Dear Westminster Public Schools Community,

“Kids will follow your example, instead of your advice." - Anonymous

As a parent and a teacher, I have learned that this quote is often true, and it is especially relevant when it comes to our WPS initiative to get young people to pick up a book or magazine and read.

It is well understood that when children see adults reading, they are much more likely to follow in their footsteps and become lifelong readers and learners. 

That focus on literacy and a love of reading is why we created our Bookmarks reading initiative, which debuts in this week’s What’s Up WPS.

We are asking staff, students, and community members to visit the website to share their favorite book and tell us why. 

What’s Up WPS will share these recommendations with the community, and as all of us engage in the conversation and express our love of books, we hope the spirit will be contagious and filter down to our children.

My recommendation is not a memoir, a love story, or a suspense thriller, but rather a book I recently read that has helped me professionally, and I believe will make me a better superintendent.

It is called “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni. It is a book that helps readers identify the type of work that brings them joy and fulfillment, while also helping them to better understand their coworkers and bring out the best in them. I love that the book uses real-life stories to explain key concepts.   

So, whatever book has made an impact on you, I hope you will take a quick moment to visit Bookmarks and help us build a culture of reading and conversation. 

As the public service ad campaign from years ago said, “Reading is Fundamental.”

Meanwhile, at the school level, we’ve added trained education support professionals to every kindergarten class this year, specifically to strengthen reading development. 

I am excited about what we are doing both inside and outside the classroom, and I hope you will join us in this effort.

Warm regards,

Dr. Jeni Gotto

Superintendent of Schools

Westminster Public Schools