Garden Spot townlively.com
JANUARY 3, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 2
Pre-K counts at NHELC BY ANN MEAD ASH
S
arah Dye, lead teacher in the New Holland Early Learning Center (NHELC) Pre-K Counts classroom, which first started serving 3- and 4-year-olds in September 2023, makes it clear that the free government program is not different from other preschools. “We work on everything a regular preschool works on,” she stated. “Kindergarten readiness is a big one.” Nearly 20 students work with Dye and her two assistants from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays as part of the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program that NHELC opened in partnership with IU13. “This is something we have been trying to do for a while,” said executive director Wanda Bortzel. “It was one of the goals of our strategic plan.” Bortzel worked with the IU13 to complete the paperwork to qualify. She pointed out that the program is open first to ELANCO-area residents who are
at 300% of the poverty level. “NHELC was invited by IU13 to participate in the PA Pre-K Counts grant as a community partner based on the center’s high-quality rating,” said IU13 representative Jennifer Houser. “We teach colors, numbers, shapes, and letters,” said Dye. “We do a lot of social-emotional (learning ) as well with this age,” she noted, adding that the social-emotional gap between ages 3, 4, and 5 is large. T he d ay for the students always begins by washing their hands followed by working to write their own names. “They sign in,” said Dye, who noted that children use nametags to work on creating the letters based on ability. She uses verbal cues to help older students work to form letters. “For some they don’t have the skills yet to draw a circle or a line, I do hand-overhand where they hold the pencil, and I coach them verbally as I write their names with them.”
The rest of the morning is filled with learning time. “Pre-K Counts is specific on how time is scheduled,” said Dye. Students must spend an hour at centers, which include science blocks, cutting, and a discovery table that encourages learning at play. “I go around the room and facilitate the learning and conversation,” said Dye, who said she may focus on the letter of the week, encouraging students to make the sound and discuss words that begin with the letter. A large group lesson may focus on either the social-emotional or creative curriculum the program uses, and small group time allows opportunities for specific activities for each lesson and individual work. Small groups may also focus on the time of the year, a craft, or a letter. Students also have snack, lunch, nap, and outdoor time. “They do a lot of learning, concentrating, and focusing,” said Dye. “They need that time to give their brains a break.”
Sarah Dye (back) serves as lead teacher at the New Holland Early
See NHELC pg 4 Learning Center Pre-K Counts program.
Don’t distract the dog!
Be an influencer
BY ANN MEAD ASH
It started with a Facebook post that alerted readers as to what to do if approached by a lone dog in a service vest. The post advised following the dog because the canine’s person might be in trouble. While the advice seemed reasonable, suspicion of such posts alerted this feature writer to seek an opinion from the staff of United Disabilities Services (UDS) service dog program. Puppy coordinator Kristy Conrad confirmed that the
advice is good. “If a service dog is separated from their person, that should be a reason for concern,” she stated. “If (the dog) turns around to take you, you should follow because the person could be in trouble,” added service dog program manager Lori Breece. These answers led to discussion of general service dog etiquette that respects the dog’s owner or handler - things we should all be aware of when we see a dog working in public. UDS service dogs wear colored vests to alert others
Diana Roth (front and center in left photo) and Kyle Martin (right in right photo) are Fellowship of Christian Athletes character coaches who work with local school sports teams to help foster a positive environment and provide support to coaches. BY ANN MEAD ASH
are volunteers,” said Ben Swarr, d i re c to r fo r Fe l l o w s h i p o f “ There’s more demand for Christian Athletes (FCA) Berks character coaches than there County, who works with athletes
in Twin Valley and Governor Mifflin school districts. Swarr is also a former character coach for Cocalico High School wrestling. See FCA pg 4
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See UDS pg 2
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Service animal etiquette shared