Introducing Dana Fornabaio: Southwest Preparatory School’s New Director of Early Childhood Literacy
Southwest Preparatory School is proud to announce Dana Fornabaio as the district’s first-ever Director of Early Childhood Literacy. With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for literacy and early childhood education, Mrs. Fornabaio steps into this newly created role after serving as Principal of the Seguin Campus and Vice Principal of the Northeast Campus.
Deputy Superintendent Christopher McCammon announced the new position, “Mrs. Fornabaio brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for literacy and early childhood education. During her time in Seguin, she has been a dedicated leader, fostering a culture of academic excellence and student-centered learning and bringing the climate and culture to new heights. Her commitment to early literacy and her ability to inspire both students and educators make her the perfect fit for this new role.”
Mrs. Fornabaio’s journey at Southwest Preparatory School has been marked by a commitment to student success and creating a positive learning environment. She describes her time with the district as a series of meaningful roles that have built her leadership skills, deepened her understanding of curriculum, and strengthened her passion for early literacy.
“I’ve had the chance to work in various roles at Southwest Prep, most recently as Principal of the Seguin campus. What keeps me here is the district’s focus on student success, the collaborative environment, and the chance to make a real impact on students' lives,” Mrs. Fornabaio shared.
Mrs. Fornabaio’s experience working directly with students has given her valuable insight into their needs, especially when it comes to building strong literacy skills from the start. As she steps into this new role, her vision is clear: to ensure every child becomes a confident reader and writer.
“My priorities include developing a district-wide literacy plan, supporting teachers, and creating systems to monitor and improve literacy skills,” she explained.
The creation of the Director of Early Childhood Literacy role demonstrates the district’s commitment to providing a strong foundation for every student. Dana plans to implement High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) aligned with best practices in early literacy, ensuring consistent and effective instruction across all classrooms.
Mrs. Fornabaio’s goal for her first year is to assess the current literacy program, identify areas for improvement, and provide ongoing support to teachers so they have the resources and strategies they need to enhance early literacy instruction.
“This role will ensure all students get a strong start in literacy, addressing gaps early to set them up for long-term success,” Mrs. Fornabaio noted.
One challenge Mrs. Fornabaio anticipates is ensuring consistency in early literacy practices across all campuses. Each campus has unique needs and resources, but her plan is to build strong communication channels and create a system for sharing best practices.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Fornabaio is excited about making a lasting impact on early literacy.
“In a few years, I hope to see stronger literacy skills across the district and better collaboration among teachers, parents, and the community,” she said.
Mrs. Fornabaio also emphasized the importance of involving parents and the community in early literacy efforts, stating, “Early literacy is key to future academic success. We’re committed to giving every child the tools they need to become confident readers and learners, and this work will support their future success.”
Her dedication to excellence in education continues to drive her forward. “I’m motivated by the chance to make a real difference in students' lives. Knowing that the work we do helps students succeed keeps me focused on striving for excellence every day.”
As Mrs. Fornabaio takes on this pivotal role, Southwest Preparatory School remains steadfast in its commitment to early literacy. The district has outlined a multi-year strategic plan to ensure long-term, sustainable improvements in reading outcomes, particularly for students in the early grades. By building strong foundations through consistent support and professional development, the district aims to foster lasting literacy success for all students.
The entire Southwest Preparatory School community looks forward to the incredible impact she will have on supporting early literacy initiatives and shaping the future of young learners.