"DIRT," which stands for "Daily Independent Reading Time" has been implemented in grades 3 - 8. The concept, which was introduced by our Director of Teaching and Learning, Mr. Miles Azzeh, gives students across the building twenty minutes each day to independently read a book of their choice. The only caveat is that the book must be on their reading level. Each teacher will get to join in the fun by also independently reading during this time.

"Reading twenty minutes a day has been proven to not only increase a child's fluency, vocabulary, and background knowledge, but it also helps them develop a love of reading," said Mr. Azzeh. 

Some other benefits of reading every day are:

• Higher assessment scores

• Improved writing skills

• Increased imagination and creativity

• Increased empathy

• Reduces stress