Duval Times

Jacksonville, Apr 8 2024 - Highlands and Rufus E. Payne Elementary Schools have been announced as winners of Beanstack’s inaugural Reading Culture Trailblazer Award. The schools have been recognized for their outstanding participation in Mayor Deegan’s River City Readers literacy challenge, facilitated through the Beanstack app.

Mayor Deegan expressed his excitement, stating, "I’m delighted to see that our young readers are working so hard on this challenge and reading every day." He further extended his congratulations to the students and leadership of Highlands and Rufus E. Payne, urging them to continue their reading efforts to achieve the citywide goal of one million collective reading minutes in 2024.

During Celebrate Reading Week in April, Mayor Deegan visited Rufus E. Payne Elementary School to encourage student participation in the River City Readers challenge, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a culture of reading.

The Reading Culture Trailblazer Award, granted to schools with over 75% participation in Beanstack annually, acknowledges the effective use of the app in promoting reading habits. Data reveals that young readers engaged in reward-driven challenges like River City Readers log an average of 20 minutes of reading per day, showcasing the impact of incentivized programs on participation rates.

As recipients of the award, Highlands and Rufus E. Payne Elementary Schools will receive Beanstack’s Reading Culture Rebate, a $150 gift card aimed at supporting their reading initiatives and celebrating their success in fostering a love for reading among students.

For more information on River City Readers and to access the Beanstack app, individuals can visit www.jacksonville.gov/rivercityreaders.