The Chattooga County School District proudly recognizes Lyerly Elementary School for its outstanding success in the Georgia READS initiative. Georgia READS, launched by the Georgia Council on Literacy, is a statewide movement dedicated to improving literacy rates across all age groups. Its mission is to unite and empower communities, educators, and organizations to address low literacy—a challenge that impacts education, workforce readiness, and overall quality of life.
Since its creation in 2023, the Council has introduced multiple programs to engage students, families, and communities in reading. The most recent challenge, Ready, Set…READ!, featured a racing theme where participants logged one “lap” for every book read to a child. Lyerly Elementary finished 5th in the state for the most books read—a remarkable achievement that reflects the dedication of students, teachers, parents, and the community.
The challenge began in Mr. Zach White’s sixth-grade classroom, where students embraced the goal of reading as many books as possible. Their enthusiasm quickly spread to first-grade classes led by Mrs. Lindsay Eckroat and Mrs. Sarah Hurley through Book Buddies, a program pairing first and sixth graders for shared reading experiences. Second and third graders, guided by Ms. Chris Barnes and Mrs. Tiffany Romine, also joined the effort, further boosting engagement. Media Specialist Mrs. Leann Porter played a pivotal role by recommending books and modeling read-alouds in the media center, inspiring students to explore new literature.
Why It Started
Mr. Zach White, the teacher who spearheaded the initiative at Lyerly, shared his motivation:
“I wanted my students to see that reading isn’t just an assignment—it’s an adventure. By turning it into a challenge, we created excitement and a sense of teamwork. Watching students encourage each other and celebrate every book was incredible. After all, literacy opens doors to endless possibilities.”
This collaborative effort underscores Lyerly Elementary School’s commitment to literacy and student success. The Chattooga County School District commends the teachers, students, and NWGA RESA Literacy Coach, DeDe Davis, for their creativity, hard work, and passion for promoting reading.
A Call to Action
Christie Dooley, District ELA Instructional Specialist, encourages families and community members to continue fostering a love of reading: “Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning and success. We invite parents and community partners to join us in this mission—read to your children, listen as your children read to you, share stories, and make books a part of everyday life. Together, we can ensure every child in Chattooga County has the tools to succeed.”
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