Featured image (from left): Jennifer Douglas, Mollie Hill, Alisha Inman-Cummings, Lorrie McClure, and Dr. Michael Hester were present to represent the BSD district in this R.I.S.E. effort. Not pictured: Laura Howard
The Batesville School District was recently recognized as one of six partnerships by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) that “…demonstrate the benefit of school/community collaboration while building a strong culture of reading for students, their families, and the community.”
In a media release, the state department of education recognized Batesville, along with Greenbrier and Magnolia as gold-level R.I.S.E. Communities for 2021-2022 for their commitment to promoting literacy beyond school buildings and into surrounding communities.
Building a culture of reading is one of the foundational goals of the Reading Initiative for Student Excellence, or R.I.S.E. Arkansas, program. To encourage reading beyond just the classroom, ADE developed the R.I.S.E. Communities program to recognize districts, community members, and organizations that partner together to promote a culture of reading for residents of all ages.
The common element across all communities was the desire and effort to increase the number of books for children.
In Batesville, partners hosted a “Tale-gate” party and collected more than 8,000 books that were then donated to children in the community. Partners also worked with local restaurants to provide activity placemats that highlight the five components of reading.
Greenbrier’s Christmas parade received a new theme, “RISE up in Lights,” that focused on literacy. The community partnership also challenged residents to complete Science of Reading activities via a geocaching scavenger hunt about the history of Greenbrier.
Magnolia implemented free little libraries in public spaces throughout the community for families to access books for children and also promoted literacy for secondary students through a financial literacy event.
In addition to these three partnerships, Hope, McGehee, and Friendship Aspire in Pine Bluff were recognized as bronze winners.
“The partnerships between schools and community organizations in these six cities have resulted in improved access to books for students, enhanced awareness of the importance of reading on grade level, and a community culture that embraces reading,” ADE Secretary Johnny Key said. “I am extremely proud of these partnerships, which serve as role models for other communities. When we partner together toward a common goal, students are always the winners.”
Image provided by the Batesville School District / Information provided by the Arkansas Department of Education
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
