Dothan City Schools Backyard Summer Reading Program

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.

Backyard Summer Reading Program Leadership Schedule:

• June 3rd
  • Dr. Kacia Thompson, DCS Assistant Superintendent
  • Christy Martin, Principal, Dothan City Early Education Center
  • Vanessa Gunn, Principal, Hidden Lake Primary School
  • Tamika Fleming, Principal, Heard Elementary School 
  • Dr. Teresa K. Anderson, Principal, Dothan 6th Grade Center
  • Todd Mitchell, Principal, Carver 9th Grade Academy
  • Justin Hendrix, Assistant Principal, Carver 9th Grade Academy
  • Sue Clark, Principal, Girard Elementary School
  • Brian Riviere, Principal, Dothan High School
  • Marketa George, Principal, Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School

• June 10th
  • Christina Johnson, Principal, Dothan City Virtual School
  • Nikki Cochran, Principal, Dothan City Head Start and Pre-K Center
  • Dr. Clark Harden, Principal, Highlands Elementary School
  • Dionne Blair, Principal, Selma Street Elementary School
  • Monica Montalvo, Principal, Kelly Springs Elementary School
  • Buffie Kinsey, Assistant Principal, Dothan City Head Start and Pre-K Center
  • James Williams, Principal, Dothan Preparatory Academy
  • Ryan Richards, Career and Technical Education Administrator, Dothan Tech
  • Audria L. Sewell, Principal, Beverlye Intermediate School
  • Dr. Kacia Thompson, DCS Assistant Superintendent
  • Sue Clark, Principal, Girard Elementary School
  • Brian Riviere, Principal, Dothan High School
  • Kristy Johnson, Assistant Principal, Dothan High School
  • Lee Jacobs, DCS Assistant Superintendent

• June 17th
  • Christopher Payne, Principal, The Carver School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology
  • Evelyn Parker, Assistant Principal, Dothan High School
  • DeAnna Brannon, DCS Coordinator of Exceptional Student Services
  • Kristy Johnson, Assistant Principal, Dothan High School
  • Lee Jacobs, DCS Assistant Superintendent
  • Alyssa Dyer, DCS Director of Exceptional Student Services
  • Brian Riviere, Principal, Dothan High School
  • LaTesha Weatherington, Principal, PASS Academy
  • Patrick Mallory, DCS Director of Human Resources/COO