MMSD Celebrates 22 Years of “Read Your Heart Out”

Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is proud to announce the upcoming Read Your Heart Out (RYHO) celebration.

Now in its 22nd year, Read Your Heart Out brings together family members, community partners and volunteers who identify as African American/Black to read books, recite poetry and connect with students through visual and oral storytelling. The celebration honors the joy of reading while strengthening the bonds that connect schools, families and communities.

Read Your Heart Out is held in recognition of National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID). We extend our sincere gratitude to MMSD families and school leaders for their continued commitment to these celebrations and for their leadership alongside the MMSD School Board. Your support plays a vital role in ensuring scholars have the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.

In 2026, Read Your Heart Out centers on the principle of Ujima, or collective work and responsibility — the belief that building and sustaining strong communities requires shared effort and shared solutions.

“We, in the spirit of Sankofa, are leaving this world a better place than when we entered it,” said Michelle Belnavis, retired MMSD educator and Read Your Heart Out founder. “‘Read Your Heart Out’ is about families, communities, staff and students joining hands and coming together for the love of reading, with the belief that everyone matters.”

Join the Virtual Kickoff

Traditionally launched with an in-person event on NAAPID, this year’s celebration will kick off virtually, allowing all MMSD elementary schools to participate simultaneously. The kickoff will feature pre-recorded messages from key stakeholders, student performances from Lori Mann Carey Elementary School, music, and a story read by Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard. The event will be hosted by Tyson Jackson, director of Family, Youth and Community Engagement.

Date: Monday, Feb. 9, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Platform: Streamed live on the MMSD YouTube channel

Districtwide Participation

Since its beginning at Midvale Elementary School in 2004, Read Your Heart Out has grown from two schools to a districtwide movement. More than 40 schools across eight Wisconsin districts now host annual RYHO events. This year, all MMSD elementary schools will dedicate at least half a school day over a two-week period to Read Your Heart Out programming.

Read Your Heart Out also aligns with the district’s Mad for Reading campaign, which focuses on building student confidence and enthusiasm for reading while encouraging meaningful family and community involvement in literacy.

Need Help Connecting?

The Family, Youth and Community Engagement team is available to support volunteers and families looking to connect with a school site or learn more about participating.

Contact:
608-663-1879
fyce@madison.k12.wi.us

We look forward to celebrating the power of stories, and the strength of our community together.