LEON COUNTY SCHOOLS LAUNCHES “READ IT YOUR WAY, LEON!” DISTRICTWIDE READING CHALLENGE

Students and employees log more than 1 million minutes toward the district’s goal of 27 million minutes in 2026–2027

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — August 26, 2026 — Leon County Schools has launched “Read it YOUR Way, Leon!,” a districtwide initiative challenging students, teachers and staff to collectively log 27 million minutes of reading by May 2027.

The “27 in ’27” challenge is part of the district’s renewed focus on building strong academic foundations and encouraging students of every age to make reading a regular part of their lives.

“Our country is facing a literacy crisis, and school districts cannot afford to treat it as someone else’s problem,” Superintendent Rocky Hanna said. “We must get back to the basics of reading, writing and mathematics—and that work begins by helping our students become stronger, more confident readers.”

“This challenge is one part of that larger commitment,” said District Media Specialists Leader Kathleen Malloy. “By reading alongside our students and making it something our entire community values, we can build habits that will strengthen their performance in every classroom and prepare them for success long after graduation.”

More Than 1 Million Minutes Already Logged

Although the school year began just two weeks ago, participation is already gaining momentum. As reported during the August 25 School Board meeting, students had logged 969,233 minutes of reading. When teachers and staff were included, the districtwide total had already surpassed 1 million minutes.

“Everybody is reading,” Molloy added. “A lot of times, children do not think of themselves as readers—but if they are sitting in a classroom and reading, they are readers. Just like football, if you do not practice, you do not get better. Reading is no different.”

Students Can “Read It Their Way”

Leon County Schools is partnering with Beanstack, a digital platform that allows students and employees to record their reading through the ClassLink single sign-on portal.

Beanstack adds an element of fun and friendly competition by allowing participants to earn digital badges, maintain reading streaks and track their progress. The challenge emphasizes time spent reading instead of mandatory quizzes, allowing participants to choose what—and how—they read. Minutes may be logged from printed books, e-books and audiobooks.

The approach reflects the heart of the initiative: Whether it is a novel, biography, comic book, sports story or audiobook, every minute spent reading counts.

Making Reading a Districtwide Celebration

To reach 27 million minutes, the district’s 39 participating schools will work toward a combined quarterly goal of 6.75 million minutes.

The first quarter features a districtwide mini-challenge called “Rocky Reads.” During the remaining three quarters, schools will create their own themes, challenges and incentives to keep students and employees engaged.

Recognition throughout the year will include:

• A traveling trophy, created by local partner Awards4U, presented each quarter to the school with the highest participation rate.
• A “Readingest Faculty and Staff” award recognizing employee participation.
• Special lunches with friends, teachers or Superintendent Hanna for selected readers.
• School-level celebrations and incentives, including pizza parties, book fair gift cards, movie tickets and restaurant coupons.

Local independent bookstore Midtown Reader is also supporting the initiative by hosting visiting authors and using grant funding to bring free book fairs to Title I elementary schools. These events will give students opportunities to select books of their own and build personal libraries at home.

To learn more about “Read it YOUR Way, Leon!” and follow the district’s progress toward 27 million minutes, visit www.LeonSchools.net/81877_4.