KINGWOOD — The Learning in Motion Bus will provide learning and lunch programs for Preston County students this summer.
The converted school bus will be traveling to seven locations in the county providing STEM programs, story time, a library and Osmo. Osmo is an accelerated learning system that uses an iPad, physical objects and educational tools. The bus will also provide a free lunch to students up to age 18.
For example, students may read “Stellaluna,” a book about a bat, then participate in activities revolving around bats.
The bus will be running three weeks this year and present a new learning theme each week. Preston County Schools Curriculum Director Michelle Berry said the children would be learning about the history of West Virginia.
“This is a proactive outreach program,” Berry said. “We’re not parking at the schools. We are hitting areas with a lot of availability.”
Food For Preston Director Tammy Laney said Food for Preston, the county’s 10 food pantries, and Starting Points partnered with Preston County Schools to provide bags of non-perishable food to the program. She said the food is available to anyone attending the program.
“We have a feeding program for the kids in summer school,” Laney said. “Until now we had nothing for their families.”
Kay DeWitt, director of Starting Points, said baby food and diapers would also be available for those who needed them. Starting Points also made up bags of food to be distributed to the families.
Two Bruceton Elementary teachers were on hand last week to help with the program, Beth Doerr, and Wendy Dillon. Doerr teaches physical education and Dillon is a special education teacher. Also helping with the program were Lead Technology Integration Specialist Darla Moyers, Sabrina Skidmore, Wendy Dillon and bus driver Greg Ridenour.
Learning in Motion Bus will be at:
- Aurora — Cathedral State Park, 9-11:30 a.m. July 9 and 30.
- Terra Alta Town Park, 12:30-3 p.m., July 9 and 30.
- Tunnelton Lions Club Park, 9-11:30 a.m., July 10 and 31.
- Rowlesburg Town Park, 12:30-3 p.m., July 10 and 31.
- Masontown Town Park, 9-11:30 a.m., July 11 and Aug. 1.
- Kingwood Fireman’s Field 12:30-3 p.m., July 11 and Aug. 1.
- Bruceton Volunteer Fire Department, 9-11:30 a.m., July 12 and Aug. 2.
