Mrs. Cathy Knight holds a special place in our FPD elementary program. As our Elementary Instructional Support (IS) teacher, she helps boost the skills of our youngest students to help them reach their full academic potential.

This year, she has also taken on a new role leading our Elementary Reading Boost program, a program based on the Orton-Gillingham method that helps students improve their reading skills. Mrs. Knight and Mrs. Kelly Bullington attended a special training this past spring and are now Orton-Gillingham certified; Mrs. Bullington leads the program for our upper grades, while Mrs. Knight instructs our younger students.

We wanted to touch base with Mrs. Knight about FPD’s Elementary Instructional Support and the new Reading Boost program.

Why do you feel FPD’s IS & Reading Boost are such important components at FPD?

Students can get the support they need during the school day. The classroom teachers and our staff stay in constant contact, so we are aware of any help the student may need. The IS staff knows the curriculum and expectations of every grade level.

What is your favorite part about being the Elementary IS teacher?

My favorite part about being the elementary IS and Reading Boost teacher is to see the progress that my students make academically. Another bonus is to see their confidence grow and to develop close relationships with my students and their parents.

What are your thoughts on FPD’s new Reading Boost program?

Reading Boost is a great addition to our program. It is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading. The approach is multi-sensory and incorporates the three learning pathways, which are: auditory, kinesthetic, and visual. Research has shown great success with this approach to reading.

Why do you think FPD is such a special school?

FPD is like a family. We all seek to love and encourage one another in our God-given abilities and struggles. We pray for one another as well as with and for our students. At FPD, we seek to honor God in all that we do and strive to integrate scripture in our daily activities. This definitely sets us apart.

Quick Answer Questions:

  1. Favorite Place to Travel:  St. George Island
  2. Favorite Hobby: Reading
  3. Number of Children, Grandchildren, and Pets:
    I have two daughters, Christy Trieste and Erin Knight. Christy lives in Macon with her husband, Josh Trieste, and my two grandchildren. Erin lives in Atlanta and is an Occupational Therapist with the Cobb County school system. My husband, Joe, and I have a rat terrier named Jack.
  4. Favorite Bible Verse: Hebrews 12: 1-2 – Let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. Keeping your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor.