By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Escambia County’s public school system has implemented the new digital reading platform recently purchased for students in grades K-8, and for youngsters who haven’t yet started school.
Dr. Michele Collier, superintendent of education for county schools, said the new reading aid is designed to both improve the literacy level of students, but to also help younger children develop a love for reading.
“Escambia County Schools is excited to announce the launch of new digital reading resources for students in grades K-8 and families with children from birth to age 5,” Dr. Collier said. “These resources, provided through Renaissance by myON, aim to enhance literacy development and foster a love for reading among our youngest learners.”
County public school students in grades K-8 now have free access to myON, a digital library with more than 8,500 books from various genres and interests. The digital literacy platform also includes myON News, which features age-appropriate and engaging current event articles that are tailored to students’ reading levels.
“These tools are designed to encourage independent reading and keep students informed about the world around them in a way they can understand,” the superintendent explained, adding that the new platform allows parents to access 1,776 books — at no cost — to read with their young children.
“This initiative aims to build foundational reading skills, promote bonding through shared reading, and ensure every child is ready for school success,” Dr. Collier said.
Local students will be able to access the digital libraries through Clever and go to Renaissance, using the directions included.
Dr. Collier, Ed.D. emphasized the district’s commitment to literacy and the expected boost that is going to receive from the new reading platform.
“These digital tools represent a significant step in ensuring that every child in Escambia County has the opportunity to grow as a reader, from their earliest years through middle school,” she said.
Renaissance offers five suggestions to parents and guardians of students who are looking to better their reading ability and young children who are just learning to read. Those suggestions:
*Read every day
*Let children choose the books.
*Read together.
*Listen to the child’s read-alouds.
*Talk about reading growth.
To start reading with their child or children, parents and guardians should go to https://global-zone05.renaissance-go-com/welcomeportal/78931. Log in with the username “myon” and use the password “abc.”
For questions or more information, contact District School Improvement Supervisor Tracy Hudson at Tracy.Hudson@escoschools.net.