Turning the Page: Pass Christian High School Launches “What Are You Reading?” Wednesdays
Pass Christian High School is embarking on a mission to reignite a passion for literature across campus with a fresh new initiative: “What Are You Reading?” Wednesdays.
Once or twice each month during Connections time, the entire school will drop everything to read. From the front office to the athletic fields, students, teachers, administrators, counselors, coaches, and staff will pause their routines, pick up a book, and read together.
The idea took root during a recent English Department meeting, where ELA educators brainstormed ways to help students rediscover the joy of reading.
Principal Tiffany Lindmark, who attended the meeting, immediately embraced the concept. The goal is simple yet ambitious: change the narrative for students who feel they “don’t like to read” by giving them protected time and helping them discover stories that actually match their personal interests.
By having adults across the entire school model reading in real-time, PCHS aims to show that reading isn’t just an assignment—it’s a lifelong habit. One benefit is that reading helps students with their ACT and PSAT test scores and can help them grow in empathy and critical thinking, also while growing their focus strength.
The team who developed this idea is bringing fresh, creative energy to book discovery. Tenth-grade ELA teacher Clare Phillippi is developing an interactive genre survey pamphlet—inspired by a viral idea on TikTok—to help students easily narrow down the genres that match their personality. School librarian Melissa Williams will offer custom informational guides, genre quizzes, and multiple checkout copies of the school’s featured One Book, One Pass selection.
“I am looking forward to helping students find their next favorite book and having discussions about their favorite books and genres,” says Mrs. Williams. School staff members hope that members of the community who own local businesses may reach out to incentivize our students as they begin this new personal reading journey. Anything from free coffee to free food may help a student raise the bar on their personal reading and reward them in their efforts, and Pass High would love local business to reach out and get involved.
As Connections teachers begin prompting students to think about what they want to read next, the enthusiasm across campus is growing. Whether it’s graphic novels, mystery thrillers, biographies, or fantasy, Pass High is proving that with the right book in hand, any Pirate, at any age, can become a reader.
