Welcome to Newport News Reads!
Year 2, 2026-2027
Welcome to another exciting year of Newport News Reads! We are thrilled to continue this citywide literacy initiative that brings the joy of reading to students, families, schools, and our community. Guided by the theme Reading is Our Superpower, NN Reads! celebrates the connections, curiosity, and lifelong learning that grow through shared reading experiences.
As we build on last year's success, your passion, creativity, and commitment remain at the heart of this work. Through engaging experiences such as One City Reads, reading challenges, literacy nights, and other school and community events, we will continue to foster a culture where reading is celebrated, encouraged, and accessible to all.
Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Together, we will inspire every child—and every reader—to discover the power of books and create another memorable chapter for Newport News Reads!
1st Quarter Activities
Building a Super Reader Community
Schools will design literacy activities and structures to establish a reading community to emphasize the importance of reading, building good reading habits, and allow every K-8 student to continue flexing their reading superpower in their own unique way.
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.
2nd Quarter 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 - December 19.
Every K-8 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! Book details will launch in early November!
3rd Quarter Activities
Read Across America Week & STEM Design Challenge
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 1-5. The week will conclude with a division-wide STEM Design Challenge.
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.
Summer Experiences
NNPS Summer Learning Portal
Our digital learning portal provides daily opportunities for your PK-5 students to practice essential skills and expand their knowledge of literacy throughout the summer.
Summer Reading Challenges
Students and families can continue flexing their reading power by participating in a reading challenge sponsored by the public library and identified local businesses. Encourage students to read and get rewarded!
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.
