Action-packed Newport News Reads slate will charge up reading superpowers
Posted: January 27, 2026
Newport News Public Schools students, families and educators will join together to explore stories through reading as Newport News Reads activities continue for PK-8 students through the second half of the school year.
NNPS' Newport News Reads year-long student reading initiative is designed to spark a love of books and stories throughout Newport News. Centered around the theme Reading is Our Superpower, Newport News Reads brings families, schools and community organizations together to celebrate the joy and power of reading through engaging activities like One City Reads held in the fall, reading challenges, book clubs and literacy nights.
"We've put together an array of ways for students to increase their reading time both inside and outside of school," said Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning Lori Wall. "Teachers and families can find lots of ways to encourage and support their students using the many experiences and tools that will be provided."
Students and families are invited to continue flexing their reading superpower in February and March by participating in a fun and flexible reading challenge. Detailed information will be sent home to families about this optional competition for students, which will feature students logging time spent reading to win prizes.
During their super reader showcases, individual schools will celebrate student progress and positive reading habits throughout their buildings. This will include highlighting students' reading power using classroom shoutouts, Morning Meeting, morning announcements, hallway displays, outdoor marquee signs and other creative avenues. Schools will design literacy activities that allow every PK-8 student to continue flexing their reading superpower in their own unique way.
Each school will host a Family Literacy Night between February and April where families will join the faculty and staff for a power-packed night of literacy learning. Families can lean into their superpowers by learning more about evidence-based literacy practices, spend time reading and gathering resources to support their child's literacy development.
The annual Read Across America week March 2-6, will get an extra jolt of enthusiasm as schools will celebrate the joy of reading through a variety of activities. On Read Across America day March 2, all PK-5 teachers will celebrate by reading the same book, "We Are Definitely Human" by X. Fang, to students. Students will close the week on March 6 by participating in a STEM design challenge. This science, technology, engineering and math design activity will be directly connected to the book "We Are Definitely Human."
Tech-Free Reading Week March 23-27 will encourage students and families to limit screen time and turn their attention to books. Families will receive suggested read-aloud material, conversation starters and tips for creating a cozy reading environment at home.
