school bus painted blue with flowers, animals, blue sky, green grass and LITERACY BUS written on the side

The Tyler ISD  Literacy Bus made its first fun-filled stop at Dixie Elementary School today. Students were thrilled to climb on board the brightly colored character-covered bus. Once inside, they enjoyed reading books, playing games, and lounging in comfy bean bag chairs!

"Our students were so excited to be the first ones to experience the Literacy Bus," Dixie Elementary Principal Kimberly Simmons said. "Reading is a fundamental part of our curriculum and watching the students’ faces light up with interest in all the books and the adventures they hold is exciting to see!"

The Literacy Bus will travel to different schools to promote reading initiatives throughout the year. The bus will also travel to neighborhoods throughout the Tyler ISD community to provide high-quality literacy resources to encourage family reading. This will expand access to literacy activities among low-income families to help ensure that children have access to books and resources during the summer months and year-round. 

"The Literacy Bus is just the start of our commitment to impact our student's Successful Student Outcomes," Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. "Some of the books will be given to students so that they can build their own at-home library."

The Tyler ISD Foundation joined with other community partners to help partially fund the project by awarding a $5,000 grant through its Grants for Great Ideas program. The grant provided funding for the generator needed to power the Literacy Bus while at locations throughout the city.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the students in our community to have access to books and literacy lessons in a fun and interactive environment,” Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Hines said. “Early Literacy is a top priority for the District, and this is a perfect example of how Tyler ISD continues to support its mission of Successful Student Outcomes.”

The Literacy Bus is a collaborative project with the Junior League of Tyler (JLT). The JLT plans to host books drives to keep the bus filled with books and engaging learning resources and offer volunteer support.

The entire community is invited to see the Literacy Bus at the Junior League Touch A Truck event this Saturday, April 23, at Green Acres Baptist Church. Touch A Truck provides children a unique opportunity to explore vehicles of all types. Children can get behind the wheel and explore other Tyler ISD vehicles at the event, including a school bus, an activity bus, and a decked-out bus for special needs students. Crafts, games, and food trucks will also be part of the day's activities.

For more information on the Tyler ISD Literacy Bus, go to tylerisd.org/literacybus.