This fun and engaging program is designed to inspire students to develop a love for reading. This initiative encourages students to read more and explore new stories. Through the program, students are invited to “catch” their teachers and school staff reading (or get caught reading themselves!) and share their reading adventures. Whether it’s through challenges, rewards, or creative activities, Cats Caught Reading fosters a positive reading environment that motivates students to dive into books, expand their imaginations, and make reading a regular part of their lives. Let’s inspire the next generation of readers—one page at a time! 🔎📚

Each school in our district uses a wide variety of methods to recognize readers monthly. Whether winning a challenge, improving lexile scores, or accomplishing reading goals, we love to celebrate our students' achievements. From special awards and certificates to fun, interactive events like book-themed dress-up days or reading parties, we ensure that every milestone is acknowledged. These celebrations not only highlight the hard work and dedication of our readers but also create a sense of community and excitement around reading. By recognizing their accomplishments, we inspire students to keep exploring new books, broadening their horizons, and developing a lifelong love for learning. Keep up the great work, readers!

In 2024, Valdosta City Schools unveiled the WOW Bus (Wildcats on Wheels). The bus is stocked with free books to promote literacy in our district. It also features Virtual Reality headsets, Nintendo Switch, and a classic Nintendo Entertainment System. On the outside, there is a television mounted to the side of the bus with a retractable awning. This allows for special events with larger groups.

The W.O.W. Bus has already participated in large events such as our Community Trunk-or-Treat, City of Valdosta Christmas Parade, and so much more. One of our favorite highlights was the final week of school in 2024. Every elementary aged student received a gift wrapped book for the holiday season. The bus was decorated for the occasion and students happily opened their gifts when they returned to their classroom.

The W.O.W. Bus has quickly become a beloved part of our community, bringing excitement and learning to students of all ages. With its innovative approach to promoting literacy, fostering creativity, and offering unique experiences, it has already made a lasting impact on Valdosta City Schools. As we move forward, we look forward to even more opportunities for the W.O.W. Bus to engage and inspire students, furthering our mission to provide enriching experiences that enhance both education and community spirit. The future is bright for the WOW Bus, and we can't wait to see where it will go next!

If you would like to be an active participant in helping this program thrive, please contact Dr. Crawford to donate:

• kendal.crawford@gocats.org

• 229-671-6023