Lift Literacy: Readers on the RISE
DISTRICT-WIDE READ-IN |
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
What You Need to Know
As part of Dr. Armstrong’s Lift Literacy campaign, Readers on the Rise is a districtwide opportunity to center reading joy across our schools and remind our students, and ourselves, of the power of literacy to connect, inspire, and ground us.
We recognize that this time of year can feel full, and that schools are navigating a great deal. This Read-In is intentionally designed to be flexible, supportive, and aligned to the work already happening in your classrooms, not an additional lift.
This page is here to serve as your one-stop resource to help you prepare with ease. Inside, you’ll find:
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Simple ways your school are participating
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A clear planning checklist
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Ready-to-use communication tools
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Optional opportunities for guest readers and community connection
Whether your school engages in a schoolwide moment or keeps it simple with classroom reading time, the goal is the same:
Create space for students to experience the
joy, power, and possibility of reading.
We hope this resource reduces the need to create from scratch and allows you and your team to engage in a way that feels meaningful and manageable for your school community.
How Schools Can Participate in Read-In
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Drop Everything and Read (DEAR): Set a schoolwide time where everyone reads at the same time
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School-wide Read-Aloud Moment: Principal or staff reads a book over the intercom or in a shared space
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Pajama Day or Cozy Reading Day: Invite students and staff to dress comfortably for reading
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Reading Buddies Across Grade Levels: Pair older and younger students for shared reading time
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Guest Readers Across Classrooms: Invite staff, families, or community members to read in classrooms
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“Caught Reading” Moments: Walk through classrooms and shout out or recognize students engaged in reading
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Book Character Dress-Up (Spirit Day): Students or staff dress as a favorite character
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Hallway or Door Decorating (Light Lift): Classrooms decorate doors or spaces with book themes or favorite reads
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Reading Raffle or Giveaway: Simple incentives like bookmarks, books, or shoutouts
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Principal Classroom Visits: Pop into classrooms to read a short story or chapter
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Themed Reading Blocks: Each grade reads around a theme (community, identity, adventure, etc.)
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School-wide Reading Challenge (Day-Of): Track minutes read across the school and celebrate collectively
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Literacy Stations (Optional Setup): Set up simple stations (reading, drawing, writing, listening)
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Library or Media Center Spotlight: Highlight books, host a mini read-in space, or feature staff picks
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Student Book Recommendations: Share student favorites during announcements or in hallways
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Morning Announcement Kickoff: Frame the day and build excitement around reading
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Closing Reflection or Celebration: End the day with a quick share, announcement, or acknowledgment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to choose the same time or activity?
No, it's flexible.
Does this replace instruction?
No, it's literacy-aligned.
What if we're short on time?
Keep it simple!
Translated Flyers (Coming Soon)
Please Share Your Moments with the PPS Community!
📧 Send photos with face@pps.net
🌐 Use the Hashtag #ReadersOnTheRise
