Perry’s Page Turner Reading Club Sparks a Love of Literacy
At Perry Elementary, educators know that reading is more than just a subject; it’s the foundation for every child’s future. Yet in recent years, Perry has seen a steady decline in reading proficiency among its youngest learners, particularly in grades K–2. Therefore, a new program, the Page Turner Reading Club , was launched. This initiative is designed to spark joy, confidence, and consistency in reading for every child.
Why Does Early Literacy Matter?
Research is clear: children who are proficient readers by the end of third grade are far more likely to succeed academically and graduate on time. Also, students who fall behind in reading at an early age often struggle to catch up, facing challenges that ripple through their entire school experience. The Page Turner Club is Perry’s proactive response to these realities, creating daily opportunities for students to explore books and grow into lifelong readers.
Thanks to the Community School Model, Perry is able to mobilize an entire network of support behind this initiative. Volunteer readers, neighbors, family members, and community partners are invited to spend just 20 minutes reading with a student—time that helps unlock new opportunities, spark curiosity, and build lasting confidence.
In addition to mentors from local partners, students in grades 3–5 play a crucial role. By modeling positive reading habits, they inspire their younger peers while also strengthening their own skills. This ripple effect is creating a culture where reading isn’t just a classroom task, but a celebrated and shared experience across the entire Perry school community.
The goal of the program?
To foster a love of reading across Perry Elementary by engaging 100 volunteer readers, ensuring each K–2 student reads 100 books in the first 100 days, encouraging grades 3–5 to collectively reach 100 books per grade, and reigniting joy in reading for students of all ages.
Together, these literacy efforts show how the Community School Model is making a real difference at Perry Elementary. With the help of resources, volunteers, and families, Perry is helping students gain confidence in reading and setting them on a path toward success—one book, one student, and one volunteer at a time.
