Caughman Road Elementary joins Smart Matters

 

 

Caughman Road Elementary became the tenth and newest Smart Matters school in ceremonies held on April 20 by the Junior League of Columbia.  Caughman Road joins the nine other Smart Matters schools: A.C. Moore, Arden, Bradley, Burton-Pack, Greenview, Meadowfield, Mill Creek, Pine Grove, and South Kilbourne.

The Smart Matters program was developed10 years ago to improve the health and well-being of the children and families in the Midlands. It is a family-based school readiness initiative sponsored by the Junior League of Columbia, in partnership with Richland School District One.  The program’s goal is to prepare children ages 0-6 for school and to educate and involve parents in their child’s school readiness.  The heart of Smart Matters is in the pre-school clubs that meet monthly at each school.  At each meeting, parents and their preschool age children join teachers and League members to share a meal, a program for the parents, and children’s activities based on the South Carolina Academic Achievement Standards.  Health, safety and family literacy are key components of each meeting.  A toy and book lending library is located at each school, allowing children to check out educational toys and books. Children also receive literacy packets each month.

The Junior League of Columbia, Inc., is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.