Cloverdale Elementary to start reading program

CLOVERDALE -- Students up to preschool age in the Cloverdale area will be able to participate in a reading program thanks to a donation from the Christine and Howard Berliner Fund.

Elementary Principal Brad Sandy said once again the elementary was the recipient of a donation from the Putnam County Community Foundation fund, with the stipulation that $500 go to a teacher project, he explained at the regular meeting Monday night.

"I'm happy to report that at the elementary school, we have three teachers through our leadership academy that have put together a preschool reading, story hour kind of program," Sandy explained.

The Future Clovers program is designed for children up to the preschool age, and focuses on more than just the prospective student. Parents are also encouraged to participate.

"The intent of the program is to assist parents in setting a firm foundation for early learning experiences. The program wants to address that parents are a child's first and forever teacher," Sandy explained.

He added for a variety of reasons, some parents do not foster an environment which promotes early childhood development.

"The program also wants to shed a positive light on today's school systems and get away from the negative associations that some parents have about school," Sandy added.

Future Clovers participants and their parents will be able to get a first-hand experience of Cloverdale Elementary School through weekly visits during the course of the program.

Sandy added more information will be coming soon to provide details about the Future Clovers program as it is put into place.

Middle School Principal Dawn Tucker added they also received a donation from the Berliners with the same stipulation. But, a teacher project has not yet been designated.

"The teachers are going to write up a proposal for a project they want to do, then we are going to send it to the Berliners and have them vote," Tucker explained.