Throughout the Thanksgiving break, DeSoto ISD will encourage all K–8 scholars to “Gobble Up Goals” through a district wide i-Ready Reading Challenge designed to boost literacy skills, strengthen learning habits and keep students academically engaged while school is out.

Led by Chief Academic Officer Stephanie McCloud, the initiative invites students to participate in a fun and motivating reading challenge from Nov. 24 to Nov. 28, with activities taking place from home and tracked digitally through i-Ready.

Challenge overview

Students will be encouraged to complete:

• 45 minutes of i-Ready Reading each day.
• All lessons with at least 80% accuracy.

The challenge is designed to help scholars maintain academic momentum, enhance fluency and comprehension, and return to school ready to soar into the next phase of learning.

How it works

• Students log into i-Ready Reading each day during the break.
• The system tracks minutes completed and lesson accuracy automatically.
• Teachers and principals will review student progress when school resumes.

Campus competition and celebrations

To spark friendly competition and school spirit, each DeSoto ISD campus may recognize the class with the highest levels of:

• Total minutes completed
• Lessons passed at 80% accuracy or higher
• Overall student participation

Campuses may choose the celebration or reward that best fits their community – encouraging every scholar to do their best and contribute to their class’s success.

Why it matters

The reading challenge supports DeSoto ISD’s mission to increase reading fluency, comprehension, and overall academic growth. By participating, students strengthen essential literacy skills that impact performance across subjects, including foundational math and problem-solving abilities.

“Thanksgiving Break offers a perfect opportunity for students to stay engaged in learning,” McCloud said. “This challenge promotes strong reading habits, celebrates academic effort and keeps our scholars’ minds active while enjoying time with family.”

Call to action

The challenge is open to all K–8 students across all DeSoto ISD campuses. K–8 scholars, it’s time to keep your brains active and reading skills sharp! Join the challenge from and complete 45 minutes reading each day with 80% accuracy or higher. Track your progress, help your class win campus celebrations, and return to school ready to soar.

Log in daily, complete lessons, and challenge yourself this Thanksgiving Break.