CCSD’s “Reading Around the Bases” partnership with Charleston RiverDogs slides into sixth year

January 24, 2022

Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the Charleston RiverDogs, the Lowcountry’s professional baseball team (and Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays) are excited to start the sixth year of their literacy initiative, “Reading Around the Bases.” The program began during the 2016-2017 school year to promote fun and reading with second graders throughout the county.

Starting on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, second graders from 23 elementary schools in CCSD 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 in CCSD over the course of the next few months to encourage and engage the students as volunteer readers.

“We continue to be impressed with and grateful for the effort the RiverDogs put into in this initiative, and for their continued support of our district,” said CCSD’s Chief Academic Officer, Karolyn Belcher. “Credit goes to Christy James and our teacher-librarians as well. They do so much work behind the scenes to make this a memorable and enjoyable program for our students.”

This year’s kickoff event for “Reading Around the Bases” will be at Murray-LaSaine Montessori School on James Island Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Media outlets are welcome to attend.

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

“The RiverDogs are proud to continue this relationship with Charleston County School District that has existed since I have been a part of the organization,” added RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Literacy and education are vital for the development of young members of the Charleston community, and we are excited to continue impacting students in the sixth year of this tremendous program.”

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.

 

About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally accredited school district committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all of its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in South Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves approximately 49,000 students in 88 schools and specialized programs.

CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools. Options include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military.