi, SAIL Coordinator. “This event gives families a clear picture of where their student is, where they need to be, and what we can do together to get them there.”

The event included three sessions, presented in both English and Spanish. In the first, families received student data reports, such as i-Ready assessments for elementary students or beginning-of-year literacy reports for Pre-K. Staff guided parents through interpreting the reports and highlighted the specific skills each child needs to develop, including phonological awareness and vocabulary.

The second session provided families with a classroom simulation to demonstrate how students learn these skills during the school day. 

“We want parents to see what their students experience and understand the teaching methods that help them succeed,” Mkanganwi said.

The final session focused on strategies to use at home. Parents practiced ways to reinforce the skills their students were learning. By working together, schools and families help students reach grade-level reading by the end of the year.

To maintain accountability and encourage ongoing family engagement, each student received a playbook with assessment results and literacy logs to track daily reading habits. Students who meet participation goals are recognized as literacy leaders and receive certificates and special recognition.

This year, the program expanded from four to eight campuses, chosen to serve students who are economically disadvantaged or historically underserved. Presenters included staff from early childhood, early literacy, multilingual programs, and family and community engagement.

Families also received free books, giveaways, and food while learning strategies they could immediately use at home. 

“Our goal is that every parent walks away knowing exactly how they can support their student,” Mkanganwi said. “When schools and families work together, students have the tools and support to reach their full potential.”

The district plans to continue the SAIL events in the spring, building on the strong foundation established this fall. With families and schools working side by side, these efforts are turning literacy goals into achievable wins for every student.

View additional photos from Tailgate with SAIL on the Garland ISD Flickr.