CCSD21’s Beanstack reading challenge inspires students with community support

As Community Consolidated School District 21’s district-wide Beanstack reading challenge enters its second trimester, and totals for number of minutes read for the first trimester are being calculated across schools, spirits are high due to the overwhelming generosity of local businesses and organizations that have stepped forward to donate prizes as incentives for readers.

The challenge aims to increase student reading time by encouraging them to participate in school-based reading challenges and logging what minutes they read within the Beanstack platform. 

The district initially set a goal across K-8 to read 700,000 minutes for the entire year. As of December 2024, the district was “well on its way of surpassing that goal,” according to Amy Breiler, director of teaching and learning for literacy.

“This challenge has been more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to ignite a lifelong love of reading in our students,” said Breiler. “Through the generosity of our community partners and the dedication of our families, we’re creating a culture where books open doors to endless possibilities.”

The district would like to thank the following companies and organizations that have supported the Beanstack reading challenge so far this academic year:

• Chick-fil-A of Buffalo Grove and Kildeer (owners Allen and Delia Ordeanu) for donating 6,000 gift cards for one free sandwich or nuggets
• Culver’s Northbrook for coupons for 100 free custard cones or dishes
• El Famous Burrito for donating 100 free Churro coupons
• Lazy Dog Restaurant of Northbrook for donating 100 “Top Dog” awards and 250 $10 off coupons
• Portillo’s for donating 200 certificates, as well as coupons for a free slice of chocolate cake and bookmarks
• Walmart of Wheeling for donating 40 $5 gift cards
• McDonald’s of Wheeling for donating 100 coupons for free fries
• Bowlero for donating five free rounds of laser tag, five rechargeable arcade cards, and three “two hours of free bowling” incentives

Thank you to our community partners for investing in the education and inspiration of our students. Your contributions make a difference and help us grow a community of lifelong readers.