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.”