"Stop, Drop and Read!"
That's what kids in Gadsden county will be doing every night from six to eight, if their parents and teachers have any say in it.

The initiative is geared toward raising reading scores by having kids flip through the pages of their favorite books each night.

You'll know who is reading by their front porch light, and the students couldn't be more excited.

"Try to get a book and read because it helps you and it will help you in life," said Demarcus Haggins, a reading fan from Gadsden Elementary Magnet School.

"It's very important to read because it builds your vocabulary and it shows that you're interested in reading," said Al'Tianna Baker, student at Gadsden Elementary Magnet School and an avid reader.

"Reading is fascinating. And everybody should read because, if you don't know how to read, you can't have a life," said Brooke Gordon, from Gadsden Elementary School, who loves to read.

But it's not just the youngsters who are pumped about Stop, Drop and Read.

"We've had much gain in math but not as much in reading, so this year the focus is reading, inside and outside the classrooms," said Sarah Knight, a reading coach.

"Reading is the key to success, and it's the foundation for which all learning is built, so we want all of our students to read, read, read to succeed," added Reginald James, Gadsden County Superintendent.

"Just pick a book and read"
And hopefully, by the time the FCAT rolls around, students will be able to tackle their tests the way they do books every night.

Every student got a free book, bookmark and pencil for coming out to the kick off party. Folks wanting to donate books to the Stop, Drop and Read program can take them to the School Board District Office.