Pequea Valley townlively.com
SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVIII • NO 40
Meeting Early Learning Goals BY ANN MEAD ASH
n Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), a goal has been set. The Together Initiative Network (TIN), which includes PVSD, along with area churches, ministries, and businesses, is aiming to have 90% of local children reading by third grade and reading proficiently by fourth grade. The goal is based on data that shows individuals are 10 times more likely to end up in generational poverty if they are not reading by third grade. Part of reaching that goal is to prepare children for kindergarten by working with parents and their children in the birth-to-5 age group. Lisa Eckert, PVSD director of early learning since January of 2020, is measuring the outcomes of a number of steps the district is taking before children enter kindergarten. “Our hope is they are starting off as prepared as possible,” said Eckert, who uses an IU13 screening tool to measure academics and a screener developed by the district to gauge social and emotional
Celebrating Five Years Of Recovery 12-Step Program Is Still Going Strong BY ANN MEAD ASH
Karl Stoltzfus, one of the leaders of ELANCO Celebrate Recovery (CR), is clear about why many attendees come to the weekly meetings. “Some folks are here because a program (they are taking part in) says they need to be here,” he said. “Others get to a place where they want to try something different.” See Celebrate Recovery pg 11
Pequea Valley School District’s Early Learning Program is helping to prepare students to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
Valley High School. Early learning handles kindergarten registration, and Eckert has set a goal to register students early so that they will receive a kindergarten readiness kit and have opportunities to attend programs. “Our goal was to get as many registered by May 1 as possible,” she said, noting that two years ago, 65% of students were registered by May 1. In 2022, that number jumped to
90%. Other data included 91% of families receiving a kindergarten readiness kit, nearly 70% attending a transition night, and 85% taking part in an early learning program. Eckert will continue to collect data to discover how much impact the program is having on thirdgrade reading goals. She works closely with Karla Beiler, director of elementary advocacy, whose office is just down the hall in the Braves
Keeping Time
Kathy Stern (left) and her husband, Gary, are planning the 150th anniversary celebration of the Gap Town Clock in October.
Learning Center located at The Factory Ministries. Eckert believes working together is a key to project success. “Everybody communicating and working together on the same goal is really important,” she said. “It’s a collaborative project. Everybody is involved.” More information about the program may be found by clicking on the “Early Learning” tab at www.pequeavalley.org.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Gap Town Clock To Hold 150th Anniversary Celebration BY ANN MEAD ASH tower, which is located at the intersection of Route 41 and Bridge The Gap Town Clock Association Street in Gap, on Sunday, Oct. 9, is preparing to celebrate an impor- from 1 to 5 p.m. Rep. Bryan Cutler tant milestone. “The last celebra- will send a proclamation in recognition was when the clock tower was tion of the event. Light beverages 100 years old in 1992,” recalled and snacks will be served. Kathy Stern, secretary/treasurer for Kathy will have a membership the association. Kathy explained table set up at the event. A nominal that the clock dates back to 1872, charge is required to become a but the 65-foot tower that holds the member of the association, which clock was built in 1892. “The tower works to maintain the clock and is 130 years old, but the clock is 150 tower. Kathy will also sell salmonyears old,” she said. colored mugs with a picture of the To mark the occasion, the associ- tower on one side and notations ation will hold a celebration at the about the age of the clock and the See Gap Town Clock pg 12
Whoopie Pies Galore . . . .2 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Church Craft Show To Return . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Business Directory . . . . .10 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .13 House Of Worship . . . . . .16
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readiness. “In the last two years, we have seen program involvement increase 18% and kindergarten readiness scores increased about 18%,” said Eckert, who noted that a direct correlation can be drawn because parents who are attending programs with their child know what the district is looking for. “By coming to our programs, they know that their incoming kindergartner should be counting to 20 and working on letter sounds,” she said. “When they come for their screening, I am hoping those students are more prepared.” Working on kindergarten readiness with parents and students begins when parents sign up for a kindergarten readiness kit, which means they will receive updates on early learning programs, such as Play and Learns, Transition Nights, and home visits. The kit encourages families to attend the Kindergarten Expo, Kinder Club, Kinder Camp, Popsicles in the Park, and community events such as Read Under the Lights, which will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, at Pequea