Middlesboro Independent School District’s Innovative Literacy Program: The Phonebook

Bringing Stories to Life

Middlesboro Independent School District, in collaboration with Partners for Rural Impact’s Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program, is using a creative solution to keep the love of reading alive in their community: The Phonebook. This unique telephone-based storytelling platform allows students to record and share their own stories, which younger students can access with a simple phone call. It’s an innovative approach that promotes literacy, community building, and mentorship among students.

Middlesboro Leads the Way

Remarkably, Middlesboro is the only school in the nation utilizing this platform, which is typically employed by libraries. “The kids really enjoy doing it,” says Brandy King, the IAL Literacy Coach at Middlesboro Middle School and High School. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and creativity.” This initiative has transformed the way students interact with literature and each other, creating a vibrant literary community.

A Vision Turned Reality

Dr. Lori Bowen Ayre, the program’s developer, explains that the platform was initially created to provide access to books during the pandemic when libraries were closed. “Our tools are flexible enough that people can use them in various creative ways,” says Ayre. “It has been thrilling to see how Middlesboro has adapted this resource to fit their needs.”

Success Stories

The program has seen tremendous success. During the 2023-24 school year, approximately 40 books were recorded and uploaded into the system, with an average of 100 callers each month. One particularly exciting project is the involvement of 2024 senior students. “We’re thrilled to have our senior students who wrote children’s books for their English class record these stories,” says Project Director Doug Coots. “This initiative not only nurtures their storytelling skills but also provides entertaining and educational content for younger students.”

Expanding Horizons

The success of Middlesboro’s program has sparked interest in expanding it to other schools and communities, showcasing the potential impact of integrating technology and creativity in education. “The collaboration has been incredible,” Ayre adds. “Seeing our dreams come true as Middlesboro uses this platform in such an innovative way has inspired us to introduce a new platform specifically for schools called Partnering with Schools.”

A Community Effort

The Phonebook initiative has been a community effort. Students from different school groups, including athletes, band members, and academic organizations, have recorded books and promoted them using yard signs throughout the community, sending text messages to families in the district, and setting up at community events. This grassroots approach has not only increased engagement but also fostered a sense of pride and ownership among the students.

Get Involved

If you’re a 2024 MHS senior who would like to record your book, contact Brandy King at [email protected]. This is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of something unique and impactful, leaving a lasting legacy in the community.

To listen to The Phonebook, call (606) 752-0353.

Looking Ahead

The future looks bright for The Phonebook and Middlesboro Independent School District. With ongoing support from Partners for Rural Impact and the enthusiasm of the students and community, this program is set to inspire and engage even more young minds. Stay tuned for more stories, more creativity, and more ways to get involved in this innovative literacy initiative!