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Shining a Light on Dyslexia Awareness:

Teachers Roseann Mendez, Daniele Wiggington, and Michele Hansen Champion the Power of Early Intervention

At HLES, October was a special month dedicated to understanding and supporting the diverse ways our students learn. As we observed National Dyslexia Awareness Month, our school community proudly recognized the commitment of teachers Roseann Mendez, Daniele Wiggington, and Michele Hansen, who work tirelessly to ensure that every child—no matter their learning style—feels capable, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Every October, schools across the nation recognize National Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the strengths, creativity, and resilience of students with dyslexia. It’s also a time to highlight the importance of early intervention and dedicated teaching—something that Mendez, Wiggington, and Hansen demonstrate every day through their passion, expertise, and compassion for their students.

Their work is grounded in research-based practices drawn from “Teaching Students with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia: Lessons from Teaching and Science” by Virginia W. Berninger and Beverly J. Wolf. The book outlines seven guiding principles for teaching students with dyslexia, reminding us that effective instruction comes from understanding each learner’s individual needs and meeting them with patience and creativity.

Every Child Wants to Learn

Dyslexic students are often highly motivated but may hide frustration behind avoidance or anxiety. By building trust and celebrating effort, Mendez, Wiggington, and Hansen help students rediscover the joy of learning and take pride in their growth.

Speaking and Listening Build Reading

Strong oral language skills—like recognizing sounds, patterns, and word meanings—are the foundation of literacy. Through conversation, storytelling, and sound-based activities, these teachers make reading and writing come alive in ways that feel engaging and accessible.

Teaching at the Right Level

Each child learns best when lessons are tailored to their current ability. Mendez, Wiggington, and Hansen provide differentiated instruction that allows students to develop fluency and comprehension at their own pace, building confidence along the way.

Practice Makes Progress

Students with dyslexia often need repeated practice to master new skills—but that practice can be both meaningful and fun. Using hands-on, multisensory learning techniques—such as tracing words, using manipulatives, or rhythm-based reading—these teachers turn repetition into empowerment.

Teaching Students How They Learn Best

Equally important, they help students understand how they learn. When children discover their strengths as thinkers and problem-solvers, they begin to see themselves as capable and intelligent learners, ready to take on new challenges.

Staying Flexible and Kind

No two learners are the same, and flexibility is key. Mendez, Wiggington, and Hansen constantly adapt their approaches, try new strategies, and seize teachable moments to support their students in ways that are both personal and powerful.

A Message of Hope and Understanding

National Dyslexia Awareness Month is more than just an observance—it’s a celebration of perseverance, compassion, and growth. Through the dedication of educators like Roseann Mendez, Daniele Wiggington, and Michele Hansen, our students with dyslexia are not only developing literacy skills, but also discovering confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

LET’S GO! 

Our Hidden Lake Narwalk starts TODAY! We’re raising $32,000 for instructional digital subscriptions and the 5th Grade end of year trip and need YOUR help — it only takes a minute to sign up and share your page with friends & family!

 Thank you for making a difference for our school!

Hidden Lake Elementary Announces New 5th Grade Student Council Officers

The Hidden Lake Elementary Student Council has welcomed its newest group of 5th grade officers. This leadership team is made up of dedicated students who represent their classmates and help make the school a better place for everyone.

Student Council members work together to plan schoolwide events, build school spirit, and organize community service projects. They also share student ideas and concerns with the staff and administration, making sure every student has a voice.

By serving on Student Council, these 5th graders are learning important skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. Their efforts not only strengthen the Hidden Lake community but also set a positive example for younger students.

The school is excited to see the creativity and energy these officers will bring to the year’s activities and looks forward to the positive changes they will inspire.

Hidden Lake Elementary recognizes the history and cultural contributions of our Hispanic and Latino families. We honor the rich cultural diversity and lasting impact in our school and community.

How Music Impacts Student Success:

Fostering Creativity, Focus, and Critical Thinking

Cory Gunter, the music teacher at Hidden Lake Elementary school knows that music education does more than teach students how to play an instrument or sing a song—it has a profound impact on their overall academic and personal growth. From fostering creativity to enhancing focus and critical thinking, music serves as a powerful tool for student success. In the classroom, music engages the mind and body, helping students navigate complex concepts while encouraging social-emotional growth. Let’s explore how music impacts student success, with a focus on creativity, focus, and critical thinking.

Creativity: Sparking Innovation Through Music

Mr. Gunter creates environment to cultivate creativity. As students learn new concepts, they are encouraged to integrate those ideas into their improvisational activities. Once students grasp a new idea or technique, they have the opportunity to apply it in their own compositions, creating melodies and rhythms that are uniquely their own. This process of composing and performing music empowers students to take ownership of their learning. Not only do they apply what they know, but they also express themselves creatively by creating their own musical pieces. Performing their compositions for classmates further boosts their confidence and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Through music, students learn that there is no single "correct" way to approach creativity—every individual brings their own ideas and perspective to the table. These creative experiences also translate into other academic subjects, as students learn to think outside the box and solve problems in innovative ways.

Focus: Building Concentration for Success

One of the most significant benefits of music education is the ability to enhance student focus. In a classroom where time is often limited, every moment counts. When preparing for a concert, for instance, Mr. Gunter requires students to dedicate their attention to mastering their music in a short amount of time. This intense focus not only improves their ability to learn songs and melodies, but it also teaches students the importance of concentration and dedication.

Additionally, music provides students with a unique opportunity to refine their ability to balance and blend with their peers. As they work in harmony with classmates during group performances, they develop an understanding of how to listen and adjust their contributions to achieve a collective goal. In turn, this cooperative approach to music can help foster teamwork and improve focus both in and out of the classroom.

When students become too distracted or lose focus, the structured nature of music quickly redirects their attention. For instance, starting a new song or clapping a rhythm pattern helps students shift their energy and re-engage with the task at hand. This sense of engagement prevents distractions from taking over, reinforcing the importance of focus in a way that is both fun and productive.

Critical Thinking: Connecting Concepts for Deeper Understanding

Another vital skill nurtured through music education is critical thinking. Utilizing the Kodály method of music instruction, Mr. Gunter uses a spiral method of teaching, where students gradually learn pitches and rhythms over time. As students master concepts, they begin to predict what comes next based on their prior knowledge. They often anticipate the next lesson before it’s introduced, feeling a sense of accomplishment when they realize their predictions were correct.

This predictive learning fosters deeper understanding, as students use prior lessons to decode new concepts. Music teaches them to recognize patterns, which is not only useful in music but in other academic subjects and real-life situations as well. For example, students may use pattern recognition to solve math problems, or predict the next steps in scientific experiments.

Social-Emotional Growth and Behavior Regulation

Music education also has an important role in helping students manage their behavior and regulate emotions. In the classroom, activities like singing, clapping, and moving help students engage both their minds and bodies in a way that keeps them active and focused. These activities are often designed to transition quickly between different tasks, keeping students interested and preventing boredom, which can lead to behavioral issues.

In visiting Mr. Gunter's classroom, it was easy to see students were fully engaged in the lesson, and there was little room for disruptive behavior. Research supports the idea that classes like music help improve student focus and behavior by providing an outlet for self-expression and engagement. The rhythm and movement incorporated in music lessons also help students develop emotional regulation by offering a structured yet fun way to channel their energy and emotions.

Transferable Skills: Building Foundations for Life

In addition to enhancing creativity, focus, and critical thinking, music education helps students develop transferable skills that benefit them both inside and outside the classroom. Coordination of the body and mind is essential in music, as students practice synchronizing their movements and thoughts while singing, clapping, or playing an instrument. This coordination translates into improved motor skills and concentration that benefit academic tasks and daily activities.

Mr. Gunter connects music to history and culture as students learn about different musical traditions and styles. This cultural awareness can enrich their understanding of the world and promote a sense of empathy and respect for others.

Working as a group towards a common goal is another valuable skill learned through music. Whether preparing for a performance or collaborating on a composition, students learn how to work together and communicate effectively. These teamwork skills will prove beneficial in their future careers and relationships.

Additionally, music education teaches students how to meet deadlines, whether they are working towards a concert performance or completing a project. Students develop time management skills as they prepare for an upcoming event, learning to balance their commitment to music with their other academic responsibilities.

Finally, music helps students understand the importance of audience and stage behavior. Students learn how to present themselves in front of others, gaining confidence in their abilities and learning how to handle public performances.

Music also reinforces concepts from other subjects, such as math. The study of rhythms, time signatures, and fractions provides a concrete application for mathematical principles, showing students how math and music are interconnected.

Conclusion: The Holistic Benefits of Music Education

Music education provides students with the tools to succeed both academically and personally. By fostering creativity, enhancing focus, and encouraging critical thinking, music helps students build a foundation for success in all aspects of their lives. Moreover, it offers valuable transferable skills that extend beyond the classroom, from emotional regulation to teamwork and time management. As Mr. Gunter engages students in music, they are not only learning how to play an instrument or sing a song—they are developing the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Thank you to Mr. Cory Gunter for providing his time and insight for this article.