Top: Students at Classen SAS Middle School assisted with the unveiling by designing original pieces of art to cover the book bus name plates before the grand debut.

Bottom: Students at Classen SAS Middle School celebrate the newly unveiled names of the OKCPS Foundation’s two ReadOKC On the Go! Book Buses.

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Students at Classen SAS Middle School assisted with the unveiling by designing original pieces of art to cover the book bus name plates before the grand debut.

“Our ReadOKC On the Go! Book Buses provide critical reading materials, help improve literacy rates and promote a life-long love of reading among students across our district,” said Mary Mélon-Tully, President and CEO of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation. “Naming these book buses furthers the impact they have on and strengthens the connection they have to our schools and our city as a whole. We can’t wait to see how Percy and Stella continue to positively impact students in the years to come. In addition to that, this is just a lot of fun, and we can all use more of that these days!”

In the fall of 2023, shortly after the debut of the second book bus, students across the district came up with name ideas for the buses inspired by their favorite book characters, and the most popular names were chosen as top contenders. The OKCPS Foundation then opened up the vote to the entire community, allowing OKC citizens to have their say in the book buses’ names.

“It is an honor to be here with our students today to celebrate the reveal of the names of our ReadOKC On the Go! Book Buses,” said OKCPS Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel. “Our second book bus was made possible through the district’s ESSER funds. ReadOKC is an important piece of our literacy plan and we are grateful we could make this investment to help build a love of reading in our students.”

ReadOKC is a district-wide initiative led by the OKCPS Foundation that is dedicated to instilling the love of reading in OKCPS students and in our community through diverse programming. Reading Challenges encourage students to build consistent, daily reading habits, while Reading Buddies and Book Clubs bolster students’ confidence and reading skills through mentorships with volunteers. Book Bus visits, along with Little Libraries installed at each school, increase student access to reading materials. One bus even specializes in providing special reading materials aimed at supporting newcomer students who are new to the U.S. and are embarking on the difficult task of learning a new language.

Since ReadOKC’s inception in 2017, OKCPS students have demonstrated improved literacy and attendance rates, as well as increased self-confidence and educational growth.

To learn more about ReadOKC and how you can support the OKCPS Foundation and local students, classrooms and teachers, visit okckids.com.

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Created in 1984, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance excellence, advocate for equity and build strong community support for lasting success in Oklahoma City Public Schools. The Foundation works closely with the District and business community to align strategies and priorities for sustained performance improvement. The OKCPS Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. To learn more about the Foundation, its focus areas, and its volunteer and giving opportunities, visit www.okckids.com.

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