Press Release
For the better part of the last three decades the Charleston RiverDogs have made youth literacy a focus of their community outreach strategy. Now, for the fourth year in a row, Charleston's Minor League Baseball team is proud to announce its joint program with the Charleston County School District, “Reading Around the Bases.” The program began during the 2016-2017 school year to encourage literacy in a fun and interactive manner.
On Tuesday, January 21, 23 elementary schools throughout Charleston County will start a 10-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 the bases on the score card, a student must read 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 and how many times they “round the bases” on the score card. Top readers from each participating school will be recognized at Joseph P. Riley Jr., Park during the annual Education Day game on Wednesday, May 27.
Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools in the District throughout the 10 weeks to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers.
“We are so thankful one of the premier sports organizations in our state is committed to literacy and education,” said Karolyn Belcher, CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer. “The RiverDogs bring so much energy to our schools, classrooms, and most importantly, our students, through this initiative.”
The unofficial kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” this year will be at Memminger Elementary School in Downtown Charleston on Tuesday, January 21 at 1:00pm. Media outlets are invited to attend.
In addition to the reading program, the RiverDogs announce their annual “Education Day” games for the 2020 season. This year those games will fall on Wednesday, April 15th and Wednesday, May 27th. Both games will begin at 11:05 a.m. with gates opening at 10:00 a.m. Lowcountry area schools are invited to both games on a first come, first serve basis. Limited number of tickets are available for this “field trip.” To sign up, visit www.riverdogs.com or contact Charleston RiverDogs Director of Community Relations Brooke Swetenburg at communityrelations@riverdogs.
“Reading Around the Bases continues to be an integral part of the RiverDogs' community outreach plan.” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “This program is an excellent way for our team and staff to support and ‘Make Fun' with local youth in an interactive manner, while making a difference in our backyard.”
For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Christy James, CCSD's Library and Media Services Specialist and Textbook Coordinator, at (843) 937-6300, or Brooke Swetenburg with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.
