El Paso Independent School District recently brought its classrooms to life with the annual Read Across the District initiative, marked by a kickoff event on Friday, November 7. El Paso ISD's website highlighted the participation of children's author Lisa Caprelli, known for the Unicorn Jazz series, who visited Hart Elementary School to interact with students and discuss her new book, "The Flying Taco." Students engaged with Caprelli, delving into the themes of creativity and individuality that her work promotes.
Amid these celebrations, El Paso ISD board trustees Jack Loveridge and Mindy Sutton visited various campuses to read stories to the schoolchildren, their presence underpinning the district’s emphasis on fostering a love for reading from an early age; this is after the Texas Education Agency released accountability data showcasing improvements in reading and language arts at multiple schools. Chief Academic Officer Adalberto Garcia, as obtained by El Paso ISD, affirmed, "Read Across the District is one of our most cherished literacy traditions because it brings our schools and community together through the simple joy of reading."
El Paso ISD didn’t just stop at hosting live author interactions: the district is rebooting Buenas Noches, El Paso, a program designed to beam storytime into homes nightly with episodes featuring leaders and local notables narrating children’s books. This outreach is a part of the district's strategic plan to enhance early literacy and encourage reading as a family activity.
The efforts of El Paso ISD, supported by students, staff, families, and the wider community, reinforce the critical role that books play in sparking imagination, connecting people. The Read Across the District initiative stands as a testament to this philosophy, reaching beyond the chalkboard to kindle a collective spirit of discovery among learners of all ages. Sutton told El Paso ISD about the importance of these moments, saying, "With enthusiastic participation from students, staff, families, and community partners, this year’s Read Across the District once again showcased the power of books to inspire and unite learners of all ages."
