“Children create miracles when they read.” Astrid Lindgren, the Swedish children’s author wrote. At DGS, those miracles may not be loud or instant, but they are steady and deeply felt, quietly unfolding through an initiative called Drop Everything and Read.

Every Wednesday morning during the Advisory, every single student set aside their usual routines to focus on one simple act: reading. No noise, no electronic devices, and no required outcomes - just books and the kind of calm, focused attention that gently fills each classroom. At DGS, we welcome every choice: any topic, any genre and even any reading posture. Students may sit, lie down, or read together with friends, as long as the space remains respectful and comfortable for everyone. Teachers are very much part of this moment as well. They are present as gentle companions, reading alongside students, helping maintain a calm, quiet atmosphere, and modeling the habits of deep, focused reading.

This balance of consistency, flexibility and strong support from teachers has helped reading grow into something more than a scheduled activity; it has become a natural habit. In just Quarter 1 of the 2025-2026 school year:

📖 More than 220 students borrowed a total of 1,217 books, doubling the number from the same period in the previous school year.

📖 Grade 6 students read an average of 11 books per student (a 42% increase), while Grade 7 students averaged nearly 10 books per student, marking a 56% increase year over year.

📖 Over the past 99 days, the most borrowed book has been “I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban”. This choice reflects that DGS students read not only for enjoyment, but also for stories that carry meaning, inspiration, and a broader understanding of the world.

“The positive growth in book borrowing this quarter reflects the expansion of the library’s collection and the strong encouragement from teachers, which together have helped build students’ enthusiasm for reading. Over time, students have become more prepared, focused, and engaged during Drop Everything and Read, with many genuinely looking forward to this quiet time with their books.” - Ms Charlaine Reid, DGS Librarian shared.