BCSD launches Baldwin Reads to improve literacy

>> BALDWIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
  • Baldwin Reads launched at a pep rally at Lakeview Academy that included students, faculty, and community partners Communities in Schools, LVA PTO, Family Connections, and Ferst Readers. CONTRIBUTED
    Baldwin Reads launched at a pep rally at Lakeview Academy that included students, faculty, and community partners Communities in Schools, LVA PTO, Family Connections, and Ferst Readers. CONTRIBUTED
  • Superintendent Kristina Brooks (left) with Fouts Brothers’ co-owner Heather Edens and project manager Kaycle Jacobs. CONTRIBUTED
    Superintendent Kristina Brooks (left) with Fouts Brothers’ co-owner Heather Edens and project manager Kaycle Jacobs. CONTRIBUTED
  • The Baldwin County High School football team met with students and spoke during the pep rally launch at Lakeview Academy. CONTRIBUTED
    The Baldwin County High School football team met with students and spoke during the pep rally launch at Lakeview Academy. CONTRIBUTED

    The Baldwin County School District officially launched the Baldwin Reads Program, an initiative that will transform how children experience the magic of reading, Sept. 23 at a school-wide pep rally at Lakeview Academy.

    This comprehensive Reading Excellence Initiative extends beyond traditional classroom instruction to cultivate a love of reading that will serve students throughout their lives. The initiative is part of a partnership with Fouts Brothers’ co-owner Heather Edens and is being managed by Kaycle Jacobs.

    The pep rally included LVA students and faculty and community partners Communities in Schools, LVA PTO, Family Connections, and Ferst Readers, which distributed books.

    There were also performances by the LVA Drill Team and Baldwin High School cheerleaders and a special appearance by Baldwin High School Braves football players.

    LVA Principal Cory Roberson announced a slate of fun, motivating incentives to boost at-home reading and participation in Accelerated Reader (AR) quizzes that reinforce deep comprehension and critical thinking. Incentives include meals, class parties, “pie-the-principal,” and special field trips.

    As a program, Baldwin Reads introduces a student-centered model built on three core components: Tiered Incentive System: Students progress through achievement levels and earn recognition as they meet reading milestones.

    Monthly Book Donation Program: Every month, new books go directly into students’ hands, with a 2025-26 emphasis on fourth grade. This ensures access to engaging, age-appropriate reading, regardless of economic circumstances.

    Community Partnership Network: Local businesses, organizations, and volunteers unite to champion literacy creating a county-wide culture where reading is celebrated and supported.

    “We’re not just teaching students to read; we’re building a culture where reading is celebrated,” said Erica Ingram, curriculum director. “When our community rallies around literacy, we send a powerful message that education — and our students’ success — is a shared priority.”

    At LVA, students have already checked out more than 1,000 books, pushing toward the first schoolwide goal: every LVA student reads one book by the end of fall break. District-wide, BCSD is encouraging as many students as possible to surpass one million words read this school year.

    — Contributed