Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s lamp of learning burns brightly in Spring Branch ISD as a new generation of young readers is introduced to book adventures and, hopefully, to a lifelong love of reading. 

On Feb. 18, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation partnered with SBISD and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to highlight publicly an expansion of the foundation’s Reading Roundup program into Memorial-area Meadow Wood Elementary School.

Read-aloud book presenter was U.S. Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, who represents the neighborhood and campus. Fletcher read to and then talked with students in the library. 

Her book selection, “Giraffe Problems,” by Jory John, touched on an issue for humans – and fictional animals – of all ages – feeling odd and different based on physical characteristics.

Reading Roundup is funded through a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo grant. It aims to inspire students in grades 1-3 while improving literacy skills through volunteer-led read alouds. 

Read aloud books used are carefully chosen by the foundation, and include custom-designed lesson guides for volunteers.

The reading program also engages children in stories, helps promote their critical thinking skills, build vocabulary, foster a sense of community in the classroom, and inspire young children to read on their own at home.

Meadow Wood Elementary joins Reading Roundup’s expanding roster of Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation partner schools. SBISD began similar pilot programs last fall at three elementaries – Spring Shadows, Thornwood and Edgewood.

Four more district schools will join the volunteer-fueled program soon: Nottingham, Shadow Oaks, Sherwood and Hollibrook elementaries.

The program places volunteers in early-grade classrooms as guest readers for 30 minutes, two times a month.

At the Feb. 18 special event, Meadow Wood Principal Lynne Barry warmly welcomed U.S. Rep. Fletcher and special guests to the library’s read aloud. “We’re growing and growing,” she said, describing Meadow Wood’s growth, “and all this growth brings with it the need for just a little more help.”

SBISD Associate Superintendent for Community Relations Linda Buchman noted in her remarks that the district’s long-held history of partnerships and strategic planning around literacy had produced incredible results for many SBISD students.

“We know that kids who never had a book of their own at home now have a family library,” she said, expressing big gratitude for the foundation’s district work and committed volunteers.

Well-known foundation leader Dr. Julie Baker Finck reminded the gathering that First Lady Barbara Bush believed strongly that those in a special public life post – like Mrs. Bush, the former President and her family – were called to serve others. Literacy remains the foundation’s core call to action.

Before reading to students, Congresswoman Fletcher praised the district-foundation partnership, with its grant support from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She called the partnerships “a wonderful symbol of how our community works together.”

The congresswoman proved to be a great children’s book reader and story teller, drawing out comments and discussion about Edward the Giraffe, the main character in “Giraffe Problems.” Edward just can’t understand why his neck is so long and “bendy,” and, well, “ridiculous as it is.”

“Have you ever felt really embarrassed because you were not the same as everybody else?” Rep. Fletcher asked the students rhetorically.

Many volunteered that they had.

“You are perfect just the way you are,” Congresswoman Fletcher said. “It’s how you are different that makes you interesting, and a good friend. You’re all perfect just the way you are!”

In separate but related news, SBISD has established another program that focuses on volunteering and literacy. The Reading Buddies program is now active on three local campuses – Spring Branch, Cedar Brook and Spring Shadows elementary schools. More volunteers are needed to reach more students. Please volunteer and help all our students read and achieve!

For details and to learn more:

• SBISD Video: Who is reading with us today?
• Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation
• Read SBISD: A Community Literacy Initiative