The Knightly News
April 2026

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RED KNIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
Thank you Giant!
The Reading School District is proud to recognize and thank Giant Food Stores for their generous $80,000 donation and another $7,428 through the GIANT Feeding School Kids initiative! From January 1 through March 31, customers made a meaningful impact by choosing to round up at the register, supporting our shared mission to eliminate childhood hunger across our community. We are grateful for Giant’s continued partnership and commitment to our students and families. Together, we are making a difference, one meal at a time.
Congratulations Dr. Mumin, 2026 Visionary Award Winner
The Reading School District proudly congratulates Dr. Khalid N. Mumin on being named a recipient of the Visionary Award at the 2026 Luminary Awards Luncheon. The award was presented by NFL great Joe Theismann, who made this celebration even more memorable.
The Reading School District extends its sincere appreciation to NHS Greater Berks and Tec Centro Berks for this meaningful recognition. These two powerhouse partners continue to make a lasting impact in the City of Reading, expanding access to affordable housing, strengthening neighborhoods, and creating pathways to economic opportunity through education and workforce development.
Congratulations Knight to Remember Recipients
Please join us in congratulating the outstanding recipients of our A Knight to Remember recognition program, celebrated on Tuesday, April 28 at the Reading Public Museum. This special evening honored five exceptional members of the Reading School District whose dedication, passion, and impact truly embody what it means to be #RSDProud: Holly Keown, Michael Buono, Conway Lynch, Edward Eppenstein, Steven Snisky.
Special Visitors to the Castle Cafe
Superintendent Dr. Khalid Mumin, joined by City of Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, recently visited the Castle Café at Reading High School, where they spent time with our incredible Red Knights. More than just a coffee spot, the student-run café, operated through our “Super Senior” program, provides real-world vocational experiences for students ages 18–22 in life skills and autistic support programs.
Dr. Mumin and Mayor Moran connected with students, saw their work firsthand, and celebrated the pride and excellence that define this space. We are incredibly proud of our students and the welcoming, inspiring environment they’ve created at the Castle Café.
MAY
- May 4 - Annual Mental Health Conference
- May 8 - RHS Prom @ the DoubleTree
May 14 - JROTC Awards
May 19 - Athletics Banquet
May 20 - RSD School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 22 - Early Dismissal for Students
May 25 - Schools & Offices Closed (Memorial Day)
May 27 - RSD School Board Regular Meeting
JUNE
- June 2 - Graduation @ FirstEnergy Stadium
- June 5 - Last Day of School Early Dismissal for Students
- June 8 - Schools Closed: Teachers on Duty (Clerical Day)
- June 19 - Schools and Offices Closed (Juneteenth)
Family Engagement Calendar for May 2026
Click here to download and print HERE.
IMPORTANT LINKS
RSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Noahleen Betts, President
Dr. Paige Brookins, Vice President
Robin Costenbader-Jacobson
Shaykayarira DelRio-Gonzalez
Melissa Eggert
M. Emilia Portes
Yajaira Stone
Jonathan Tinoco
Patricia Wright
2026 RSD School Board Meetings
Committee of the Whole - Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6PM
Board Meeting - Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 7PM
Committee of the Whole - Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 6PM
Board Meeting - Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 7PM
Board Updates
- A proclamation was given by Board President Dr. Betts in honor of Autism Awareness Month.
- Agreement was approved with Olivet Boys and Girls Club to provide summer programming at 10th and Green and Lauer’s Park.
ACADEMICS
RHS Seniors - Save the Dates
Thursday, May 21 - Last day for work to be handed in
Thursday, May 21 - JROTC Awards @ Geigle
Friday, May 22 - Student Half Day
Tuesday, May 26 - RMCTC Senior Recognition Night
Friday, May 29 - Senior Graduation Letter Distribution
Monday, June 1 - Senior Breakfast
Tuesday, June 2 - Graduation @ FirstEnergy
Wednesday, June 3 - Diploma Pickup @ RHS Main Campus
Lifeguard Certification Course
The Lifeguard Certification Course will be held on April 27 and 29, and May 4, 6, 11, and 13, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and participants must attend all scheduled sessions. Individuals must be at least 15 years old by the end of the course to enroll. The cost is $275 for residents and $325 for non-residents. Registration is available at HERE.
Lifeguard Recertification Course
The Lifeguard Recertification Course will take place on May 18 and 20, 2026, from 5:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and participants are required to attend both sessions. To enroll, individuals must hold a current lifeguard certification. The cost is $150 for residents and $200 for non-residents. Registration is available at HERE.
THE ARTS
Congratulations 2025 Educator of the Year
The Reading School District proudly congratulates Joseph S. Smith, Vocal Music & Musical Theatre teacher at Reading High School, on being named the 2025 Educator of the Year by Visions Federal Credit Union through the Visions Loves Educators program!
Nominated by a member of the community, Mr. Smith is recognized for going above and beyond to support his students and school community. This honor includes $2,000 in prize money and a free lunch for him and his colleagues, well deserved! Thank you, Mr. Smith, for inspiring our students through the arts and making a lasting impact every day. Our future is brighter because of you!
COMMUNITY
Arbor Day 2026
On Friday, April 24, Arbor Day, the Reading School District partnered with the Hampden Park Arboretum Club to plant something truly special, a Swamp Oak tree right in Hampden Park!
This meaningful moment was made possible through the efforts of retired teacher Kathy Menzalla and Reading High School teacher Jamie Kerwood, who helped bring the event to life. The event was also beautifully accompanied by members of the RHS Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Richards. The Arboretum Club is working toward an incredible goal: 100 different tree species in the park in honor of the 100th anniversary of Reading High School next year!
Thank you to the City of Reading Public Works Department, who generously donated the tree. The event brought together members of RSD Administration, the School Board of Directors, Facilities, faculty, and students, showing what’s possible when our community comes together with a shared vision. Here’s to growing something that will last for generations.
Red Knight Community Parking
Just a friendly reminder that parking for community members is available at Reading High School from 4:00 PM to 6:00 AM in designated parking lots. At all other Reading School District campuses, parking is available from 4:00 PM to 7:00 AM as well. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support!
Join Our District Parent Advisory Council
Committees play a crucial role in fostering connections with the district and school staff, advocating for students needs, and providing feedback and support.
Introduction to Home Access Center
The Home Access Center (HAC) is your one-stop online tool for staying connected to your child’s education. Through HAC, students and families can easily view attendance, assignments, grades, schedules, teacher contact information, and more — all in one convenient place.
Be the first to know what’s happening in your child’s classroom! Click the Login button to access the Home Access Center, or check the information grid to see what’s available by school level.
Watch the video below to learn how to use HAC — available in English and Spanish.
InMind Services
Reading School District has partnered with InMind Services to offer free family coaching to our parents, caregivers, and staff. Each week, InMind shares practical, brain-based tips to help families better understand and support their children’s behavior, emotions, and school experience. This week’s video focuses on how to make school mornings smoother. If getting your child up and ready feels like a daily struggle, you're not alone - this short video offers simple, doable strategies to help. Need more support? Request your free coaching session HERE.
FREE Family Support
Reading School District has partnered with InMind Services to bring you free Family Support. Join the Family Support WhatsApp group to receive weekly parenting tips, encouragement and announcements of family workshops. Click HERE to join.
Radio Red Knight - Lo Nuevo Del Distrito
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EMPLOYMENT
ReadingSDJobs Instagram Page
Make sure to follow Reading School District's Human Resources Instagram page —your go-to spot for important updates, career opportunities, and behind-the-scenes fun! From job openings to team highlights, we’ve got it all. Stay informed, stay connected, and don’t miss out!
Follow us now: @ReadingSDJobs
Tiny Mic Tuesday
RSD IN THE NEWS
E-FOLDER: COMMUNITY FLYERS
E-Folder: Community Flyers and Updates
Welcome to the E-Folder — the place for all community flyers and announcements! Here you’ll find flyers organized by month, highlighting events, programs, and opportunities happening throughout our district.
All flyers are also shared with parents through our regular communication channels, but we encourage you to explore the folders anytime to stay connected and see what’s happening in the Reading School District community.
DOWNLOAD THE RSD APP
Please remove the old RSD app from your phone and download the new app for free in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Download for Android https://aptg.co/5-_jBF
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/9nb7Sc
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