The program began the week of June 6 with stops at HuttoParke and Emory Fields. It will continue through the week of July 11, stopping at two new locations each week. A full schedule of the tour's stops is available on the district's website.
Students and parents can stop by one of the bus' stops to receive a free book. The interior of the bus has been remodeled into a reading space with beanbags and stuffed animals.
Joe DeLeon, HISD Parent & Family Engagement specialist, said other districts have done similar programs, but he wanted to make Hutto's more accessible to students.
"There are some other districts that do the bus, but they'll go park at a Walmart and have all the kids come to them," DeLeon said. "I want to go into neighborhoods; I want to go where they are."
In addition to keeping students reading over the summer, DeLeon said the program has also allowed district staff to talk with and collect feedback from parents, some of whom the district might have been otherwise unable to reach.
"We've met a lot of—just this past week—people who just moved into Hutto," DeLeon said.
DeLeon said the program was originally intended for students in kindergarten through third grade, but a number of older students have also attended.
To accommodate those older students, he said the district is looking for donations of young adult and teen-oriented books to give away.
Community members who are interested in donating can call the HISD Parent & Family Engagement department at 737-327-5226 or bring their books to one of the bus' stops.
"I think [the program] showcases the positive things the district does," DeLeon said. "I want people to know that there's a lot of positive stuff that goes on. It's been great."
