BELLEFONTE AREA
SCHOOL NEWS
814-355-4814 • www . basd . net
Bellefonte READS 10 Year Anniversary
Bellefonte READS is an organization that started ten years ago in 2013 . Two literacy coaches , Jackie Wynkoop and Jennifer Zahuranec of BASD , noticed that there was a lack of engagement with reading in the community and wanted to address this issue . They felt a program that could connect directly with the community would be the most beneficial , and thus , began the start of Bellefonte READS .
This mission of Bellefonte READS is to foster a love of reading in the community and put quality books in the hands of children and families . Its most notable program is the “ One Book , One Bellefonte ” initiative . Each year , committee members select a collection of books with a common theme . The collection is revealed to the community , generally in January , with a book pick up in February and then the “ One Book , One Bellefonte ” Celebration that happens in March . These books are provided to families in the district for free and are of a variety of reading levels for all ages . The committee hopes that their book choices bring the community together around an important issue or topic , and leave readers inspired to do more . Recently , Jackie Wynkoop and Nicole Kohlhepp , the current English , Language Arts ( ELA ) coaches of the district and the lead members of the Bellefonte READS committee , were interviewed about the program , and asked : " Where did the slogan “ One Book , One Bellefonte ” come from ? What does it mean to the committee and the community ? What are Bellefonte READS ’ current initiatives and programs ?" Jackie and Nicole : " It came from a conversation between the literacy coaches and their drive to have reading begin to unite the community . With the original program starting with just one book , that book was meant to bring the community of Bellefonte together - to encourage families to read and have thoughtful conversations amongst each other . Yes , we provide more than just one book now , but that centralized theme continues to inspire and promote discussions within families and the community . Currently , we have a reveal watch party that generally takes place over YouTube in January . We encourage families to ' tune in ' and learn about this year ’ s theme and the selection of books that they will get to pick from . In March , we have our “ One Book , One Bellefonte ” Celebration . This event is held at the school , and all families are invited to attend . In the past , families have received a free meal , had the opportunity to hear from the books ' authors and / or illustrators , participated in literacy activities , and engaged in activities that allow them to delve more deeply into that year ’ s theme ." In the last nine years , Bellefonte READS has raised $ 60,000 and given away 12,000 books to the community . This is an effort of community donations , grants , and fundraisers . We continue to need donations , whether its monetary , book baskets , or local organizations that can offer literacy-themed activities . If you are able to donate in any of those capacities , please contact Jackie Wynkoop at jwynkoop @ basd . net or visit our website Bellefonte READS under the Bellefonte Area School District website .
Please patronize this fine local sponsor of Bellefonte School News :
Ladies Clothing Boutique
- sizes 2 to 22 - Happy New Year !
122 South Allegheny Street , Bellefonte • ( 814 ) 548-7847
Open : Monday , Tuesday , Wednesday 9 - 5 Thursday , Friday 10 - 6 , Saturday 10 - 4
www . bearcountrygoodnews . com “ Good News ” -- January -- 5