This unique challenge encouraged students to strengthen reading habits and literacy skills while fostering a culture of academic growth and engagement across school campuses. Participating elementary and middle schools tracked total words read throughout the 2025-26 school year, with many campuses significantly increasing their totals compared to the previous year.
This year’s highest reading totals included Sierra Vista Middle School with more than 176.9 million words read, followed by BP STEM Academy with 97.3 million words and Kenmore Elementary with more than 55.2 million words.
Other participating schools included Vineland Elementary, Bursch Elementary, Jones Middle School, Geddes Elementary, Walnut Elementary, Foster Elementary, De Anza Elementary, and Tracy Elementary.
As part of the challenge, de Leon generously provided donations ranging from $200 to $1,000 to participating schools in recognition of their literacy achievements and commitment to reading.
“We are extremely grateful to the de Leon family for their support and generosity, which continue to inspire our students. This initiative made a critical impact across our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Mendoza.
Several schools also demonstrated notable year-over-year growth in total words read. Sierra Vista Middle School increased its total by more than 53 million words compared to the previous school year, while Geddes Elementary increased by nearly 20 million words and Foster Elementary increased by more than 18 million words.
Schools and staff were recognized and awarded donations at the Board of Education meeting held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
“The Word Challenge was both challenging and exciting because it encouraged us to expand our knowledge, work hard, and support one another in a spirit of friendly competition,” said Isabella Olivares, an eighth-grade student at Jones Middle School. “We are deeply grateful to Mr. De Leon for his generosity and commitment to education, which continues to inspire students like me to do our best.”
District leaders credited students, educators, support staff, and families for helping create strong reading cultures on campuses throughout the District.
Total School Word Counts:
- Sierra Vista Middle School – 176.9 million words
- BP STEM – 97.3 million words
- Kenmore – 55.2 million words
- Vineland – 50.4 million words
- Bursch – 43.4 million words
- Jones – 41.3 million words
- Geddes – 41 million words
- Walnut – 33.7 million words
- Foster – 33.2 million words
- De Anza – 31.7 million words
- Tracy – 29.2 million words
Photos
2026 Jackie Robinson Word Reading Challenge
SVMS, Jackie Robinson Challenge, 2026
BP STEM, Jackie Robinson Challenge, 2026
Kenmore, Jackie Robinson Challenge, 2026
Bursch Elementary, Jackie Robinson Challenge, 2026
Jones Middle, Jackie Robinson Challenge, 2026
Geddes, Jackie Robinson Challenge, 2026
Walnut, Jackie Robinson Challenge, 2026
Foster, Jackie Robinson Challenge, 2026
De Anza, Jackie Robinson Challenge, 2026
Tracy, Jackie Robinson Challenge, 2026