2023-2024 Events
Building Partnerships
The Washington County School District partnered with WCRMC to provide iPads to WCRMC for children to use while at the Emergency Department. The iPads are loaded with a variety of reading and educational games to play while being seen as a patient or waiting with a parent. This collaboration between the school district and WCRMC is part of a community effort to promote the importance of early childhood literacy through a community team called WACO Reads. Pictured are Jennifer Tatum, Washington County School District Director of Digital Learning, Shelley Kitchens, WCRMC Emer. Dept. Manager, and Leah Clark, Washington County School District Director of Literacy.
The City of Tennille hosted several Literacy events with WACO Reads and other community partners.
Event Partner New Birth Christian Ministries Ladies Ministry Team
Event Partner Washington County NB&PW Club: Ms. Sharon Jordan and Ms. Kye Taylor
Event Partner Tennille United Methodist Church: Ms. Jenny Johnson and Rev. Cathy Green
Event Partner Janiya's Tutoring: Ms. Janiya Pleas and Ms. Charlet May
Raising a Reader at Ridge Road
Parent Sessions
Several sessions were held during the year for Ridge Road Parents to encourage them to establish consistent reading habits at home with their children. Each parent received a children's book for their home library and tips to support their child's learning.
Out and About for Literacy
Clark had the opportunity to read to children at the Boys and Girls Club during their Fall Festival.
Clark and Tennille Rotary Club President Tricia Bryan gave each PreK child a holiday book at the annual Downtown Trick or Treat visit.
OFTC President Erica Harden read to the Kindergarten classes from Ridge Road Primary School.
Kindergarten students enjoyed seeing the community Christmas Trees, which were decorated by local organizations.
Local Early Childhood Agencies Visit Ridge Road Primary School
Pictured are Smart Start Director Nateshia Scott, Principal Lynn Pool, Dr. Loyce Anderson from Kangaroo Pouch, Mr. Willie Carswell (parent) and Mr. Ronald McNair from Washington County NB & PW Club along with Ms. Clark
Principal Pool lead a tour of the building and a visit to several Kindergarten classrooms.
The group visited Mrs. Lakeisha Fragher's Kindergarten classroom. Mrs. Fragher was selected as Ridge Road Primary School's Teacher of the Year for 2024.
While You Wait
Several barbershops, restaurants and our local pediatrician offices display a QR code flyer for children to listen to a read aloud while waiting. Buckets of books were also placed at some local businesses to give children opportunities to read.
