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HEB ISD reviews Reading Academy expansion and HEB Reads community programs
Summary
District leaders updated trustees on Reading Academy K–3 implementation and the HEB Reads community literacy initiative, reporting local cohorts, bilingual planning with Region 11, flexible scheduling for teachers, and a community giving day funded in part by a $25,000 donation for marketing.
District leaders provided updates on early‑literacy work and community reading initiatives. Dr. Norgart reviewed Year 5 of the district’s Reading Academy for K–3 (extended to grade 3) and explained local implementation choices including a June launch to meet the state’s first‑year training requirement while minimizing teacher time away from students.
"We've trained all of our principals, so we've shifted our focus as we get new assistant principals," Dr. Norgart said, describing comprehensive cohorts and bilingual coordination with Region 11. The district offered Saturday options or substitute coverage to deliver needed Reading Academy days without excessive classroom disruption and will compensate teachers for Saturday participation.
Kira Elich and community partners described HEB Reads, a districtwide literacy outreach that includes a summer reading challenge, incentives, and a May 17 public event. Ellen Jones and Sherry Knight presented a Library Giving Day initiative and reported a $25,000 grant from HEB grocery to fund marketing and materials; they said 27 library organizations across North Texas are participating on the platform provided by the Communities Foundation of Texas. Trustees were asked to support yard‑sign promotion at campuses and in the community.
Why it matters: The Reading Academy supports mandated literacy training and teacher development for early grades; HEB Reads leverages community partnerships and donor support to promote reading and family engagement across the district and neighboring cities.
