This is an unedited press release
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Charleston County School District (CCSD) students are set to “read” their way to Riley Park this semester through “Reading Around the Bases,” a joint initiative with the Charleston RiverDogs and CCSD.
“Reading Around the Bases” started last school year as a way to encourage literacy, and the Lowcountry's professional baseball team and South Atlantic League affiliate of the 27-time World Series Champion New York Yankees, is excited to help generate excitement for reading with second graders again CCSD this year.
On Monday, January 22, 2018, 18 elementary schools throughout Charleston County will start a 12-week baseball-themed incentive program. Each student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a score card, tracking sheet, and their very own personal baseball card.
To move around on the bases on the score card, a student must read a certain number of pages; 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run. Students also earn points for their class depending on how far they advance on the score card.
Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools in the District throughout the 12 weeks to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers.
“We are thankful the RiverDogs want to continue to work with us in our goal of improving literacy throughout the district,” said Cindy Ambrose, CCSD’s Deputy Superintendent of Learning Services. “The enthusiasm they bring to our schools is contagious, and our teachers and media specialists enjoying having Charlie T. RiverDog visit their classrooms and libraries during this exciting program.”
The unofficial kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” this year is at Pinehurst Elementary School in North Charleston on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 12:15 p.m. Media outlets are invited to attend the session.
The winning second grade class from each participating school will be part of a special pre-game parade, receive special seating at the stadium, and participate in contests during the Education Day Game at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on May 30, 2018 .
“The entire RiverDogs staff is eager to get out to Lowcountry schools with the ‘Reading Around the Bases' program once again,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Promoting literacy in the local community continues to be an organizational goal, and we are proud to partner with CCSD for another year to bring our sense of reading and fun to Lowcountry second graders.”
For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Christy James, CCSD's Library and Media Services Specialist and Textbook Coordinator Richards, at (843) 937-6300, or Walter Nolan-Cohn with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.
