Marana Unified School District Launches “On The Same Page – Kindergarten Reading Adventure”

Marana Unified School District is excited to announce the launch of On The Same Page – Kindergarten Reading Adventure, a new district-wide initiative designed to strengthen early literacy by supporting families in reading with their kindergarten students at home.
As part of the program, every kindergarten student will receive five free books along with fun, engaging reading activities to expand reading opportunities beyond the classroom to home. Families will also receive information emailed monthly to parents about what their child is learning in school and how to support reading at home, including activities, tips, and background knowledge about early literacy instruction.
“Our goal is to make families true partners in their child’s reading journey,” said Joshua Bayne, Executive Director of State and Federal Programs. “By giving our kindergarten students books to enjoy at home and giving parents the tools and confidence to engage in reading, we are helping build strong foundations that support lifelong learning.”
The initiative focuses on four key areas:
- Engaging Families in Reading: Parents and guardians learn how to create positive, effective reading routines at home.
- Strengthening Family-School Connections: Kindergarten families receive continuous support and engagement opportunities throughout the year.
- Building Confidence and Understanding: Families gain insight into instructional reading practices used in classrooms, helping them reinforce skills at home.
- Increasing Student Language Skills: Students develop stronger language comprehension, vocabulary, and book knowledge through shared reading experiences.
In addition to supporting families, On The Same Page – Kindergarten Reading Adventure ensures that students have access to high-quality books that they can keep, reread, and share, strengthening both literacy and the love of learning.
The program will roll out across all MUSD elementary and K-8 schools beginning in December and continuing into 2026 during special events at each school. Check your child’s school newsletter for room location and additional information.
On the Same Page - Kinder Reading Adventure Schedule:
This Week:
- Thurs., December 11, Time 5:15 p.m: Gladden Farms Elementary
- Fri., December 12, Time 4:30 p.m: Picture Rocks Elementary
- Fri., December 12, Time 5:45 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.: Roadrunner Elementary
Coming Up:
- Thurs., December 18, Time 9:30 a.m: DeGrazia Elementary
- Wed., January 7, Time 1:30 p.m: Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary
- Wed., January 14, Time 4:00 p.m: Quail Run Elementary
- Thurs., January 22, Time TBD: Twin Peaks K-8
- Tues., February 10, Time TBD: Butterfield Elementary
- Mon., February 23, 10:00 a.m: Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8
To Be Scheduled:
- Estes Elementary
- Ironwood Elementary
- Tangerine Farms K-8
“With ‘On The Same Page – Kindergarten Reading Adventure’, Marana USD is taking a significant step toward ensuring every child begins their educational journey with the confidence, skills, and excitement needed to become a successful reader,” said Joshua Bayne. “By uniting schools and families, the district is building a foundation that will support students in their reading development long after kindergarten.”
This program is funded through partnerships and community support. Thanks to the organizations who helped make this program possible including Arizona Humanities AZ Reads Grant Program, Comprehensive Literacy State Development Supplemental Grant, Title I Funding and private donations.
