TinCaps Reading Program Ready for 2022

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Enrollment is now open for the 2022 Fort Wayne TinCaps Reading Program.

Educators can sign up at TinCapsReading.com.

The deadline to enroll in the program is Tuesday, December 7.

With the TinCaps Reading Program, educators work with students to set requirements and goals, such as a number of books to read, a number of pages to read, hours spent reading, etc. The TinCaps Reading Program, which comes at absolutely no cost for schools and students, can be used to supplement an existing curriculum.

Students who achieve their goals, rounding the bases to reach “home plate,” are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to a TinCaps game at Parkview Field on a select date, plus receive a voucher for a hot dog, a drink, and a special prize.

See below for a list of Reading Program game dates during the 2022 TinCaps season.

The TinCaps supply educators with the necessary materials to implement the program and distribute ticket order forms to students.

Teachers also receive a free game ticket, and can schedule an appearance at their school by the TinCaps’ mascot, Johnny.

For more than a decade, the TinCaps Reading Program has proven to be a fun way to encourage reading development across hundreds of schools around the region, benefitting thousands of students.

“As the son of a long-time educator myself, I’m very proud of the fact that we have one of the top literacy programs in the entire country among professional sports teams,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “This is completely free for schools. Especially given the challenges of the last couple years, now more than ever, it’s important for us to support our local teachers.”

Any questions about the TinCaps Reading Program can be directed to Blaine Jerome at 260-407-2837 or [email protected].

The TinCaps, who are the High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres in Minor League Baseball, are scheduled to have their 2022 home opener on Tuesday, April 12 against the South Bend Cubs. Click here for the team’s full 66-game home schedule that features 25 fireworks nights.

In 2021, Parkview Field was rated the No. 1 game-day experience at the High-A level of Minor League Baseball and tied for No. 1 throughout all levels up through Triple-A.

2022 Spring Reading Program Dates

– Tuesday, April 12 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, April 13 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, April 14 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, April 15 (7:05 p.m.)

– Saturday, April 16 (1:05 p.m.)

– Sunday, April 17 (1:05 p.m.)

– Tuesday, April 26 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, April 27 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, April 28 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, April 29 (7:05 p.m.)

– Saturday, April 30 (1:05 p.m.)

– Sunday, May 1 (1:05 p.m.)

– Tuesday, May 17 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, May 18 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, May 19 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, May 20 (7:05 p.m.)*

– Saturday, May 21 (6:35 p.m.)*

– Sunday, May 22 (1:05 p.m.)

– Tuesday, May 24 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, May 25 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, May 26 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, May 27 (7:05 p.m.)*

– Saturday, May 28 (6:35 p.m.)*

– Sunday, May 29 (1:05 p.m.)

*FIREWORKS NIGHT

NOTE: Unlike years past, there are NO midweek day games for the 2022 TinCaps Reading Program.

Sherman Johnson Awarded With Twins Harmon Killebrew Award For Community Service

ST. PAUL, MN (October 1, 2021) – The Minnesota Twins today announced the 2021 Harmon Killebrew Award winners for outstanding minor league community service. Following the Hall of Famer’s death in 2011, the Twins have annually recognized a player from each of the organization’s full-season affiliates. Each player is nominated by their respective general manager for their service within the affiliate’s community. A plaque is awarded, in addition to an on-field presentation during spring training. Though opportunities for community involvement were limited in 2021 due to COVID restrictions, this year’s winners made the best of the circumstances to make an impact in their respective cities.

Infielder Sherman Johnson has been named the winner of the award representing Triple-A St. Paul. Johnson is passionate about reading and promoting literacy, and was active in the Saints’ Reading Tree program this past season. The program took place on the outfield grass prior to Sunday home games and featured a Saints player and a local author/illustrator reading books to kids. Johnson, 31, signed a minor league contract with the Twins on May 12 and began the season at Double-A Wichita, before being transferred to St. Paul on June 1. He batted a combined .202 (45-for-223) with 10 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 33 RBI, 36 runs scored and 46 walks in 75 games for the Saints and Wind Surge.

Right-handed pitcher Hector Lujan has been named the winner of the award representing Double-A Wichita, his third time earning the honor (2014 – Cedar Rapids and 2019 – Pensacola). The 27-year-old was recognized by the Wind Surge front office as the first player to reach out about community engagement opportunities, despite the limits imposed by the pandemic. Lujan was also quick to engage and interact with fans by signing autographs, and was always willing to assist the front office whenever needed. He went 3-2 with a 3.62 ERA (32.1 IP, 13 ER), nine walks and 33 strikeouts in 18 games for the Wind Surge, missing time due to injury.

Catcher Alex Isola has been named the winner of the award representing Single-A Cedar Rapids. Isola volunteered with the local Meals on Wheels chapter during the 2021 season, delivering meals to those in need in his free time and encouraging his teammates to do the same. The 23-year-old also spent significant time signing autographs for fans whenever possible, using the bullpen area as his base. Isola spent the entire 2021 season with the Kernels, his first full professional campaign, hitting .243 (88-for-362) with 15 doubles, 17 home runs, 52 RBI, 47 runs scored and 53 walks in 98 games.

Catcher Jeferson Morales has been named the winner of the award representing Single-A Fort Myers. Morales was recognized by the Mighty Mussels front office as a player who went above and beyond regarding fan interaction during the season, noting his constant willingness to interact with fans and sign autographs whenever he could. The 22-year-old split the 2021 minor league season between Fort Myers and Cedar Rapids, batting a combined .255 (84-for-329) with 24 doubles, 12 home runs, 53 RBI, 12 stolen bases and 54 runs scored in 96 games.

Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program Returns For 2022

 

Bowie, Md: The Bowie Baysox are excited to announce the return of their “Read & Hit a Home Run” Reading Program in partnership with Educational Systems Federal Credit Union for the 2021-2022 school year. This year marks the program’s 25th year working with schools to encourage literacy education around the region.

The program, which began in 1996 (the 4th season of Baysox Baseball), works with over 200 schools across the DMV region, impacting over 35,000 elementary and middle school students a year. Those numbers include public schools, private schools and area homeschools/co-ops, helping encourage and foster an excitement for literacy in students.

Registration for the free program is now open for the 2021-22 school year. Public, Private and Home Schools can register for the program HERE. Registered schools can participate in the program by having their students read four (4) books during the given time frame. Every student that completes the reading goal will receive two free tickets to their school’s Read & Hit a Home Run Reading Program Rewards game during the Baysox 2022 season. Students that completed the program will be recognized for their accomplishments during the game.

All reading teachers & media specialists and homeschool teachers/directors are encouraged to register their school. Once registered, all students can participate in a jersey design contest, with the winning design being unveiled at a school assembly. Actual jerseys will be made out of the winning design, and those jerseys will be worn by the Baysox players during a game. The game worn jerseys will be auctioned off with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the school of the winning designer.

To register your school and for more information on the program, CLICK HERE or contact Dani Fox, Reading Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or by calling 301.464.4873.

Fang’s Reading Club Returns

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – School is back in session and so is Fang’s Reading Club! Teachers may begin enrolling their schools in the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers program that encourages reading development in children from grades K through 5! This year’s program is presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, Badger Sports Park, Myndology, and EatStreet. Teachers and reading coordinators have until December 31 to get involved in this program.

Registration can be done through the website set up at FangsReadingClub.com. You may also check out other details on the program at that link.

Personnel at participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students. Students who meet all their goals for the program are rewarded with a FREE ticket as part of their school’s Family Night at a Timber Rattlers game in 2022. Sponsors and the Timber Rattlers will have a special prize waiting for those who complete the program at the ballpark when they attend their game!

The Timber Rattlers and the sponsors of Fang’s Reading Club will provide:

  • An introductory letter to be sent to parents at the start of the program.
  • Baseball related verification aids to help parents and teachers track the progress of participants.
  • A FREE ticket to a 2022 Timber Rattlers home game with a hot dog & soda voucher for students who complete the program.
  • Home Run Prize to be redeemed by students on their School’s Family Night at the Ballpark.
  • An easy, online ticket ordering option.
  • Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

You may also download this year’s Reading Club brochure here.

The club had 125 schools and over 25,000 students participate in the program last year. Fang wants to make this year’s club even bigger and he needs you!

Contact Dayna Baitinger at [email protected] or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your school for Fang’s Reading Club.

Braves Bookworms Reading Program Returns for 2021

 

PEARL, MS — The Mississippi Braves and Whataburger are pleased to announce the Braves Bookworms Reading Program’s return in 2021. The program is designed to encourage and enhance literacy among Central Mississippi youth through partnerships with local schools. The program is entirely free for students and educators. Click HERE for our Reading Program Central and fun educational resources.

Braves Bookworms strives to make reading fun by bringing the exciting experience from Trustmark Park into the classroom. All students from Pre-K through 8th grade are invited to participate. Braves Bookworms incentivizes students to read outside the classroom by rewarding them for reaching specific goals set by their teachers. The program is designed to run for four weeks.

Schools participating will have the opportunity to have Mississippi Braves mascots and staff present a Braves Bookworm Kickoff Pep Rally virtually. From January to March 2020, the M-Braves visited over 30 schools. The pep rally encourages participation and communicates the importance of reading.

Students participating in the program will receive an M-Braves bookmark. Once the objectives are complete, the bookmark becomes a voucher that students can exchange for (2) tickets to any 2021 Mississippi Braves home game! Vouchers may be exchanged at the Trustmark Park box office, based on availability! They must reach goals set by educators while they “Read Around the Bases,” creating a customizable incentive-based program to encourage children to read.To register for the program, download and fill out this FORM and send it to Darius Green at [email protected] or by mail (1 Braves Way, Pearl, MS 39208), fax (601-936-3567). Once we receive your enrollment form, a member of the M-Braves front office will contact you regarding program materials. Contact the Braves with any questions you might have at 601-932-8788.

Opening Day for the Mississippi Braves is set for Tuesday, May 4 at 6:35 pm against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Trustmark Park. Fans can guarantee their seat with 2021 season tickets. Also currently available are flex plans, group tickets suite nights, and sponsorship opportunities. View ticket options HERE. Individual game tickets will go on sale to the general public in April. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit milb.com/mississippi/tickets or call 601-9328788.**

ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI BRAVES:**
Based in Pearl, MS since 2005, the Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural season, there have been 150 M-Braves go on to play in Major League Baseball, including Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur, Freddie Freeman, Craig Kimbrel, Andrelton Simmons, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, Max Fried, Mike Soroka, Austin Riley, Ian Anderson, Cristian Pache, and Ronald Acuña Jr. The M-Braves are owned and operated by the Atlanta Braves, the longest continuously operated franchise in Major League Baseball.

RiverDogs-CCSD continue “Reading Around the Bases” despite COVID-19

Program enters fifth season focusing on continued literacy development and success among CCSD 2nd graders

Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the Charleston RiverDogs are moving forward with “Reading Around the Bases” for the fifth year in a row. The partnership started during the 2016-2017 school year as a way to encourage literacy. The Lowcountry’s professional baseball team (and Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays) is ready to generate excitement about literacy with second graders throughout the district again in 2021.

Starting on Monday, January 25, 2021, second graders from 11 elementary schools throughout Charleston County will begin a 10-week baseball-themed incentive program. Every student will receive a Reading Challenge packet that includes a scorecard, tracking sheet, and their very own personal baseball card.

To move around the bases on the scorecard, a student must read a certain number of pages: 100 pages for a single, 200 pages for a double, 300 pages for a triple, and 500 pages for a home run.

Special guests from the RiverDogs will visit schools (virtually) in CCSD throughout the 10 weeks to provide encouragement, fun, and serve as volunteer readers.

“We cannot thank the Charleston RiverDogs enough for their commitment to their partnership with our district,” said Karolyn Belcher, CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer. “Even with the obstacles presented the COVID-19 pandemic, the RiverDogs are working hard to have a meaningful presence in our schools and continue to drive home the point that reading, while critical, is fun.”

The unofficial kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” in 2021 will be at Angel Oak Elementary School on Johns Island Monday, January 25, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. Media outlets are welcome to attend.

The top-25 second graders from each participating school will be honored at a RiverDogs’ game during the upcoming season.

“The RiverDogs are proud to be a part of what has been a mutually beneficial relationship with the Charleston County School District over the last two decades,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Literacy and education continue to be a pillar of our team’s commitment to the Charleston community, and we are excited to continue to further the development and impact of the Reading Around the Bases program in its fifth year.”

For more information on “Reading Around the Bases,” please contact Christy James, CCSD’s Library and Media Services Coordinator, at (843) 790-3707, or Chris Singleton with the RiverDogs at (843) 723-7241.

Enroll Your Class in Fang’s Reading Club for 2021

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have had to make a few changes before announcing the 2021 edition of Fang’s Reading Club. The changes have been made and the team is ready to take enrollments in the popular, long-running, incentive-based rewards program that encourages reading development in children from grades K through 5! This year’s program is presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, Learning Rx, Badger Sports Park, Myndology, EatStreet, and Tutor Doctor. Teachers and reading coordinators have until December 31 to get involved in this program.

Registration is very easy and may be done through the website set up at FangsReadingClub.com. You may also check out other details on the program at that link.

Personnel at participating schools have the flexibility to design the program to meet the needs of their students. Students who meet all their goals for the program are rewarded with a FREE ticket as part of their school’s Family Night at a Timber Rattlers game in 2021. Plus, the sponsors and the Timber Rattlers will have a special prize waiting for those who complete the program at the ballpark when they attend their game!

The Timber Rattlers and the sponsors of Fang’s Reading Club will provide:

  • An introductory letter to be sent to parents at the start of the program.
  • Baseball related verification aids to help parents and teachers track the progress of participants.
  • A FREE ticket to a 2021 Timber Rattlers home game with a hot dog & soda voucher for students who complete the program.
  • Home Run Prize to be redeemed by students on their School’s Family Night at the Ballpark.
  • An easy, online ticket ordering option. Information to aid schools in setting up their Family Night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

You may also download this year’s Reading Club brochure here.

The club had 200 schools and over 40,000 students participate in the program last year and Fang is looking to make this year’s club even bigger!

Contact Dayna Baitinger at [email protected], (800) WI-TIMBER, or (920) 733-4152 if you have any questions or would like to register your class or school for Fang’s Reading Club.

Cutters & SCI Launch “My Best Summer Read” Contest

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with Susquehanna Computer Innovations of South Williamsport to offer area students a chance to win a new laptop computer system with the “My Best Summer Read” Contest.

“We are grateful to Susquehanna Computer Innovations and their owner Tim Heitzman, for teaming up with us for this special program,” stated Gabe Sinicropi, the Cutters Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. “SCI has been a long-time partner in our Grand Slam Reading Program which was suspended this year due to schools closing in the spring. Despite that, the Cutters and SCI both agreed that we still wanted to offer something to area students.”

The contest is open to all area students age 14 and under. To enter, parents are required to send an email entry with a photo of their child holding a favorite book that they read this summer. Along with the photo, the email entry should contain the child’s name, age, the book title and author along with what they liked most about the book (in 50 words or less). All entries are to be submitted via email no later than September 7 to [email protected].

All valid entrants will receive a certificate for a free ticket to a Williamsport Crosscutters game of their choice in 2021. The winning entry will be determined via a random drawing of all valid entries. The drawing, done by Boomer, the Cutters mascot, will take place live on the Williamsport Crosscutters Facebook page September 8 at 7pm.

Fans can find more information on the “My Best Summer Read” Contest by clicking HERE.

Captains announce Virtual Summer Reading Program, presented by the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library

 

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains Summer Reading Program has been a staple of every baseball season, helping students in Northeast Ohio discover the joys of reading and providing educators with a fun platform to encourage literacy. Last year alone, 36,000 students and 2,000 teachers across 130 schools participated in the Captains Summer Reading Program. That tradition continues in 2020, as the Captains are proud to announce a unique Virtual Summer Reading Program, presented by Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library.

The Captains Virtual Summer Reading Program is a free turn-key initiative that enables students to participate from home. To join the program, students simply download the Captains Virtual Reading Program Bookmark, read 20 minutes or one (1) book every day and fill out their bookmark with the titles of the books they read. Parents and guardians can take a picture of their students’ bookmark every Sunday and email it to [email protected]. One winner will be selected every week to receive a Captains Surprise Package with cool Captains gear.

“The reading program is my favorite project every year because it really makes an impact on our community,” said Captains General Manager Jen Yorko. “During a normal year, the kids who complete the program get to parade around our field and announce their names to the crowd. It really gives them a sense of accomplishment and we see how much pride it brings to their families. We thought it was important to still give students and families a way to experience that joy and to encourage our local students to get excited about reading. We couldn’t do it without the support of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library and our other local sponsors, Lake Health, the United Way of Lake County and The News-Herald.”

The Captains Virtual Summer Reading Program launches today, June 22, and will through August 16.

About the Captains

The Lake County Captains are the Class-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, visit the Captains’ website at www.CaptainsBaseball.com, Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CaptainsBaseball, Twitter @LCCaptains and Instagram @LCCaptains. Fans can also get the latest Captains news and offers by signing up for the Captains’ newsletter, The Anchor.

Drive Named Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year

 

Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster today announced the Greenville Drive as the 2020 Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year. This award was created to recognize and affirm organizations, groups, or individuals who are making a significant positive impact on our ability to fulfill the school district’s mission. This impact is seen through volunteer time, financial contributions, in-kind donations, or other collaborative supports to students, schools or the district as a whole.

“Recognizing the Greenville Drive as our Partner of the Year is the result of a multifaceted partnership between the Drive and Greenville County Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster. “We are fortunate to have a strong partnership that recognizes our athletes for their academic achievement, that recognizes our employees and helps recruit teachers into the profession and to our district, and that brings recognition and awareness of the various careers in manufacturing and health care to our students.”

The Greenville Drive has been a longtime champion of Greenville County Schools’ students and staff. Employee support is evident in the Drive’s annual GCS Appreciation Night to honor all employees. Every employee receives a complimentary ticket to the game and a ballpark food voucher. Employees are celebrated and recognized with between-inning games, great prize giveaways, and teacher recognition.

The Drive teams up with Public Education Partners for #Teach864 Night to celebrate teachers and promote the teaching profession. GCS teachers received a complimentary ticket, free t-shirt, and food voucher, and are honored on the field throughout the game.

The Reading All-Stars Program is aimed at promoting reading and academic success for students in second through eighth grades. Students who complete the reading program receive a ticket voucher as well as Reading All-Stars merchandise, a book for their personal library, and participation in the pre-game parade or Meet-the-Player event.

Since 2015, the Greenville Drive has sponsored the Drive for Excellence academic awards, presented annually to high performing athletic teams and athletic departments. Under normal circumstances, student athletes are recognized at a spring Greenville Drive baseball game. Recognition includes gift bags, snacks and guest speakers during a reception and the winning schools’ principal and athletic director are recognized and receive the trophy during the game. Each of the winning sport teams are recognized between innings on the field, and all teams with an average GPA of 4.0 are recognized on the message board. Due to this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, the awards were presented on-field, but the Drive highlighted GCS winners during the #BetheLight recognition.

Another partnership between the Greenville Drive and LaunchGVL gives high school students the opportunity to participate in a paid internship. The Greenville Drive also sponsors programs such as Manufacturing Night and Health Careers Night for students to learn about careers and certifications in these fields.

Book Smart: READing RailRoad Returns for 2020

 

MOOSIC, PA (April 15, 2020) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the return of their READing RailRoad program this spring and summer. Schools across the state have been required to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, with continued education turning to homeschooling and online offerings. The RailRiders reading program allows children aged 4-13 the chance to read five books and be rewarded for their work with a free ticket to an upcoming home game at PNC Field.

“As parents and guardians look to help their children’s education, we are happy to bring back this great program,” said Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “The READing RailRoad is a simple way to have your child read five books, get the reward of a free baseball ticket and the satisfaction of accomplishment in these unusual times.”

Parents and guardians must register their child or children by sending their name, their phone number, their child’s name and their mailing address to Jordan Maydole. Each participant can download and print their own READing RailRoad bookmark to track the books that they read. As each book is finished, the reading log on the bookmark must be completed and the parent/guardian must initial each numbered box. When all five books are read, parents must send a completed copy or photo of the bookmark to [email protected].

The READing RailRoad program is limited to one bookmark and free ticket per child. Parents may purchase tickets for family and friends when redeeming the child’s free ticket voucher at the E-Auto Box Office at PNC Field once it reopens. The ticket voucher is valid for one 2020 regular season home game once the schedule begins and those tickets are subject to availability. Vouchers will be mailed to each participating household once the child has completed reading five books, the parent or guardian sends a photo or copy of the child’s completed bookmark (with parent initials) to [email protected] and as soon as the RailRiders staff is back in the office at PNC Field. Participants must finish the five books and submit proof of completion by June 19, 2020, to be eligible for their free ticket voucher.

More information and the printable bookmark are available now at swbrailriders.com.

School of Snappy Reading Club and Worksheets 

 

April 13, 2020

Snappers Educational Tools

Beloit, WI – The Beloit Snappers are providing educational tools for children in the community to continue working on all core school subjects from the comfort of home. Completing these worksheets and challenges gives your child the opportunity to win prizes while also continuing to practice their valuable skills.

All worksheets can be found on our Educational Resources tab on our website, on the Beloit Snappers Facebook page and the Beloit Snappers Twitter page.

The Snappers Reading Club is sponsored by McDonald’s and completing the form can get your child a 4-piece McNuggets voucher and a free reserve ticket for a future Snappers game. Read to or with your children for at least 25 minutes per day, five days a week for four weeks and keep a log using the worksheet provided.

The Reading Club Challenge begins on Monday April 13, 2020 and goes through Monday May 11, 2020. To be eligible for this challenge, your child must be between the ages of 4-12.

Educators Credit Union and the Snappers have teamed up to provide children with Snappy’s School Worksheets. This baseball related packet is complete with Math, English, Science, Geography, History, and other fun activities to encourage learning while away from school.

These are designed to keep your child busy while learning and having fun! For any questions, please contact Kat Grzeszkiewicz at [email protected] .

Bulls Launch Wool E.’s Reading Club

 

The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of Wool E.’s Reading Club, in partnership with Amica Insurance. The inaugural season of this program will reach approximately 5,000 students from Durham Public Schools.

The mission of this program is not only to reward students for making time outside of the classroom to read, but also to improve overall literacy in the Triangle. While sports promote health and physical activity through exercise, reading develops the brain, a muscle that also needs exercise. Reading stimulates the mind and allows students to grow in their language skills. This helps them to better listen and engage with peers, educators and the school curriculum.

Our goal is to empower 5,000 K-5 Triangle students to read at least 40,000 hours in 2020. Participants will receive a custom Wool E.’s Reading Club bookmark and be rewarded with a Bulls branded prize every time they reach a new base by completing the assigned segment of reading. Students who submit a completed bookmark, equal to 500 minutes of reading, will receive a complimentary ticket to a Durham Bulls game thanks to Amica Insurance.

“We are excited to launch this reading program as a way to encourage Triangle students to invest in their education,” Durham Bulls Vice President – Baseball Operations Mike Birling said. “Hopefully the incentives we provide to participating students will get them excited about not only reading, but also Durham Bulls baseball.”

The Bulls look to start the 2020 season strong at their home opener on Thursday, April 9, 2020 against the Charlotte Knights. Season memberships and group outings are available now at durhambulls.com or by calling 919.956.BULL.

Sod Poodles Announce Reading Program Presented by Kumon

The Amarillo Sod Poodles announced today the launch of their brand-new reading program presented by Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo.

The program’s mission is to help promote literacy and education among local Amarillo and Canyon students by providing incentives when they reach specific goals. The program is completely free for participating schools and is set to impact approximately 9,000 students in Amarillo and Canyon school districts in levels K-7.

“The Sod Poodles are committed to making a continued positive impact in our great community,” said Tony Ensor, President and General Manager of the Sod Poodles. “We are excited and proud to launch this motivating and fun program heading into our sequel season to promote lifelong reading and education to the future leaders of this community.”

“Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo is proud to announce our new partnership with the Amarillo Sod Poodles, who share our mission to help children succeed in life!” said Vibha Patel, owner of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo. “This is a new, multi-year marketing partnership between the world’s largest after-school learning program and the first-ever Sod Poodles Reading Program. In addition to enhancing math and reading skills, Kumon helps children gain confidence and improve critical thinking skills that are essential to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to reach children of all ages and emphasize the importance of learning and reading through sports. By providing a fun goal for our children, reading can be made easy for the whole family and increase reading fluency by just reading 10 minutes a night! We want to encourage our children to see a whole new world through books!”

“We look forward to partnering with the Sod Poodles on this reading incentive program,” said Denise Blanchard, AISD Program Director for Community Partnerships. “The ability to read and read well is imperative to the success of our students.”

Intended as a five-week program, students are encouraged to “complete a game” by reading nine books that are appropriate to their particular level of reading comprehension.

Like a baseball game, the program is divided into a nine-inning format. For every book a student finishes, they complete an inning. After the first three innings are completed and he/she moves on to innings four through eight, the students earn incentives from program sponsors including Whataburger, Cinergy, McDonald’s, Sonic, and Gatti’s.

After a student finishes the ninth (final) inning, they receive a free voucher for a Sod Poodles game and are entered in a drawing to win a prize on behalf of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Amarillo.

All materials for the free reading program will be provided and delivered to schools by the Amarillo Sod Poodles. The program is scheduled to run from March 2 to April 3.

To kick off the program, Sod Poodles team mascot RUCKUS will be attending school assemblies to promote the program and get students excited.

For information on how to be a part of next year’s Sod Poodles reading program presented by Kumon, call the front office at 806-803-7762 or email [email protected]. The Sod Poodles host their 2020 home opener at HODGETOWN on Thursday, April 16 against the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners Double-A affiliate) for a three-game set. First pitch for the 2020 home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

For the most up-to-date news on the Sod Poodles along with detailed information on promotions, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call 806-803-7762 or email [email protected].

 

Kazoo’s Reading Program Promotes Childhood Literacy

 

A visit from Kazoo is certainly one way to break up a long day at school.

On February 6th, Oakcrest Elementary students received a visit from Kazoo and the Blue Wahoos as part of Kazoo’s Reading Program. In two 30-minute sessions, hundreds of thrilled Pensacola youngsters read Kazoo Makes the Team and witnessed a performance from the mascot himself. The kids left with a bookmark and a challenge: read four books in one month and receive a free ticket to a 2020 Blue Wahoos game.

In its existence, the reading program has made countless visits to local schools in Florida and Alabama, working to promote literacy and a love of reading early in life. In 2019 alone, Kazoo made trips to 32 schools and met 14,000 students, who combined to read over 56,000 books.

“The Blue Wahoos helped us celebrate literacy,” said JC Cotton, Assistant Principal of Florosa Elementary School in Mary Esther. “To hear the screams and see our kids’ faces when Kazoo popped out from behind the curtain was absolutely tremendous. Kazoo and the Blue Wahoos did a terrific job of sharing their love of reading with our kids. Definitely a memorable moment from our school year!”

The reading program is just one part of the organization’s mission to make Pensacola the greatest place to live; the Wahoos and the Studer Family of Companies believe that investing in the area’s kids is the best way to strengthen the community and improve quality of life.

Your child’s school can still sign up to participate in Kazoo’s Reading Program! Share this article with their teachers and encourage them to submit a form for their class here.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.