Broward County Public Schools and Florida Panthers launch inaugural reading challenge to inspire students and families to read together and build lifelong literacy habits

Broward County, Florida – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has teamed up with the Florida Panthers to launch the inaugural Florida Panthers Reading Challenge, an initiative designed to encourage families to read together and develop strong literacy habits. The program kicked off on September 15 and runs through October 10, involving four participating schools: Bennett Elementary School, Endeavour Primary Learning Center, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, and Oakridge Elementary School.

The challenge aims to engage students and families in a simple yet impactful way. Participants are encouraged to read together for 15 minutes each day and record their progress in reading logs. Once completed, these logs are returned to the child’s teacher. Families who successfully complete the challenge are eligible for several rewards, including certificates, bookmarks, Florida Panthers-themed prizes, and the chance for their school to host a special Panthers assembly in November if they achieve the highest participation rate.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Florida Panthers to celebrate and strengthen the joy of reading,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “Reading together as a family not only builds literacy skills but also creates lasting memories.”

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For the Florida Panthers, the program represents another opportunity to support youth education and encourage lifelong learning. “We are proud to partner with Broward County Public Schools on another great initiative,” said John Colombo, Vice President of the Panthers Foundation & Community Relations. “Our organization is committed to supporting youth education, and the Reading Challenge is a powerful way to inspire lifelong readers.”

The program is designed not only to improve reading skills but also to foster family engagement and create positive experiences around learning. By incorporating daily reading into family routines, the challenge provides children with consistent exposure to books, enhances vocabulary development, and strengthens comprehension skills.

The participating schools have welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm. Teachers are encouraging students and their families to take full advantage of the challenge, emphasizing the fun and rewards of reading together. The combination of school-based support and community involvement through the Florida Panthers creates a motivating environment for students to embrace literacy.

This inaugural challenge is part of a broader effort by BCPS and the Florida Panthers to promote literacy and educational engagement across the county. By tying reading to tangible incentives and community recognition, organizers hope to instill a lasting love for books among students.

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As the challenge progresses, families are reminded that consistent participation is key. Even 15 minutes a day can have a significant impact on a child’s reading development. Schools will tally results in early November to announce winners and celebrate the schools with the highest participation rates, culminating in an exciting Panthers assembly.

With the Florida Panthers Reading Challenge underway, BCPS and the Panthers aim to show that literacy can be fun, rewarding, and a shared family experience—setting the stage for many more reading initiatives in the years to come.