Programs and Initiatives

Race2Read

Race2Read is a citywide reading challenge that encourages students, educators, families, staff, and community members to read and log their minutes throughout the school year. The purpose of the initiative is to build a culture of reading and increase literacy by promoting daily independent reading. Participants work together toward a large collective goal, such as reaching millions of total minutes read. Reading minutes are logged through the Beanstack platform, which tracks progress, awards digital badges, and adds a fun, motivational element. Students are encouraged to read each day and families and community partners are invited to join in by logging their own reading minutes. The program also engages schools through friendly competition, celebrations, and recognitions for reading growth. Ultimately, Race2Read aims to strengthen reading habits, boost student confidence and stamina, and unite the community around the joy and importance of reading.

Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition

The Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition invites students to write, illustrate, and create their own original books. Inspired by the work of Ezra Jack Keats, the competition celebrates creativity, storytelling, and artistic expression. Students develop a story, design illustrations, and bind their pages into a finished book.

Schools select their top entries to submit for district judging. Books are evaluated on originality, quality of writing, illustration, and overall presentation. Winners are recognized at a district ceremony. The competition supports literacy by helping students practice narrative writing, visual storytelling, and the full process of creating a book.

APS Poetry Slam

The APS Poetry Slam is a districtwide spoken-word competition for middle and high school students. Participants write and perform original poems, using voice, rhythm, and personal expression to share their stories. Schools hold local slams and send their top poets to the district event, where students perform on stage before peers, educators, and judges. The Poetry Slam builds confidence, strengthens writing and public-speaking skills, and celebrates the creativity and voices of APS teens.