Welcome to Newport News Reads!
Newport News Reads! is a citywide reading initiative designed to spark a love of books and stories throughout Newport News. Centered around the theme Reading is Our Superpower, this campaign brings families, schools, and community organizations together to celebrate the joy and power of reading. Through engaging activities like One City Reads, reading challenges, book clubs, and literacy nights, NNReads! promotes a culture where reading is valued, visible, and vibrant.
We invite you to join us in bringing this initiative to life. Your enthusiasm, participation, commitment and support is key in the success of each activity planned throughout the year. Together, we can inspire every child and adult in Newport News to read, grow, and thrive - because in our city, every reader is a hero!
1st Semester Activities
One City Reads!
One City Reads! is the signature launch activity for the year-long Newport News Reads initiative. One City Reads! aims to engage the school and community in a citywide reading of one book from November 17 to December 19.
Grades K-5
One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate
Grades 6-8
FRAMED!
by James Ponti
Every student will receive a copy of the book and families will receive digital access to the reading calendar and weekly activities to engage in throughout the book!
Elementary Activities Calendar
One City Fall Family Fest
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 15th from 10am to 2pm at the Midtown-Brittingham Community Center for the One City Fall Family Fest.
This annual literacy event sponsored by NNPS Youth Development department brings the community together to encourage positive reading habits, learn about reading programs in the community, and provide families with activities to support literacy development at home for our elementary students.
Family Literacy Night
Families will join the team for a power-packed night of literacy learning! Reading specialists and FACE specialists will design an evening where families can lean into their superpowers by learning more about evidence-based literacy practices, spending time reading, and gathering resources to support their child’s literacy development.
Literacy nights are hosted by each school between November and January. Specific dates and times are determined by each school.
2nd Semester Activities
Super Readers Unite
To keep the momentum going, schools will design a literacy initiative that allows every K-8 student to continue flexing their reading superpower! Students can:
- set monthly reading goals
- participate in school and community reading challenges
Be on the lookout for more information from your child’s school!
Super Reader Showcase
Student progress and positive reading habits are celebrated throughout the school. Schools can showcase students’ reading power using classroom shoutouts, Morning Meeting, morning announcements, hallway displays, marquee signs, and more!
Family Literacy Night
Families will join the team for another power-packed night of literacy learning! Reading specialists and FACE specialists will design an evening where families can lean into their superpowers by learning more about evidence-based literacy practices, spending time reading, and gathering resources to support their child’s literacy development.
Literacy nights are hosted by each school between February and April. Specific dates and times are determined by each school.
Read Across America Week
We will celebrate the joy of reading by discovering new stories, learning about new authors, hosting a character parade, book talk, poetry slam, or reading rave! Schools will design a week-long celebration of literacy for the week of March 2-6.
Tech-Free Reading Week
Let’s ditch the devices and snuggle up with a good book! Tech-Free Reading Week takes us back to the basics. Families will receive access to a digital toolkit that includes suggested read-alouds, conversation starters, and tips for creating a cozy reading environment to celebrate Read Across America Week, March 2-6, at home.
Ongoing Activities Throughout the Year
Power Picks
Elementary and middle school librarians feature rotating displays of student-recommended books, new releases, and diverse titles that reflect students’ backgrounds, interests, and experiences.
Library Rotations
Middle and high school library media specialists will collaborate with classroom teachers to provide regular rotation opportunities for students in grades 6-9 to visit the library for book checkout and library exposure.
High School Literacy Squad
High school library media specialists will host a group of students who promote literacy within their building.
Books Before Bed
A social media campaign that encourages families to make reading a part of their nightly routine.
The ask: 15 minutes before bedtime, turn off those electronics and snuggle up with a good book. Families can share what they’re reading on social media by tagging @nnschools.
