Hamburg area school directors approved the purchase of an online prekindergarten and parent engagement tool for the 2015-16 school year at a cost of $4,000 on Feb. 23.
ReadyRosie provides parents with daily reminders and 2-minute videos which can help them have their child ready for kindergarten by turning ordinary moments into teachable ones.
The program is not limited to prekindergarten students and is suitable for younger children through second grade.
“We are focusing on kindergarten through second grade students who are struggling in reading,” said Dr. Elizabeth Lambi, director of curriculum.
The district is partnering with the United Way of Berks County which will pay half of the cost.
“ReadyRosie provides good, healthy activities that parents don’t have to figure out,” said Stella Leonti, director of education for the United Way of Berks County.
“There are different settings such as a car or grocery store.”
Parents of prekindergarten children will be able to signup for the program during the school registration period (week of March 9) at the district’s two elementary schools.
“Ready, set, read is a good program, but this one starts earlier,” Superintendent Steven Keifer said. “We will impact kids at age 3.”
In other news, a resolution to a tax assessment appeal by Lowe’s Home Center, Inc., Tilden Township, resulted in a tax loss of $12,756 for 2014 and $17,672 for 2015 for the school district.
In other news, school directors approved the 2015-16 BCIU mandated services budget. Hamburg Area’s share is $28,801, which reflects an increase of $745 or 2.7 percent.
School directors also approved the use of Perry Elementary Center Dedicated to Esther H. Ludwig as a polling location for Shoemakersville Borough on May 19 and Nov. 3.
The next meeting of school directors will be on Monday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the James A. Gilmartin Community Room.
