MORGANTOWN –Willow Bear, Eastwood Elementary School’s mascot, met students out front of the Stewartstown Community Building on Tuesday for the summer program, “Willow Goes Wild,” where kids engage in reading and crafts during their summer break.
Tracy Cottrell, assistant principal of the school, said traditionally the kids would go home with a reading log over summer break — but it was kind of hit or miss if they did any reading.
“This year we hoped to get out and get face-to-face with our kids and see them and encourage them to read and keep up with their math facts and just really visit with them and spend some quality time with them through the summer,” Cottrell said.
The school includes Pre-K to fifth grade, and the younger kids are usually the ones to come out and enjoy the stories. Eastwood is a green school, so books picked go along with green themes.
“Research shows that if kids don’t keep up with their academics, they lose ground over the summer. We just want to make sure our kiddos gain ground over the summer,” she said.
Eastwood picked seven neighborhoods to visit. Avery United Methodist Church donated snack packs for kids who might be having a hard time getting food over the summer, Cottrell said.
University Motors donated books to go home with every child. A Wal-mart gift card was donated for a drawing at each location, as well as a chance to win a party hosted by the West Virginia Black Bears. Cottrell thanked these organizations, teachers and locations for their contributions.
DeAnn Hartshorn, principal of Eastwood, said aside from summertime programs, the school hosts a fall fest, STEM nights, conferences and a winter dance.
“The Board of [Education], they’re so supportive of all our passions and crazy ideas,” said Hartshorn.
The Stewardstown Community Center hosted community events like these for almost 150 years. Christi Stallard, president of the Stewardstown Community Council, said it was exciting to support these kids’ activities.
Harriet Colebank, president of the Community Education Outreach Service (CEOS), said activities like these are the heart and soul of the building.
They recounted 4-H programs, big Halloween parties and day camps the community center hosted throughout the years.
“Community is important, I think with every member of the community. I know with the building if it’s ‘hey, we’re doing a party we need this,’ the CEOS will make sure that shows up,” said Stallard.
Colebank baked and brought brownies for the kids to enjoy. She said the community has changed, but has always been supportive of events at the community center.
“It’s really is a special place,” said Stallard.
The final Eastwood Elementary event will be at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 at the school. The school year officially starts Aug. 20.
