PSUSD receives $40k to jumpstart elementary reading program

Palm Springs Unified School District just recently received $40,000 to jumpstart a reading initiative in elementary schools district-wide. 

On Thursday, all students at Bubbling Wells Elementary gathered in their multi-purpose room for a group reading session. Each student was then given a new, free book. 

The books were all paid for under the new grant, which was awarded to the district as part of the Riverside County Office of Education’s Readership Initiative. 

“We’ve really focused on identifying books that are culturally inclusive. We want students to be able to see themselves in those books,” said Simone Kovats, Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, PSUSD. 

PSUSD was one of just eight county districts selected to participate. Each elementary school in the district will also receive new books to encourage young readers. 

“We want to make sure students are being encouraged to read on a routine basis. We want to make sure also that students have others read to them so they can build a relationship with their teachers,” said Felicia Cruz-Delgado, Director II, Riverside County Office of Education. 

Faculty are also encouraging families to read at home frequently with their children. “It’s fun because now we get to spend time with each other more,” said Christopher White, Bubbling Wells elementary student.