Ranger Hannah Johnson of Douthat State Park reads to students during Alleghany Highlands Public Schools’ First Book Reading Night at Mountain View Elementary School on Sept. 15. Students and families gathered to read books, enjoy stories, and learn more about the importance of reading at home. (AHPS Photo)

AHPS Promotes Literacy through First Book Nights   Low Moor, VA (Sept. 16, 2026) - Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is continuing its focus on literacy and student reading growth with a series of First Book Reading Nights throughout the school year. The events bring students and families together to enjoy books, and make reading a regular part of their routines at home. The initial First Book Reading Night of the school year was held Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Mountain View Elementary School, bringing students and families together for an evening centered on reading and otters. Students in kindergarten and first grade received a free copy of Sea Otters, while students in second and third grade received Narwhal and Jelly: Narwhal’s Otter Friend. Families learned more about the featured books and spent time reading and enjoying the stories together. Each student also took home a free copy of the featured book to continue reading with family. The First Book events are part of the division’s larger effort to support reading achievement. AHPS was recently recognized by the Virginia Department of Education as one of 13 school divisions in Virginia to achieve a five-point gain in either reading or math on Standards of Learning tests. AHPS was one of only three divisions in the state to achieve a five-point gain in reading. Reading gains were seen at schools throughout the Alleghany Highlands Division, including an eight-point increase at Covington Middle School. Callaghan Elementary and Sharon Elementary were also recognized nationally for their third-grade reading performance. Cynthia Morgan, AHPS director of instruction, said the progress reflects the work of students, teachers, staff and families. “We are very proud of the growth our students are making, particularly in reading,” Morgan said. “This progress represents a lot of hard work by our students, teachers, staff and families. While we are pleased to see that work recognized, we know there is still more to do. AHPS is continuing to look for ways to strengthen reading instruction and give our teachers and students the support they need to be successful.” Morgan said families also play an important role in helping children develop strong reading skills. “Reading growth is a team effort, and families are an important part of that team,” Morgan said. “Talking with children, listening to them, reading together and discussing books all help build the language and vocabulary skills children need to become strong readers. These everyday moments can make a real difference.” The First Book Reading Nights are one way AHPS is bringing that partnership with families into the community. In addition to providing students with books to take home, the events give families time to connect with their schools and share the experience of reading together. “We encourage our families to mark their calendars and join us for these special evenings,” Morgan said. “Through the First Book program, we hope to bring families together, encourage reading at home, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the families we serve. Most importantly, we want to share the joy of reading with our students and their families.” Additional First Book Reading Nights are scheduled for: Nov. 12 — Callaghan Elementary. March 22 — Jeter-Watson Elementary April 13 — Sharon Elementary. All elementary schools in the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division are Title I schools. Title I is a federal program that provides supplemental learning materials, academic assistance, and community engagement opportunities to support student success. Students may attend First Books events at any school site, regardless of which elementary school they attend.  Thirty minutes before each First Book Reading Night, the District Advisory Committee, or DAC, AHPS’ Title I advisory committee, will meet to discuss goals, initiatives and plans for the year.

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