CPS' Community Impact Reading Club Inspires Students and Strengthens Community Bonds
CPS' Community Impact Reading Club has wrapped up its first round of sessions, leaving students and community leaders inspired and eager for the next phase. The four to five-week initiative paired local leaders with students to share the joy of reading and highlight the transformative power of books.
Launched earlier this year under the leadership of Deputy Superintendent Dr. Alesia Smith, the program invited influential community figures. Those include Congressman Greg Landsman, Mayor Aftab Pureval, City Manager Sheryl Long, judges, pastors and others to read with students at schools across the district.
“This program is life-changing. Students falling in love with reading is essential for their growth. Reading will take you places,” Dr. Smith said.
Rothenberg Preparatory Academy, Taft School, Chase School, Roselawn Condon School, and others participated in the program. It offered small-group reading sessions pairing students with local leaders for one hour each week. The books chosen for these sessions were carefully selected by the curriculum and instruction team to inspire critical thinking, spark creativity and foster a deeper connection to the world around them.
As community leaders read with students, they shared their thoughts on the stories and personal experiences about how reading has influenced their lives. These interactions helped students see reading as an academic skill and a gateway to endless opportunities, encouraging them to set goals and dream big.
“We’re so excited about the way our students embraced the program,” said Gary Tate, principal at Rothenberg Preparatory Academy. “They were eager to learn and engage, and they loved getting to know the leaders in their community. It’s clear that this experience has sparked something special in them, and we’re already looking forward to the next round of sessions.”
- Chase School
- District
- Roselawn Condon
- Rothenberg Academy
- Taft Elementary