Building Strong Readers: Inside INK!’s Five Learning Years (FLY) Program
Learning to read is one of the most important milestones in a child’s education—and when students receive the right support early, it can change the trajectory of their learning.
In the newest episode of The INK! Podcast, hosts Ian MacDonald and Jim Wheeler sit down with Mary Alice Hayes, Program Director of INK!’s Five Learning Years (FLY) Program, for a conversation about how targeted early literacy intervention is helping some of St. Johns County’s youngest learners build the foundational skills they need to become successful readers.
Early Intervention. Lasting Impact.
INK!’s Five Learning Years (FLY) program serves Pre-K, Kindergarten, and first-grade students who need additional support developing foundational literacy skills. Through small-group instruction and individualized attention from experienced educators, FLY helps students strengthen critical early reading skills and work toward closing literacy gaps with their peers.
The approach is intentionally focused on the earliest years of learning—when targeted intervention can make a significant difference.
During the 2025–26 school year, FLY served 334 students, including 90 Pre-K students, 140 Kindergarten students, and 104 first graders.
And the results demonstrate the power of early intervention.
Pre-K students entered the program with a 56% literacy gap compared with their peers—and closed that gap completely by the end of the year.
Kindergarten students made significant gains as well, including a 114% increase in Letter Identification skills and a 280% increase in Letter Sounds, finishing the year within just 6% and 4% of their peers in those respective measures.
Among first-grade participants, 82% entered the program reading at a Pre-K or low-Kindergarten level. By the end of the intervention, 85% were reading at a first-grade level or above.
These gains represent more than numbers. They represent young students building confidence, strengthening skills, and becoming better prepared for the learning ahead.
The People Behind the Progress
In the podcast, Mary Alice shares how FLY combines targeted intervention with the experience and expertise of retired teacher tutors who work directly with students in small groups.
The episode also explores the program’s growth, the individualized support provided to young readers—including specialized support for children with dyslexia—and why identifying and addressing literacy challenges early is so important.
FLY has been part of INK!’s work in St. Johns County for more than a decade, beginning as a pilot during the 2014–15 school year. Today, it continues to evolve to meet the needs of students and schools across the district.
Community Investment Builds Strong Readers
FLY is also an example of what can happen when schools and the community work together.
Support from community partners, foundations, donors, and Florida’s School District Education Foundation Matching Grant helps INK! provide the tutors, instructional resources, and targeted interventions that make this work possible.
In the episode, Mary Alice discusses the important role partners such as the PNC Foundation, along with other community supporters, play in expanding opportunities for young learners.
Every investment helps give another child the opportunity to build the skills—and confidence—to become a successful reader.
Listen to the New Episode
Want to learn more about how FLY works and the difference early literacy intervention is making for students in St. Johns County?
Listen to Episode 25 of The INK! Podcast: Building Strong Readers Through the FLY Early Literacy Program.
Hear the story behind the program, learn about its impact, and discover how investing early in literacy can help create a stronger foundation for a child’s future.
Listen now on Spotify and follow The INK! Podcast for more conversations about the programs, people, and partnerships supporting students and teachers throughout St. Johns County.
Because when we invest in young readers today, we help prepare them for success tomorrow.
