North Texas school district gives students choice, voice in summer reading challenge

School is out for the summer, but the reading goes on.

And thanks to the GCISD Reads program, elementary students in the Grapevine-Colleyville school district can continue to enjoy books all summer.

“GCISD Reads is about fostering a love of reading with our teachers and students by having choice and voice in what they read,” GCISD Director of Humanities Jacqueline Van Horn said.

“Before students have choice and voice, we need to ensure all students have access. Our goal this summer is to continue promoting digital access to books as well as getting books physically into their hands.”

The district provided that with a week-long distribution of more than 3,000 books to students in grades pre-K through 12th in late May. Also, through coordination with the summer school program, students in pre-K through 5th have access to book packs.

Also, Van Horn said parents and students were informed about available digital resources, including thousands of audiobooks for various reading levels.

GCISD Reads is an annual challenge where students can choose to read a number of pages, a number of books or a number of genres. They record their accomplishments on a reading log and submit to their teacher. Students completing the challenge receive awards and social media recognition.

Summer learning is virtually delivered and summer reading clubs are hosted by librarians and district staff, Van Horn said.

“You really get to know students in a personal way,” Dove Elementary School Lead Librarian Kurstin Diggs said. “Knowing what they like to read tells you a lot about them.”

Van Horn added, “Learning starts with the relationships that are built between student and teacher. Getting to know your student by understanding the kind of books that interest them is another means of building that bond in the classroom.

“We are driven by our district goals, one of which is around equity and eliminating barriers. In my world the ability to read is the ultimate barrier.”