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Board adopts 2025–26 textbook package; elementary gets Kiddom math and 5 Ponds Press history
Summary
The school board approved the 2025–26 textbook adoptions and curriculum resources, recommending Kiddom for elementary math and 5 Ponds Press for elementary and middle school history and social science; digital and print bundles will be provided to classrooms.
The Dinwiddie County School Board voted to adopt the division's 2025–26 textbook and curriculum resource recommendations, approving a three‑year adoption strategy that staff said balances digital and print resources while aligning materials to the state's new standards.
Division curriculum staff said the elementary recommendations include Kiddom for math and 5 Ponds Press for history and social sciences; those history selections were recommended for both elementary and middle grades to support vertical alignment. Staff said the adoption includes classroom print sets for students plus online teacher planning materials and access for the summer so curriculum teams can embed the materials into lesson planning.
“Parents, teachers and staff had the opportunity to provide feedback,” said a curriculum presenter, summarizing stakeholder review. Survey respondents, staff said, valued alignment to Virginia Standards of Learning, layout and user friendliness; the committee prioritized vendors that demonstrated alignment to the new standards over more sales‑oriented demonstrations.
Secondary materials will be a mix: staff said they will continue with HMH for certain adoptees, STEMscopes at middle school science and Discovery Education at high school while evaluating print/digital balance and consumables for some subjects. Staff told the board they will seek to reduce screen time where appropriate by providing tangible classroom materials, notebooks and consumables for practice rather than relying solely on Chromebooks.
The nut graf: The adoption is intended to provide consistent, standards‑aligned materials across grade spans and allow teachers to access resources during summer curriculum work. The board approved the adoption by voice vote.
Operational details: Elementary classrooms will receive print classroom sets plus online access for teachers. High school implementations will vary by subject and may remain digital in some courses; staff said English at the high school includes consumable texts that students take home. Staff will continue reviewing print availability for middle school materials as vendor print releases become available. The board moved and approved the adoption at the meeting.
