By Debbie Adams
Students and staff at William Byrd Middle School celebrated National Reading Month and Read
Across America throughout the building on March 6 with their own version of reading fun—
“Drop Everything and Read!”
The idea originated with seventh grade English teacher Tracy Addison in 2022 after she saw data
which encourages a universal reading time that allows staff members to model silent reading
alongside their students. The event on March 6 was the third at WBMS. Everyone read whatever
appealed to them for 25 minutes.
“Studies show that reading just 20 minutes per day can boost test scores significantly, improve
vocabulary, enhance creativity, increase stamina for longer high-stakes assessments, and, most
importantly, reduce stress in both adults and students alike,” Anderson noted before the day of
the event. “We chose the date to coincide with Read Across America week. I’m looking forward
to seeing all of our staff members and students take a break to drop everything and read on
Wednesday!
“Prior to the event, I made and shared a power point with the staff, who then showed it to the
students. It featured pictures of students and staff members participating in the past and it talks
about the expectations of the event and the statistics that show the benefits of reading daily.”
Addison says in past years of “Drop Everything and Read” the response from staff has been very
positive and encouraging.
When randomly dropping in on classes or peeking through windows during “Drop Everything
and Read,” students were obviously engaged and enjoying their free reading time— some sitting
at desks or tables, some choosing isolated spots under tables, and some stretched out on the gym
floor— with a wide variety of reading selections.
Student Nehemias Maldonado, who was reading a book involving robots, said he enjoyed taking
a break from classwork. Seventh grader Ethan Camper said he has always liked to read,
especially books about history. Grant Bartley favors historical fiction and also likes the break from routine that “Drop Everything and Read” allows.
On March 6, Rylan Lang was finishing up a book for a book report—”Little Princess”—but generally chooses mysteries.
“Lots of kids don’t get to just stop and read if they are involved after-school hours in school,
sports, and other activities, so time dedicated to reading is great!” Lang said.
