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600 JCPS rising first graders receive 50 books to keep
Six-year-old Paris Holland isn’t used to receiving boxes, addressed to her, at her home. But that’s what happened in early June – a heavy box showed up on the doorstep, filled with 50 books, just for Paris.
“It was exciting because now I can learn how to read,” Holland said. “I like to learn.”
Paris is one of 600, soon-to-be first graders in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) who received the boxes of 50 high-interest books. Every incoming first grader in nine high needs JCPS elementary schools received the reading materials courtesy of a $500,000 grant the district’s Library Media Services division received from the federal government. The initiative, called Level UP, addresses potential disparities in reading achievement and educational attainment.
“Research shows that one of the most significant factors influencing a child’s academic success is giving them an introduction to books at a very young age,” said Dr. Lynn Reynolds, director of JCPS Library Media Services. “It helps get them started on a path of lifelong reading and learning. We want children and families to value reading together at home. Getting books in their hands is the best way to generate that excitement.”
Nineteen JCPS elementary schools received the same 50 books for their libraries as part of the initiative, bringing the total number of new books in the hands of students and schools to nearly 31,000.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to be actively engaged throughout the summer keeping their reading skills sharp and decreasing any learning loss they may experience,” said Danielle Randle, principal of Semple Elementary. “I am so grateful our students are being exposed to so many different options to keep them excited about reading. Reading daily for even 20 minutes supports their academic success for a lifetime!”
Paris’ grandmother, Decora Whalen, says Paris loves the books, shows them off to her younger siblings and really wants to be able to read them on her own.
“I am so appreciative of JCPS getting these books for Paris,” Whalen said. “Since we received them, I’ve been reading with her every night and she loves it.”
The books are aimed at students in the K-2 reading level. As part of the grant, families will be sent a packet of activities each month that align with the books their child has received. The schools’ librarians are planning read-alouds, lessons and activities in the student’s library times, as well.
