Our literacy program (2 and a half hours daily) builds reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Using a direct, systematic approach, students learn phonetics and whole language reading skills, prepare for a weekly assessment of spelling and vocabulary, and discuss books in a variety of genres.  Students read independently for at least 30 additional minutes each day, charting progress and testing comprehension through a web-based program.  Formal writing instruction takes place in a workshop model as well as in opportunities interwoven throughout the day.  Spanish instruction is incorporated at all grade levels.