Parents visit classes and read a favorite short story or part of novel for special celebrations such as Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, Poetry Month, etc. Teachers, administrators, parents, and others talk about a favorite book and present information about its application to life in two minute segments during daily announcements. Parents, organizations, or community members can adopt a book and have their name placed on the front cover of the book. During open houses we display the collection of adopted books. Involve parents in independent reading.
Students have to write nine book reports per semester.
Four of these may be completed by watching the movie instead of reading the book. Students are provided with a list from which to choose titles. Parents help students in the selection process. Many of the books were made into movies in the 70s and 80s, and parents make useful movie critics. Students often watch the movie with their parents and go on to read the book as well because they like the movie so much.