During the Books and Brackets reading challenge, modeled after the March Madness basketball competition, all 30 elementary schools compete in a five-week reading challenge. The goal is to develop a love of reading, expand vocabulary and knowledge, improve critical thinking and provide a sense of community while having fun. 

The district’s Sweet Sixteen schools were named on March 2. They kept up the reading momentum as they competed to advance to the Elite Eight round. 

The theme of the love of reading is a superpower, the love of snuggling up with a good book, the love of reading with good friends and hats off to our favorite authors continued. While some students read with friends in their favorite places, others students cuddled up with a book and a favorite stuffed animal. In addition, Unionville students read and spoke to a media station about the challenge and the value of reading.

The Elite Eight schools were announced on March 9. The schools are Indian Trail Elementary, Sandy Ridge Elementary, New Town Elementary, Unionville Elementary, Poplin Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Stallings Elementary and Kensington Elementary. The listing is not indicative of who is leading in reading minutes. 

The Final Four will be announced March 16. The winning school will be revealed during a celebration at Wingate University March 31.