The Stampede

Bell Sounds Books Out: New Mustang Reading Program

Friday, October 05, 2007 By Adam Reynoso

The bell sounds. The alert usually means to get out as fast as possible to go to the next class. Yet, this year, there is a new bell with a new meaning: pick up a book. The new Mustang Read program was introduced to the school this year. It takes place during the 15 minutes between third and fourth period. With this time, students are expected to read a book of their choice. “I think reading is the most important skill,” Geometry Teacher Tammy Liehr said. “We are developing a love of reading that will translate into better scores. It’s a nice, relaxing time of the day.” Students, however, are reacting to the new program differently. “Honestly, I think it’s at an inconvenient time because it takes up our worktime,” sophomore Eezamel Lagmay said. “I think they should have it during advisory.” Yet, there are students that prefer the 15 minutes of reading instead of class. “I like it because I can just have time to chill and read my own book,” freshman Matthew Boldt said. “When I’m reading, I feel like I’m not in school for those 15 minutes.” However, students are relieved they have time in class to read without being tested on the content of the book. “I really like it because I actually have time to read, so I learn more,” junior Isaac Siguenza said. “I get to read something interesting instead of something that’s assigned and usually boring.” Other students would rather the program be more about the student’s decision to read. “The main reason I’m against the new program is because I’m not doing it by choice,” sophomore Nathalie Houghton said. “It’s like one more chore to take care of. If it was an option, I might actually do it without complaining.” Multiple teachers and students agree that reading increases knowledge and vocabulary. “It’s alright because people that are smarter actually read a lot,” sophomore Edgar Castro said. “During Mustang Read, it gets boring and I fall asleep. Sometimes I read, but stop if I can tell what’s going to happen.” Teachers and students might not agree on the content of the book. “I really like it because I actually have time to read, so I learn more,” junior Isaac Siguenza said. “I get to read something interesting instead of something that’s assigned and usually boring.” Other students would rather the program be more about the student’s decision to read. “The main reason I’m against the new program is because I’m not doing it by choice,” sophomore Nathalie Houghton said. “It’s like one more chore to take care of. If it was an option, I might actually do it without complaining.” Multiple teachers and students agree that reading increases knowledge and vocabulary. “It’s alright because people that are smarter actually read a lot,” sophomore Edgar Castro said. “During Mustang Read, it gets boring and I fall asleep. Sometimes I read, but stop if I can tell what’s going to happen.” Teachers and students might not agree on the subject of debate, but what it comes down to is how the program will affect them in the long run. “In order to motivate someone to read, one usually has to give them some incentive,” Ms. Liehr said. “We’re just trying to show teens that they don’t always need an incentive to do something.”