@BrenhamISD is building a culture of literacy! #BISDwired #IChooseBrenham

The Instructional Services Department, led by Director Bonnie Brinkmeyer, is working to build a culture of literacy in Brenham ISD. Every adult in the district has been asked to share what they are currently reading and many staff members are including this information in their email signature. In addition, BHS Librarian Sharon Logan partnered with the BHS English Department to offer a weekly contest where BHS students attempt to match teachers with their book. Of course the winning students receive a new book of their choice! Many teachers have book covers posted outside their classrooms to advertise their favorite reads and most memorable stories. Everyone in the district is working to promote a culture of readers in BISD!

In addition, Brenham ISD has partnered with the community to make good books and reading role models available to children of all ages. The Brenham Clinic is helping our future students by providing books to newborns and toddlers at the pediatric office of Dr. Jones. Not all new parents understand the importance of reading, so "celebrity readers" are paired with a families to provide tips on how to read and enjoy a book together. Brenham ISD has also asked volunteers to serve as "Celebrity Readers" and has already featured some of them in campus libraries. Local author Pastor Gilbert Franke recently shared his poetry book See the Train Come Through Our Town with BISD elementary students. Pastor Franke is the father-in-law of Melissa Franke, BISD Administrative Assistant for Special Programs and Curriculum & Instruction. On October 30, Ron Rozelle, author of the Washington County Community Read My Boys and Girls Are In There, spoke to students about his books and the joys and challenges of being an author. Brenham ISD has also been blessed by generous donations from the Brenham Rotary Club and the Graham Masonic Lodge to make sure that BISD students have their own books to keep at home.

Brinkmeyer shared, “Building a culture of literacy takes time, but we want to focus on the interest and excitement of the students, not just the skill but the will of reading!” If you or someone you know would like to volunteer as a reader for Brenham ISD students, please contact Melissa Franke at (979) 277-3700 extension 2102 or any campus librarian. Together, we can build a culture of literacy in Brenham ISD!