Kansas City, Missouri — To increase awareness of the importance of early literacy, Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) today launched a campaign to empower students, staff and families to make reading part of their daily routine.  

“As a district, we must carve out time to read for joy, exploration and growth,” KCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collier said. “We want our students to see that reading is for everyone.” 

KCPS and the KCPS Board of Education have made literacy one of the district’s top priorities this school year. As part of the KCPS Loves to Read campaign, students in all grades will have the opportunity to participate in a challenge to reach reading goals, as well as participate in programming to support social and emotional well-being. In addition, parents and caregivers will be encouraged to find opportunities to read with their young children throughout the school year. 

Along with the reading program, KCPS encourages everyone to “Stop and Read” for 15 minutes on the first Wednesday of each month from 10-10:15 a.m. Throughout the school year, we will be inviting special guests to read in our schools. We will be sharing read-alongs in English, Spanish, Swahili and many other languages on social media. Tonight, Dr. Collier will be reading “All Because You Matter” by Tami Charles on Facebook Live at 7 p.m. You can join us by sharing your photos, book recommendations and reading tips using the hashtag #KCPSLovestoRead! 

To learn more about KCPS Loves to Read, visit KCPublicSchools.org/Read. To schedule a school visit or interview, please email Elle Moxley, KCPS Public Relations Manager, or call/text 816-914-8369.