Free Summer Kindergarten Readiness Programs

Blogger's Note: The following announcement was provided by PEAK.

Seven free state-funded Summer Kindergarten Readiness Program classes will be offered at the PEAK community early learning partner sites in August.

The classes will be two weeks (August 11- 22) and focus on skills to help your child be successful in kindergarten.

To be eligible for the classes, the child must be entering Pottstown School District kindergarten in September and be income eligible. (Family income cannot exceed 300% of the federal poverty level – for a family of four that is an annual income of approximately $71,550).

The classes will be offered at Montgomery Early Learning Centers, Pottstown YMCA, KinderCare Learning Center, Warwick Child Care Center – North Coventry, YWCA Tri-County Area and Pottstown School District Pre-K Counts.

A complete listing of the sites and contact information can be found on the PEAKweb site at www.peakonline.org. 

Contact the sites for dates and times of the classes or the PEAK Coordinator at 610-970-6655.

3rd Annual River Run.

Crossfit of Pottstown will host the Third Annual Summer River Fun on Saturday, June 28 at 8 a.m.

The event begins at the Pottstown Athletic Club at 21 N. Hanover St.

It consists of roughly three miles and six WOD stations.

The event ends at The Brick House, 152 High St.

A Brick House breakfast is available from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Breakfast is one you.

There is no parking in the Susquehana Bank lot as they will be open for business.

For more information, e-mail rob@pottstownkarate.com or call 610-327-1321.

Budget Passes, Jobs Cut, Taxes Raised, Raises Approved

Red-Eye photo by Evan Brandt

After Monday night's school board meeting, the board and
executive team modeled their "Save the Lights" t-shirts.

Monday night, the Pottstown School Board met and approved a number of things.

First, they approved 1.5 percent raises for mid-level administrators, which is part of a contract agreement.

Then they approved a 2 percent for support staff, which was not part of a contract and which will put an additional $125,000 onto the district payroll.

The support staff have not had a raise in 24 months.

The board, after hearing from a few folks who objectd to eliminating 11 special education positions while at the sdame time bringing more special education students back from special schools, then also approved the $56. million 2014-15 budget.

The board also agreed to contribute $25,000 to the Foundation for Pottstown Education, but only if it is the last year the board makes a contribution.

Here are the Tweets from last night's meeting. As always, remember to hit the blue "Read Next Page" bar to make sure you see them all..

Summer at the Library

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Regional Public Library

Many summer programs are occurring at the library in June, July, and August. 

The first "Wednesday Morning" performance is at 10:30 on June 25th. The crowds are so big for these Wednesday performances that we hold them on the main floor of the library and put all other functions of the library on hold. 

 There are six Wednesday Morning performances scheduled, so there are plenty of chances to join the fun. (all free, no registration required).

The library also has programs, crafts, and parties scheduled tailored by age. 

Some programs require registration, so visit the website and event calendar to check it out. http://ppl.mclinc.org/ Don't forget to register and record your reading - you may win a prize.

Research shows that kids who read over the summer avoid a loss of reading skills. They call that the "summer slide" (and it is one slide you want to avoid).

Besides the hard work of the children's department, you can thank the Greater Pottstown Foundation, Soroptomist, and Trinity Reformed Church, for supporting Summer Reading at the Pottstown Regional Public Library

The Right Engle

From left, Barth Principal Ryan Oxenford, Christinna Longecker, Zachary Mitchell and Makenzie Johnson

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Barth Elementary School.

Barth Elementary School recently held an awards program to honor the accomplishments of the 3rd and 4th grades.

One of the elite awards given out was the Engle Award.

William Engle established a fund for children because he loved them and wanted to be remembered by them.

This fund has been collecting interest since his death in 1935.

The interest from this fund is awarded to students who have made the most significant progress through their third and fourth grade elementary years.

These students show dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to go above and beyond the required academics.

They consistently perform their very best.

This award is presented to the three students with the highest academic standing upon their exit from fourth grade.

Barth's Engle Award Winners were:

1st place – Christinna Longenecker

2nd place – Zachary Mitchell

3rd place – Makenzie Johnson