In an effort to foster a love of reading in students, Rome City Schools is thrilled to have once again provided developmentally appropriate grade-level books for all students through the RCS Book Club.
The RCS Book Club uses Title I funds to purchase books that are delivered to students in a pack at the close of the school year. Each pack includes five books, as well as family engagement activities, tips, and a reading journal. Rome City Schools' Book Club was created to give students and their parents an opportunity to read engaging books together as a family. The voluntary book club encourages students to read throughout the summer in hopes that the students build literacy skills as they enjoy the summer months outside of the classroom.
In the past, RCS Book Club was limited to grades K-8, but given last year’s success, this year the Federal Programs Department expanded the program to include grades 9-12. All told, Rome City Schools was able to provide 5 books to 6,290 students. That’s 31,450 total books!
The same pack of books were provided to each grade-level teacher for his/her own classroom library, so that students can read and discuss the books in class while having the books in their home libraries to read and discuss with their parents.
“From our perspective of family engagement, we know that reading at home as a family helps to build a positive attitude toward reading and also helps parents build connections through language and conversation with their children,” Dr. Leslie Dixon, Director of Federal Programs, explained. Adding, “reading together is a wonderful way to connect as a family while also strengthening children's literacy skills. We are hopeful that our students and their parents will enjoy the books and that reading them together will spark fun and meaningful conversations that encourage everyone to keep reading!”
For questions regarding the Rome City Schools Book Club, parents should contact their child’s home school.