Killeen Independent School District has partnered with Bookmarked to increase parental involvement and provide greater oversight of their student’s reading materials for the 2025-2026 school year. The system offers a range of features aimed at strengthening the partnership between schools and families, giving parents a valuable tool to stay informed and engaged.
Feedback from KISD Staff and Parents
Killeen ISD’s initiative not only promotes reading but also fosters a stronger community where schools and families work together to celebrate every student's intellectual growth. OnShelf assures parents that they are active participants in their child's educational journey.
- Strengthening Community: As KISD's elementary lead librarian, Rayanne Polm sees the platform as a significant opportunity to "strengthen our partnerships" between librarians and families.
- A Valuable Tool for Parents: A parent in the district, Sabrina Espinoza, praised the platform's practical benefits, noting it serves as a helpful "reminder for due dates" and that the restriction feature is "especially helpful for children who are checking out books that may be a bit mature as far as topic goes or that may be too challenging based on their current reading level."
- Literacy-Growth Features: OnShelf provides parents with book summaries and discussion questions, turning a simple book checkout into a rich, educational experience. This active engagement helps to deepen comprehension and build critical thinking skills. Rayanne Polm, KISD’s elementary lead librarian, noted the program "has a functionality that allows parents to see what their students are reading and provides them with talking points and discussion questions to engage with their student about what they are reading and ensure that students are comprehending their reading."
- Empowering Parents with Choice: OnShelf gives parents the power to tailor their child's reading experience. The platform allows for individual permissions for books, ensuring children have access to materials that are both challenging and appropriate for their age and reading level. KISD attorney Mike Harper explained, "They may think first grade is a little too young to be reading ‘Harry Potter,’... But by fifth grade, ‘I’m fine with my kid doing that.’ So you can toggle on and off what the student is able to check out from the library."
OnShelf: A Powerful Tool for Parent and Student Engagement
Bookmarked is committed to positively impact our communities by seamlessly connecting parents to their child's reading life. OnShelf makes literacy a shared journey:
- Real-Time Notifications: The platform features a notification system that alerts parents when their child checks out a book, providing real-time visibility into their reading habits. This feature goes beyond simple tracking; it’s a conversation starter.
- Reading History & Recommendations: Parents can view their child's checkout history and see which books are new to the library or recommended by teachers. This fosters dialogue and helps ensure students select appropriate books.
- Parent-Led Customization: The platform provides tools for parents to take an active role in their child's reading choices, including:
- Book Summaries & Discussion Questions: Parents can access summaries and talking points to engage with children about their reading.
- Specific Book Permissions: Parents can set individual permissions on books to customize what books their child can check out.
For more information, read the original article from KDH News.
At Bookmarked, we understand the importance of fostering a love for reading from a young age. OnShelf not only supports your child’s educational growth but also strengthens the bond between you and your child through shared literary experiences. It’s more than just a tool; it’s a companion on your parenting journey, helping you inspire a lifelong passion for learning and discovery.
Join us in empowering the next generation of readers. Talk with a Bookmarked expert today to discover how OnShelf can enhance your child’s literacy journey with Bookmarked!