In a powerful show of support for early literacy, 242 third-grade students in the SCESD who scored at or above grade level on the STAR Reading Assessment test in Trimester 2 of the 2024-2025 school year will each receive $250 from Taylor Farms, through an initiative aimed at bolstering reading achievement across Monterey County.
The funds will support the Golden Ticket Reading Incentive Program, part of a new nonprofit launched by Taylor Farms, which intends for the program to be ongoing.
It’s the first major initiative for Taylor Farms via its The Golden Ticket Foundation, the formation of which was inspired by a desire to reward students who demonstrate reading proficiency in the third grade, and as a way to inspire younger students and their families to bolster reading skills. Studies show that students who demonstrate reading proficiency in early grades are better set for success and further achievement in their academic careers.
The awards recognize the dedication of third-grade students who have achieved a key academic milestone and aim to inspire continued excellence. For many families, the reward provides both a morale boost and a tangible reminder of what children can accomplish with the right support. And with Taylor Farms’ generous support, the award serves as both a motivational tool and a reminder that when the community invests in education, it helps cultivate future leaders and lifelong learners.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Golden Ticket Reader Incentive Program?
- Why were my first and/or second grade children invited to an assembly about this program?
- Will the program be available to my first or second grader once they're in the third grade?
- What metric is being used to select the third grade students receiving the award?
- How does this align with the goals of the District?
- How can I help my child bolster their reading schools?