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How does Calvert County inspire a love for reading? Read their story to find out!

Despite the fact that Calvert County Public Schools serves the smallest Maryland county by land area, home to over 90,000 people, CCPS is the 13th largest among 24 school systems in its state. CCSPS has a total of 12 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 4 high schools in its district, along with a career and technology academy and a special education center. The district's overarching mission is "to produce graduates who are responsible citizens with career and educational choices in the 21st century."

CCPS and BookPal have worked together for more than four years to deliver thousands of books, ranging from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade reading and interest level texts, to its schools. "Books have helped schools to implement required curriculum, support classroom libraries, and allow equal access for all learners," shared Leanne Meisinger, the supervisor of elementary reading and language arts at CCPS.

In her role, Leanne has seen the amazing ways reading has impacted students and teachers. In fact, she frequently asks students about their thoughts on book choices used in CCPS' curriculum. "Students have connected with several characters and have book 'favorites' such as Iggy Peck, Architect, Shiloh, and Esperanza Rising," she said.

Books are used in a variety of ways at CCPS. Picture books are commonly used for read-alouds and mentor texts to teach instructional standards. Chapter books and other trade books are used for book discussions and self-selected independent reading. "Purchasing texts through BookPal has allowed our district to implement newly developed Common Core Standards-based curriculum and instruction so that all students and teachers have access to great, rich texts that are used across the day in reading, writing, and content-based areas such as science and social studies," Leanne explained.

It's amazing to see how books can empower both students and staff in public education institutions. Leanne put it best when she summarized, "Reading has the benefits of building vocabulary and general knowledge, modeling what writers 'do,' and provides enjoyment that instills a love for reading. Reading is a personal as well as social event that allows for a lifetime of learning."

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Leanne! We love hearing about how books have impacted your schools, your students, your staff, and your faculty at Calvert County Public Schools.

This post was written by Elizabeth Lee, the marketing manager at BookPal. She is currently reading We Too Sing America by Deepa Iyer and Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan.