Fern Drive Families Gather to Celebrate Reading, Literacy and Connection

Dozens of Fern Drive Elementary School students spread out across the campus on May 15 with parents, staff and loved ones by their side, flipping through picture books on blankets in the grass, sharing stories at lunch tables and reading together in classrooms during the school’s final “Read with a Loved One” event of the 2025-26 school year.

Completing its first year, the once-a-month initiative has quickly become a meaningful tradition at Fern Drive, creating opportunities for families to pause during busy schedules and spend time reading together for just 30 minutes each month. The simple but impactful gatherings are designed to help foster a love of reading at school and home while strengthening literacy skills that are critical for lifelong success.

“We love seeing families come together to share the joy of reading books and fostering community,” Principal Julie Lucas said. “These moments help build connections between school and home while encouraging students to see reading as something meaningful and enjoyable.”

The initiative has also been supported by the Fern Drive Foundation, which has donated books to the school and recently revitalized the school’s Fern Drive Book Nook free library to encourage reading beyond the school day. Building on the success of Read with a Loved One, Fern Drive plans to launch an early literacy program next school year to continue expanding opportunities for students and families to grow together through reading.

Programs like Read with a Loved One reflect Fullerton School District’s commitment to building strong school-family partnerships while fostering literacy, connection and a lifelong love of learning for every student.