PLUMSTED — Students at the New Egypt Middle School have lifted off for England as part of the school's new reading incentive program. The program will see students traveling around the world this year.

Every two weeks, students who have read 20 minutes per night for enjoyment will earn a passport to the next country on their voyage. There are a total of 12 destinations. The next stop will be France and the trip will conclude on April 26 as the students return to the United States from Mexico.

"Research has shown a direct correlation between reading and improved vocabulary and writing skills, increased comprehension, higher standardized test scores, greater global awareness and overall academic achievement," Principal Andrea Caldes said.

To generate excitement about the program, students will have their parents validate their passports as proof that they have completed the optional reading time. Then they will submit their passports for opportunities to win rewards provided by the Student Council.

In an effort to encourage more students to participate, every two weeks the passport of one student in each grade level will be selected from all of the passports that have been returned and that student will receive a $25 gift card.

The grand prize is a new notebook computer, which will be awarded to one student at the completion of the trip around the world.

Caldes said there is extra emphasis being placed on the enjoyment part of the program.

Students are following along on the middle school's morning show every other Friday as each grade level's hot air balloon advances on a huge map of the world.

Caldes said she is pleased to see the excitement generated by the program.

"We want more of our students to read for enjoyment and hopefully this program will lead to a new appreciation of reading as a pastime that will benefit our students throughout life," the principal said.

To cap off the program, Caldes is seeking a hot air balloon demonstration to be conducted on the school's athletic fields in May.