Outreach programs provide lessons to over 15,000 Central PA students
The State College Spikes are pleased to announce the team’s roster of 2015 school programs. Each program has a unique theme and focus, with the common goal of using the Spikes brand to supplement classroom curriculum in the areas of reading, writing, exercising, eating healthy and conserving water. These programs are always offered free of charge to area schools.
Most programs are implemented through school assemblies and involve mascots, players and front office staff. All programs offer K-8 students the opportunity to earn free tickets to a Spikes’ home game upon completion of one of the fun and educational school programs. The Spikes annually reach over 15,000 Central Pennsylvania school children in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata Counties through community outreach programs.
New for the 2015 season is the “Head Above Water” program presented by the State College Borough Water Authority. The program teaches water conservation and its positive effects, with a free Spikes ticket offered upon completion of the program.
Below are capsules of the Spikes 2015 school programs:
Healthy Home Runs presented by Mount Nittany Health
The Spikes and Mount Nittany Health are offering this school program, which is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle by creating awareness of the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity. Ike the Spike and representatives from Mount Nittany Health will visit schools to hold a kick-off assembly, which can be held outside or inside. During the assembly, K-6 students will be educated on the importance of exercise and nutrition before having the opportunity to take “Ike’s Fun Fit Challenge.” Students who complete the simple and fun physical fitness challenge will be rewarded with one complimentary Bullpen Box ticket and an on-field recognition ceremony during the Spikes’ Healthy Home Runs Day at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Sunday, August 2.
Books and Baseball Program presented by National Penn Bank
The Spikes and National Penn Bank have partnered for the Books and Baseball Reading Program for the 2015 season. This program encourages students to complete a reading program by rewarding them with free Spikes tickets upon completion. Participating students will receive a special bookmark to keep track of the books they read. Any participating student that reads four books under the supervision of their teacher or parent will earn one free ticket for a designated Books and Baseball game during the 2015 season. At those games, participants will be honored from the field for their participation and completion of the programs. The program includes a free assembly and reading presentation with the National Penn Bank Nook Monster at any of the participating schools. Books and Baseball is designed for students in grades K-8.
Spikes Essay Contest presented by the Centre Daily Times
The Spikes Essay Contest is for K-8 students to creatively share their experiences and thoughts about the State College Spikes through pictures or essays. The contest is divided into three different grade levels: K-1, 2-4 and 5-8. Students in kindergarten through first grade are encouraged to include drawings along with one sentence for the theme “If I were Ike the Spike.” The second to fourth grade group will be asked to write a short essay entitled “If I coached the Spikes.” Fifth to eighth graders will be encouraged to write a 300 word or fewer essay entitled “If I could create a new food item for the Spikes, it would be (blank).” A winning essay will be chosen in each of the three age groups and those winners will earn tickets to a 2015 Spikes home game for their entire grade. The submission deadline for the Spikes Essay Contest is June 1.
“Head Above Water” presented by the State College Borough Water Authority
All new for 2015 – the State College Borough Water Authority and the Spikes have partnered to implement a youth water conservation awareness program, “Head Above Water.” Ike the Spike, along with a representative from the State College Borough Water Authority, will be educating students on the importance of water conservation and the effects it can have. The program is an initiative that will encourage students to practice good water conservation habits by rewarding them with a free Spikes ticket upon completion of the program. Participating students will receive a special baseball card to help remind them how to conserve water. Any participating student that completes the water conservation program under the supervision of his or her teacher and/or parent will earn one free ticket to a 2015 Spikes baseball game. The program includes a free assembly and water conservation presentation with Ike the Spike and the State College Borough Water Authority at any of the participating schools.
There is no cost for schools to participate in any of the Spikes school programs. Teachers or administrators interested in participating in any of the State College Spikes School Programs can contact Bobbi Jo Davidson, Spikes Community Relations Assistant at (814) 272-1711 or bdavidson@statecollegespikes.com.
The Spikes, defending New York-Penn League champions, begin their 38-game home schedule with Opening Night on Friday, June 19 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, and the slate continues through September 6.
Season tickets, McDonald’s Flex Books and an array of group and hospitality options for the 2015 season are currently on sale by calling the Spikes at (814) 272-1711. Additional information on all club ticketing options can be viewed here.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.