Practical PR: Raiders Read Together
A Hamster-Sized Hero Inspires a Community Reading Adventure
By Denise Barr
Each year, Huntley Community School District 158 hosts a community-wide summer reading program, “Raiders Read Together.” Modeled after the popular “one book, one community” concept, Raiders Read Together is designed to enhance literacy skills for elementary students over the summer and promote family and community engagement.
Superintendent Jessica Lombard spearheaded the initiative four years ago. “My goal with Raiders Read Together was to not only help students stay engaged in learning and enhance literacy skills over the summer, but to expand the reading program to the community and involve local businesses,” said Lombard. “It’s important for our families to make those connections in our community and for our businesses to have an opportunity to support our students and get involved. Having a shared interest in student success strengthens our community and helps build trust in our schools.”
Each year, the district chooses a book that is geared toward elementary students and aligns with the district’s mission, core values, and student behavior/classroom management model. Each elementary school family is provided with a book in English or Spanish at the end of the school year, along with reading tips and strategies, discussion questions, a bookmark, and calendar of events.
This year’s book, The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney, is a tale of a classroom hamster who learns about human behavior, solves problems and helps his friends navigate challenges. Past selections books include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wonder, and Charlotte’s Web.
While books for the program were initially funded through the Illinois Community Partnership Grant, they are now purchased by the district’s curriculum department. In addition, modified materials, digital resources, and other accommodations are provided upon request so that all students, regardless of individual needs, can fully participate and enjoy the Raiders Read Together experience, reflecting the district’s motto of “All Students Always.”
Each June, the district hosts weekly read-aloud sessions of the Raiders Read Together book at the Huntley Area Public Library with guest readers, including board members, the superintendent, elementary principals, and local officials. After the read-alouds and discussion, students engage in activities related to the book.
“Raiders Read Together has exposed us to a new experience that we look forward to every year,” said parent Alicia Jimenez. “Besides reinforcing morals, values and helping us better understand others, it has helped us bond together as a family and instill a love of reading in our younger children.”
“I like going to the Raiders Read Together program because there are fun guests and crafts,” said student Nyna Jimenez. “I like how we have different books each summer and how we can learn more about the characters. I also like how we can see examples of life, make connections, and how it can help us solve problems today.”
Students and families are invited to participate in a community-wide scavenger hunt related to the book. This year, local businesses and restaurants in Huntley are hosting a small stuffed animal “Humphrey Hamster” in a visible location. Students and families are encouraged to find the various Humphreys around town, take a selfie photo, and then post it to social media or submit to the district’s communications department, qualifying them for entry into a raffle drawing. This brings awareness and foot traffic to the local businesses and restaurants. Claudia Kendzior, owner of Morkes Chocolates in downtown Huntley, has supported the Raiders Read Together program for the past several years and takes participation to a whole new level. She keeps copies of the book in her store so patrons can engage with their children in reading or discussing the book over a donut and coffee. She also typically sells a stuffed animal resembling a character from the book and offers a book-themed “candy camp.” Last year, candy camp consisted of creating an edible spider web, molding chocolate farm themed lollipops, and making a pig face out of Rice Krispies.
“I have built my business in Huntley based upon the principle that I feel is paramount in life — treat everyone like you would like to be treated, with kindness and compassion,” said Kendzior. “In the world of malls, screens, and drive-thrus, adults and children alike need to slow down and have a conversation over coffee, write on the sidewalk with chalk outside my store, or sit and read a book at the shop.
“If children see that adults value these things, they will value them, too. By seeing that books are important, I hope that these students become readers for life, and, hopefully, they will always be able to find a happy place to sit and read.”
Now in its fourth year, Raiders Read Together continues to grow as a beloved Huntley tradition around the simple yet powerful joy of a shared story. By combining literacy enrichment with meaningful community connections, the program offers more than just a summer reading activity — it fosters a sense of belonging, human connection, and lifelong learning. Raiders Read Together reminds us that reading can unite a community and create lasting memories, one page at a time.