(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – November 8, 2024) — El Paso ISD’s annual literacy initiative, Read Across the District (RAD), brought students, educators, and community members together for a celebration of reading at Bobby Joe Hill PK-8 School. The event highlighted the district’s commitment to fostering a love of reading and encouraging students to spend at least 30 minutes each day engaged with books.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Superintendent Diana Sayavedra, who spoke to students about the value of reading in building strong minds and expanding imagination. Sayavedra also read After the Fall, capturing students’ attention and showing firsthand the joy of getting lost in a story.
The celebration featured local author Philip Cortez, who shared his passion for reading and writing, inspiring students to embrace literacy as a lifelong adventure. Adding to the excitement, Chico, the Chihuahuas’ beloved mascot, acted out his own book for the students, creating moments of laughter and engagement for the young readers.
Cheerleaders from Bobby Joe Hill PK-8 and Andress High School boosted the energy of the event, rallying the crowd and showing their support for literacy.
Read Across the District began in 2014, combining El Paso ISD’s literacy initiative with the district's goals to engage families and the wider community. By hosting events like RAD, El Paso ISD continues to create a culture of reading that supports students’ academic success and encourages a love of learning both in and out of the classroom.
For more on RAD and other literacy initiatives, visit the El Paso ISD website.