RCSD Level Up for Literacy Campaign
Together we can turn the page on literacy outcomes. One city. One vision. Every child reading.
On October 27, 2025, District classrooms launched our year-long literacy campaign with a special video message about the power of reading from Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of Schools. The District’s literacy campaign, Level Up for Reading, calls for everyone to build a culture of literacy that empowers every learner, every day.
Superintendent Dr. Rosser and the Teaching and Learning Department invite you to join the District in supporting every student in Rochester for this citywide level-up literacy initiative. More opportunities to collaborate and support schools will take place routinely this year, allowing you to demonstrate your shared commitment to improving literacy outcomes for children.
Follow #RCSDReads on social media to keep your page marked and ready to support literacy!
How can the community get involved?
More than 70 community organizations have already received information about how they can support Level Up for Rliteracy initiatives taking place this year at schools. With your help, we can maximize our impact on improving literacy in Rochester by solidifying support for students at school, at home, and in the community. To learn how you or your organization can get involved, please email rcsdreads@rcsdk12.org today.
Community Activity: Drop Everything and Read!
Community members: please take a moment to read independently or with someone else. Let’s show what it means to be one city with one vision of every child reading. Share photos with us by using #RCSDReads or by email at RCSDReads@rcsdk12.org.
Contact Level Up Literacy
RCSDReads Level Up Literacy LEAD Contact:
Dr. Shalonda Garfield
Cell: (585) 690-6234
Office: (585) 262-8362
131 West Broad Street, Rochester NY 1461
shalonda.garfield@rcsdk12.org
RCSD Literacy Task Force
Dr. Eric Rosser, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Wanda Labrador, Director of World Language
Dr. Collen Sadowski, Executive Director of Library Services
Sandra Galbato, Executive Director of English Language Arts 6-12
Dr. Kim Pappin Harris, Executive Director of Integrated Literacy K-5
Dr. Eva Thomas, Executive Director of Early Childhood
Marisol Lopez, Chief of Communications and Governmental Affairs Officer
Jennifer Cody, Chief Academic Officer
Chair: Dr. Shalonda Garfield, Director of Early Childhood and Numeracy
Cabinet Chair: Dr. Casandra Wright, Deputy Superintendent
Past Events
Join us to celebrate literacy, family, and fall fun. Let’s fall in love with a good book together!
Enjoy storybook characters, read alouds, a genre tasting party, photo booth fun, cider and donuts, giveaways, and more! Celebrate the joy of reading at our Booktacular Fall Festival on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East High School, 1801 East Main Street. | Learn more