February 13, 2026 - Comal ISD is seeking volunteers to share their love of reading with elementary students during its annual Read Across Comal event on Friday, March 6.
In conjunction with Read Across America Week, which begins on the birthday of Dr. Seuss, March 2, Read Across Comal is an opportunity to showcase and reinforce the importance of reading. Comal ISD invites community members to join administrators in reading a book to a class.
One of the highlights of the day, is when Superintendent Dr. John E. Chapman III reads his favorite book, Johnny Appleseed. A tradition he started 28 years ago when he began his teaching career.
In fact, volunteers may bring their own favorite, age-appropriate book to read or choose one available at the campus. If bringing a book, please email the title and author’s name to [email protected] no later than Monday, March 2.
Guest readers should be at their campus by 8:45 a.m. to check-in at the front office with a valid driver's license or photo identification card. A group picture will be taken of all the volunteers and then each will proceed to classrooms by 9 a.m.
Readers are encouraged to share their own story with the class by telling them who they are, what they do and why they enjoy reading.
Five elementary campuses are hosting Read Across Comal this year including Clear Spring Elementary, Johnson Ranch Elementary, Kinder Ranch Elementary, Morningside Elementary and Mountain Valley Elementary.
Interested volunteers may register, by clicking on the link associated with each campus.
- Clear Spring Elementary, 550 Avery Parkway, New Braunfels.
- Johnson Ranch Elementary, 30501 Johnson Way, Bulverde.
- Kinder Ranch Elementary, 2035 Kinder Parkway, San Antonio.
- Morningside Elementary, 3855 Morningside Dr., New Braunfels.
- Mountain Valley Elementary, 310 Cannan Rd., Canyon Lake.
Visitor Information
When visiting a Comal ISD campus, guests are asked to use the video intercom system located on an exterior wall near each entrance. The system is marked with a yellow sign.
This year, the district has added self-check-in kiosks at every campus where visitors may scan their identification cards to self-check-in. Additionally, a convenient mobile option is available with the Raptor Safe App which can be downloaded https://raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/.
The app allows visitors to verify their identity before arriving to a campus and provides them with a secure QR code to expedite the check-in process. Once signed in, visitors will receive a badge from office staff.
Photo Descriptions
-Community volunteers joined Comal ISD staff members during the district’s annual Read Across Comal in 2025 at Specht Elementary. The district is seeking volunteers now for this year’s event on March 6.
-During Comal ISD’s annual Read Across Comal, Superintendent John E. Chapman III reads his favorite book, Johnny Appleseed, to one lucky elementary class. This year’s Read Across Comal is scheduled for March 6.