Lakeridge Junior High in Orem has implemented a new requirement for all students to carry a book in their backpack to build daily reading habits, according to a September 28 report. The initiative seeks to foster a culture of reading across the school through structured advisory periods and classroom resources.
The school's literacy team, led by chair Shay O'Day, noted that while reading felt like a chore at the start of the school year, students are now beginning to get lost in their books. To support this, every advisory classroom was equipped with a dedicated collection of English and Spanish books provided by the school over the summer.
Principal Derek Elison stated that students are utilizing extra minutes at the end of class to read now that phones are kept in pouches. To facilitate this transition, the school established a partnership with the Orem City Library before the school year began to help parents obtain library cards.
The school also launched the Lit Leopards program, a mentorship initiative where teachers across various subjects mentor students on specific books. Once a student completes a book, they can discuss it with a teacher to earn prizes from the school librarian.
Staff members are also modeling these habits by reading during designated advisory times. O'Day said this practice has opened conversations among staff and students regarding what books are interesting, allowing students to connect with each other through shared reading interests.
Alpine School District supports schools that cultivate a rich culture of learning, noting that literacy serves as an essential foundation for all academic disciplines. Stronger reading skills are linked to increased student confidence and performance across all subjects.
On Oct. 2, many Alpine schools will participate in the statewide Read-A-Thon. Lakeridge Junior High plans to have all students stop and read for a half hour during the event, while a select English language learner class will be bussed to the State Capitol to read with Gov. Cox.
