A weekly DEAR program (Drop Everything and Read), provides students with much more than a just-sit-there-and-read experience. This program has transformed the definition of reading. The Program enlists the homeroom facilitator’s assistance to guide students through books of a wide array of genres, titles and time-periods. From beloved classics, to more contemporary fiction for young-adults, our students grow through age-appropriate reading assignments that balance their interests and taste. Book reviews, reports and conferencing help students share their reading and articulate their personal take on whatever is read. The D.E.A.R. Program inspires in our students a deep and enduring love for reading and literature that leaves a lasting imprint on their lives.