Girard Elementary School, 522 Girard Avenue, Dothan, AL (2026)

05/26/2026

Join Dothan City Schools this summer for free books, free meals, interactive activities, and opportunities to connect with school leaders right in the community. ☀️📚

Check out the full schedule below and come see us!

Dothan City Schools is bringing reading, learning, and summer fun directly into the community with the launch of the district’s brand new Backyard Summer Reading Program, the first program of its kind for DCS.

The Backyard Summer Reading Program is designed to keep students engaged throughout the summer through read-alouds, interactive games, hands-on activities, literacy enrichment, free books for students to take home, and free meals for children 18 and under. Meals are first-come, first-served.

District and school leaders will lead read-alouds for students and families, giving them the opportunity to connect with school principals and district leadership in a fun, relaxed, and family-friendly environment ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

“This program is about creating memorable and educational experiences for our students, encouraging a love for learning, and bringing families together in a positive way throughout the summer,” said Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew. “We are excited to take learning beyond the classroom and right into our own backyards.”

The Backyard Summer Reading Program will take place at the following locations:

• Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Jamison Village, 705 N. Lena Street

• Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Crawford Village, 602 S. Lena St.

• Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Crimson Ridge, 105 Booker St.

Dothan City Schools invites families to come out, enjoy a free meal, and join Dothan City Schools for an afternoon of reading, learning, and summer fun.

Want to know which principals and administrators will be at each event? Visit the News & Announcements section on our website homepage to view the full schedule.