MCS celebrates ‘Georgia Reads Community’ honor with rally, award presentation

Marietta, GA – Marietta City Schools (MCS) has been named one of just ten recipients of the Georgia Reads Community Award, earning a $25,000 grant and statewide recognition for its commitment to improving literacy through strong community partnerships.

The announcement was made during Georgia Reads Day at the Capitol on February 25, where MCS was recognized alongside nine other communities selected from a competitive pool of 61 applicants. The Georgia Reads initiative celebrates communities with three to five years of sustained collaboration and measurable gains in literacy outcomes. 

"This recognition reflects our long-term commitment to literacy. By implementing the science of reading, our district has invested millions of dollars in research-based instruction, hired reading specialists, and prioritized early intervention," said Dr. Grant Rivera, Marietta City Schools Superintendent. "These efforts have led to significant gains in reading proficiency, and we're proud to be positioned as a model for literacy growth across the state."

The Georgia Reads initiative seeks to transform the societal impact of low literacy by empowering communities to work together in new, unified ways. From Savannah to Rome and every community in between, Georgia Reads is helping lead the way toward a brighter, more literate future—and Marietta is proud to be part of that journey. 

Through this grant, MCS will provide transportation to the Los Niños Primero program at the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center for rising preschool and kindergarten English language learners, establish a bilingual “Basics Trail” at Tumlin Park that engages parents and children in interactive learning, and in-house and out-of-school field trips to connect literacy with experiential learning for every student in grades K–3.

“We are proud that, through our strong partnerships across the state, we have propelled the district forward and expanded students’ access to literacy resources,” said Kim Blass, Chief Impact Officer. “With this grant, we can offer early literacy intervention, support literacy field trips, and ensure every learner receives personalized support to succeed.”

As part of the award, MCS welcomed Malcolm Mitchell, former NFL player, Super Bowl Champion, and literacy advocate, for a special visit at Park Street Elementary on April 1. A Valdosta native, Mitchell was a standout at the University of Georgia before joining the New England Patriots. Today, he’s a nationally recognized advocate who shares his story and love of reading with students nationwide. 

Mitchell’s visit reflects Marietta’s continued leadership in early literacy and community-driven learning. Following a reading rally for Kindergarten through second-grade students, the Georgia Council on Literacy officially presented Marietta with its grant, and Georgia Reads Community designation during a celebratory check presentation.