Lakeridge Junior High in Orem has implemented a new requirement for all students to carry a book in their backpack to help build daily reading habits. The initiative aims to transform reading from a chore into a natural part of the school day.
To support the new requirement, the school's literacy team gathered hundreds of titles over the summer to equip every advisory classroom with a dedicated collection of English and Spanish books. Shay O'Day, the Lakeridge literacy team chair, noted that students are beginning to get lost in their reading, sometimes requiring reminders to put their books away rather than reminders to read. Principal Derek Elison stated that students are utilizing structured reading times during advisory periods and extra minutes at the end of class, often choosing books over phones because phones are kept in pouches.
The school has also launched the "Lit" (Literature) Leopards program, a mentorship initiative where teachers across all subjects mentor students on specific books. Once students complete a book, they can discuss it with a teacher to earn prizes from the school librarian. Additionally, staff members participate in designated advisory reading times to model positive habits for students. O'Day said this has opened conversations regarding what teachers are reading and allows students to connect through shared interests.
To bolster the program, the school established a partnership with the Orem City Library before the school year began to assist parents who did not have library cards. Many Alpine schools are also participating in the statewide Read-A-Thon on Oct. 2. For that event, Lakeridge Junior High plans to have all students stop and read for a half hour, while a select English language learner class will be bussed to the State Capitol to read with Gov. Cox.
The school's literacy efforts are part of a broader mission by the Alpine School District to champion schools that support student literacy and cultivate a culture of learning to improve academic performance across all disciplines.
