Local Women’s Club Issues Challenge: ‘Reach for the Stars with Books’

Washougal, WA – Pre-kindergarten children and their families in Washougal are being challenged by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Camas-Washougal to “Reach for the Stars with Books.”

“The goal of our program is to enrich the lives of young children through growth and learning skills prior to entering kindergarten and pursuing their academic journey,” said GFWC incumbent Vice President, Susan Bennett. “We received a grant from the Camas-Washougal Community Chest to purchase age-appropriate books, backpacks and other educational tools for children ages birth to five years old.”

GFWC members have now begun distribution of the educational materials. The group was on hand April 11th at Hathaway Elementary School to reward students and parents who have attended six visits to “1-2-3 Grow & Learn Program,” a free, drop-in, interactive and educational program for families with pre-kindergarten children. In addition to the educational materials, students receive a light blue T-shirt after attending their sixth session.

1-2-3 Grow and Learn is offered through ESD 112 for parents and children from birth to 5 years and teaches school readiness activities and gives parents a fun way to play and learn with their child. The program is located at several Clark County schools. GFWC Camas-Washougal is assisting with the program at Hathaway Elementary, 630 24 St., Washougal. The Hathaway program, under the leadership of Julie Jacobson, EDS 112, meets each Wednesday morning from 9:00-10:30 a.m. through June 6. The 1-2-3 Grow & Learn Program will resume at the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

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The Community Chest grant received by the women’s club compliments the ESD 112 program well. “Reach for the Stars with Books” focuses on parent-child time,” Bennett explained. “These gifts for learning are a reward to help reinforce to both the parent and child the importance of attendance and structure at an early age.

“By putting books into the hands of children they will grow their school readiness skills and strengthen their social skills through interaction with other parents and children,” she said. “We believe these gifts will spark the children and parents’ imagination and take them on a journey of a lifetime!”

Left to right – GFWC President Carol Styles, Bonnie Walden, Susan Bennett, GFWC Vice President Pat Suggs, Washington State GFWC President Tina Bair and Michelle Aguilar (Child Care Aware Manager Early Care & Education, ESD 112) with active 1-2-3 Grow and Learn participants in their new t-shirts.