RCSD Level Up for Literacy Initiative
Check out Superintendent Rosser's important message (link below) on the important role that literacy plays in the success of our scholars!
Together, we can turn the page on literacy outcomes. One city. One vision. Every child reading.
On October 27, 2025, the Rochester City School District (RCSD) launched its year-long literacy campaign, Level Up for Reading, with a powerful video message from Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, highlighting the transformative power of reading. The launch included a citywide “Level Up Reading Moment,” where students, staff, families, and community members across Rochester dropped everything to read together.
During the six-day campaign kickoff, schools, families, and community partners participated in a dynamic lineup of activities designed to spark excitement and build momentum around reading. Highlights included Level Up LitTalks, where students, educators, and family members shared what they were reading; Bonding Over Books, a screen-free evening that encouraged families to read together; and buddy reading experiences that took place across all RCSD schools.
Students also engaged in meaningful discourse and goal-setting, establishing reading goals for both school and home. Celebrations of stories and imagination came to life through Character Book Parades and Book Rallies, showcasing creativity and a love of literature throughout the district.
The district concluded the weeklong series of events with a culminating BOOKtacular Fall Festival. Festival highlights included read-alouds with guest readers, character costumes, a pumpkin patch, face painting, campfire stories, slam poetry, live performances, book giveaways, and a variety of hands-on literacy activities. Participants also enjoyed food, fellowship, and access to literacy resources provided by more than 30 community partners.
The district’s literacy campaign, Level Up for Reading, calls on everyone to help build a culture of literacy that empowers every learner, every day.
Superintendent Dr. Rosser and the Teaching and Learning Department invite educators, families, and community partners to join RCSD in supporting every student in Rochester through this citywide literacy initiative. Opportunities to collaborate and support schools will be on-going, offering meaningful ways to demonstrate a shared commitment to improving literacy outcomes for Rochester’s children.
Follow #RCSDReads on social media to stay connected, stay informed, and support literacy across our city.
How can the community get involved?
More than 70 community organizations have already received information about how they can support Level Up for literacy initiatives taking place this year at schools. With your help, we can maximize our impact on improving literacy in Rochester by solidifying support for students at school, at home, and in the community. To learn how you or your organization can get involved, please email rcsdreads@rcsdk12.org today.
Change the Narrative!
Together we can ~ Turn the page. One city. One vision. Every child reading.
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