Representatives of the United Way of LaPorte County, NIPSCO, and Dwyer Instruments stopped by Lake Hills Elementary School in Michigan City on June 20 to present backpacks, books, and a ceremonial check to teachers and children taking part in Michigan City Area Schools' summer “Kindergarten Countdown” program.
The Kindergarten Countdown Program serves more than 100 children who will be entering kindergarten, many of whom have not had a preschool experience. Children enrolled in the five-week session learn about classroom routines, are introduced to basic reading and math concepts, and participate in field trips and other hands-on activities.
Dwyer Instruments Senior Human Resources Manager Shawn Rutkowski was on hand Tuesday to deliver 135 childrens’ books, which were donated by Dwyer employees taking part in a “jeans day” book drive. Rutkowski said employees will also be volunteer readers in Kindergarten Countdown classrooms this summer.
Angie Nelson-Deuitch, NIPSCO Public Affairs Manager, entertained students with a dramatic reading of Fox in Sox by Dr. Seuss. After posing with a ceremonial check for $30,000 that represents the company’s donation this year, she noted that NIPSCO has donated approximately $100,000 in recent years to support the program.
United Way Manager Dave Sisk said year’s Kindergarten Countdown is also supported by UPS, which designated $5,000 to the project, and to both UPS and The Book Warehouse which donated books that will be given to the children to take home. According to Sisk, the Michigan City High School Student United Way club will also assist with Kindergarten Countdown, reading to children and chaperoning field trips.
“We truly appreciate the United Way and the businesses and community partners who are supporting Kindergarten Countdown,” said Dr. Jan Radford, MCAS Director of Curriculum and Instruction. “This is helping us ensure that children in our community are starting school prepared and excited about learning.”