Starting this morning, students, teachers and all other staff will be required to read for the pure enjoyment of it as the Fort Frances High School implements a new program aimed at curbing literacy and promoting reading as a pass time.
“Reading has become a lost art in the video age,” said Ian Simpson, principal at the Fort Frances High School. “We’re trying to create a habit of reading.”
The Uninterrupted Sustained Silent Reading (USSR) program will have everyone under the high school roof read a book of their choosing for 19 minutes during third period every morning.
“We’re trying to create a joy of reading,” Simpson said. “Reading is an essential skill.”
Students will be able to read what ever they want, whether it’s the latest John Grisham novel or a comic book. And though students won’t be encouraged to read school related material–the program is trying to promote reading for the fun of it–they won’t be told to put down reading required for another class.
Every student is responsible for supplying reading materials and will be subject to review by staff for dark, violent or pornographic materials, explained Simpson.
“Some teachers have even taken the initiative to bring books [as backup],” Simpson added. “Teachers are very supportive.”
The program is one tool the school is using to generate literacy among the student populous.
“I would rather our high school worked on improving literacy than just marks on a literacy test,” Simpson said of the compulsory literary test students take in Grade 10.
Some glitches in the system may pop up as the program gets up and running in such instances when the students may not be in a good situation to read at the prescribed time.
“If a kid is on a field trip, so be it,” said Simpson of one of those excusable times. “Games [sporting events] obviously we’ll work around. Kids involved won’t have reading period that day.
“We’re committed tto it,” he continued. “We’ll review it at the end of the year. Anything that is worth while is worth the effort.”
Other than the odd circumstance, no one will be exempt from the reading time.
“I’ve talked to union representatives for the custodians,” Simpson explained, “they’re on board with it. I got a good response from the unions [teachers]. Everybody thinks it’s a great idea.”
He said by having everyone read it will set a good example with students and encourage them to read.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
