CITIZEN JOURNALISM:

 

 WEATHER:

Share this article:
Submit to Facebook Submit to Reddit Submit to Stumble Submit to Twitter

READ BOOKS, RIDE
A FIRE TRUCK TO SCHOOL
 St. Andrew’s Fire Department kicks off reading project
 
fire truck st. andrew's fire department west of
St. Andrew’s Fire Department Firefighters Phil Clement and Kristin Dolan, a few students from St. Andrew’s Elementary, and Firefighter Sarah Turner take a look at some books to kick off the SAFD’s Reading Contest
 
By Warren Cobb
Community Editor
 
The St. Andrew’s Fire Department is always looking for ways to engage the community, especially young people. On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the department kicked off its September Reading Contest. Three West Ashley elementary schools signed up to participate in this inaugural event: St. Andrew's Math and Science, Drayton Hall, and Ashley River Creative Arts.
 
Through the month of September, students will have an opportunity to log time they spend reading. Kindergarten and first graders are allowed to count any time that someone has spent reading to them, while 2nd-5th graders will be expected to read material on their own. Books, magazines, newspapers, and any other reading material can be included (even West Of). This contest is not based on the level of the material being read, but the actual time spent reading, that way, students with challenges will also be able to participate. Reading logs are available at the schools.
 
At the end of the contest, the child from each grade level who spends the most time reading out of each elementary school will be rewarded with a ride to school in a fire engine in the month of October, which is Fire Prevention Month. Winning children will also receive a picture commemorating their experience. An SAFD truck will pick up students who live in West Ashley. Those outside West Ashley will need to be dropped off at the station.
 
The program is being spearheaded by SAFD firefighter Sarah Turner. She heard about a similar program at a recent fire professionals conference in Hilton Head and thought this would be a good outreach between the SAFD and the community.
 
“We have been looking for ways to get out into the community a little more, to show there’s a lot more to the fire department than just putting out fires,” Turner says. “It doesn’t cost anything for us to do it, a little diesel fuel to get to school and back. And the more kids we can get reading, the better it will be for the community and for workforce later on.”
 
This is the first time the SAFD has tried a program like this. Turner says she hopes the contest will be a big hit so they can do it at least once a year. “The response has been fantastic so far,” says Turner. “The principals and teachers love it.”
 
If you’re interested in getting your school on board the firetruck next year, contact Sara Turner at sarahlizbethscott@gmail.com.