Three Districts, One Book
At All District Reads, we often talk about the powerful sense of community built around reading when elementary families across an entire school division read and discuss the same book at the same time. Now imagine that power multiplied by three!
This March, 30,000 families across Norfolk Public Schools, Portsmouth Public Schools, and Suffolk Public Schools ALL will be reading the SAME BOOK. See our March newsletter for the title reveal, and watch for full program coverage in our April issue.
Photo: Students receiving their books at a Spring 2024 ADR kick-off. What will be the title for spring 2025?
Labeling Events Create Community of Caring
Beer + books = fun! But the All District Reads labeling events sponsored by local breweries feature far more than just fun. They create a community of caring around reading by bringing together people from local businesses, groups such as local Rotary Clubs, school division personnel, and even families to place labels in books. When students later write their names on the bookplate, they claim the book as their very own.
At various labeling events over the next few weeks, eager volunteers will place thousands of labels in copies of this semester’s selected title before students start reading. While performing this valuable service, volunteers also will share fellowship, enjoy food and drink, and make new friends.
Below are the upcoming labeling events that are open to the public. Click on the appropriate link to learn more and to sign up to participate!
All Norfolk Reads Tales and Ales Labeling Event, Monday, February 24, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Smartmouth Brewing Co.,1309 Raleigh Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507
All Portsmouth Reads Tales and Ales Labeling Event, Tuesday, March 4, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., MoMac Brewing Co., 3228 Academy Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23703
All Suffolk Reads Labeling Event, details coming soon
ADR Board Updates Mission Statement
At its meeting on February 5, the ADR Board of Directors unanimously voted to modify ADR’s Mission Statement to read: “Fostering family literacy through developing partnerships between communities and public schools.” The new Mission Statement is already featured prominently on the homepage of ADR’s website.
The Board meeting also featured lots of good discussion and feedback on the way ahead with ADR’s growth strategy, including school funding initiatives and corporate sponsorship packages. The next ADR Board meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 2. Between now and then, key players will work on a new budget proposal for approval, says ADR Executive Director Mike Dillender.
All District Reads thanks its Board members for their support in the effort to light literacy fires among elementary school families across Suffolk, Portsmouth, and Norfolk!
All District Reading Blog Spotlights the Magic of Reading Aloud
“Is there a person on earth who doesn’t love being read to?”
This quote from a recent article by Melissa Kirsch in The New York Times reminds us why the family reading time that All District Reads inspires is so powerful. A new blog post on the ADR website highlights some key points from Kirsch’s article. These include specific benefits of reading aloud, such as the connections the activity creates and the simple feeling of coziness it brings.
The blog goes on to cite some key findings from the most recent Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report. Among the findings is the fact that nearly three out of four parents (74%) report that they have used a children’s book to help their child do things such as:
- Explore interests
- Understand feelings and emotions
- Get ready for a new experience
- Discuss a difficult or challenging topic
- Understand others’ identities
- Understand an aspect of their own identity
- Navigate bullying, and more
Read the full blog article here.
All District Reads in the News
An article by Suffolk Public Schools Superintendent John B. Gordon III tentatively titled “Books + Students + Parents + Community = Success” has been accepted to appear in the May 2025 issue of School Administrator, the membership magazine of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Watch for further details about the article when it is published.
Celebrate Black History Month with Books
This #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re celebrating books that highlight Black voices and experiences. Several books featuring Black characters and/or authors have been popular titles in the All District Reads program: EllRay Jakes Is Magic by Sally Warner, Cleo Edison Oliver, Playground Millionaire by Sundee Frazier, and Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson.
Reminder: YOU Can Help US Spark the Love of Reading
Want to support ADR’s mission to connect communities to local elementary students through the All District Reads program? Here are two easy ways.
Visit the ADR website: Consider supporting our work by making a monthly donation through our Book Club or by giving a one-time gift of any size. Visit the ADR Donations page to learn more.
Use your IRA to make a lasting impact: If you’re over 70 and have an IRA, you can use a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to donate directly to All District Reads. Contact your tax professional about potential tax benefits. For details, please contact ADR board member Annette Wilson.
Literacy Quote
“Children fall in love with books because of the memories created when they snuggle up and read with someone they love.”
– Raising Readers