The idea that literacy — the ability to read and understand — begins at home has driven the Prime Time program at the Whatcom County Library System’s Everson branch, serving students and families within Everson Elementary School. 

The behind-the-scenes planning and design of a new Sumas Elementary School, additional classrooms at Nooksack and Everson elementary schools and updates to auxiliary areas of Nooksack Valley High School continue in earnest. 

The twice-weekly 45-minute class uses the Character Strong curriculum for grade-level specific lessons focused on improving the culture of the school. This year, NVMS has embraced “character dare” challenges as part of the curriculum, whether something as simple as smiling at people in the hallways or holding doors open for others. For November, though, the dare steps up with “No Phone November.”