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\nBellefonte READS, BASD\u2019s summer literacy program, handed out over 1,200 books to more than 300 local families. Stacks of this year\u2019s titles, \u201cBe a Maker,\u201d \u201cMany Points of Me\u201d and \u201cA Forgery of Roses,\u201d sit on a table ready to be handed out at the Bellefonte Children\u2019s Fair on June 7.\n<\/p>\n
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BELLEFONTE \u2014 This year, BASD\u2019s Bellefonte READS summer literacy initiative distributed more than 1,200 books to over 300 local families, helping children stay connected to reading while school is out.<\/p>\n
Bellefonte READS, which officially kicked off in June, continues through July with a series of events that educators hope will spark students\u2019 creativity, strengthen their literacy skills and build curiosity about science.<\/p>\n
The theme for this year, \u201cIMAGINE. CREATE. INSPIRE.,\u201d was selected to reflect the intersection of art and science, said Jackie Wynkoop, BASD\u2019s director of curriculum and instruction.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll our books dealt with that theme,\u201d said Wynkoop.<\/p>\n
The selected titles were tailored to different age groups: the picture book, \u201cBe a Maker,\u201d encouraged young readers to think creatively; the middle-grade novel, \u201cMany Points of Me,\u201d tied together the fields of art and astronomy; and the young adult\/adult pick, \u201cA Forgery of Roses,\u201d was \u201ca little bit of a murder mystery in a very appropriate way\u201d that also weaved in thematic elements.<\/p>\n
One of the featured authors, Caroline Gertler \u2014 author of \u201cMany Points of Me\u201d \u2014 even recorded a 90-second video message to help build excitement within the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey made personalized videos just for us, which are really cool,\u201d Wynkoop said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to be part of a summer that\u2019s all about making, creating and getting inspired, because, really, that\u2019s what this book is about,\u201d said Gertler in the video.<\/p>\n
Families were also invited to engage in enrichment activities they could do together, including a BINGO board and a Self-Portrait Challenge.<\/p>\n
To keep families engaged beyond the page, Bellefonte READS will also feature a variety of hands-on events tied to the program\u2019s theme.<\/p>\n
Upcoming activities include a storytime at the Bellefonte Library on Wednesday, July 23, at 11 a.m., and a stargazing night at Penn State\u2019s Davey Lab on Friday, July 25, at 8:30 p.m. \u2014 an event Wynkoop said ties into the program\u2019s astronomy theme.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re also planning a book chat at Tiny Hollow for our adult and YA readers, if there\u2019s enough interest,\u201d she said. That event is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 4, at 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Activities are also continuing on social media, where the district\u2019s art teachers have created video presentations on famous artists to keep the learning going. Part 1, focusing on Henri Matisse, premiered on their Facebook page on July 6.<\/p>\n
\u201cBellefonte Reads takes a village,\u201d said Wynkoop, who gave a big shout-out to Jen Brezler and Leslie Elder for their enthusiastic help with distributing books at the Bellefonte READS pickup event on June 2. Their energy and willingness to pitch in helped the event run smoothly and ensured hundreds of books reached local families. <\/p>\n
A special thanks also went to Allison D\u2019Ambrosia, who worked behind the scenes organizing and packing the book bags ahead of time.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was incredibly tiring, but seeing the looks on the faces of the families and the kids as they are so excited to get their books \u2014 there\u2019s not much better than that,\u201d Wynkoop said.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n MACKEYVILLE \u2014 With the 52nd Clinton County Fair set to kick off next Saturday, July 26, the Fair Association …<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Glen Mawr is a tiny community of 130 people and a smattering of homes next to Muncy Creek in Lycoming County. …<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n BELLEFONTE \u2014 The Bellefonte Area School Board of Directors voted unanimously to issue a bond that will …<\/p>\n
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