This spring, all elementary schools in Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) will take part in a special reading program, where every sixth-grader in the division will be reading the same book at the same time. Families are encouraged to take part in this initiative with nightly chapter readings to help prepare their children for trivia contests and other activities related to the text at school.
“The doors of literacy open new worlds of possibility for readers – no matter what age,” said Dr. Elie Bracy, III, division superintendent. “This is an opportunity for students and families to read together a fun and entertaining book and, as a result, hopefully inspire further experiences at home to support young readers.”
Thanks to the division’s partnership with All District Reads, every sixth-grader in PPS will receive a free copy of Cleo Edison Oliver, Playground Millionaire to read at home. The book, by author Sundee T. Frazier, tells the story of an elementary school entrepreneur, who has come up with a business idea: the finest tooth-pulling company in town. Through her story, readers will experience the ups and downs of navigating the corporate world as well as be reminded of the importance of friendship.
The program will run from April 15 to May 3, with a culminating celebration planned for later in the month. This is just a pilot of the divisionwide program, focusing on sixth-graders. The goal is to expand the program next year to all students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Families of sixth-grade students will receive more information the week after Spring Break, and students will receive their books on the kickoff day, Monday, April 15.