MEDIA TIP SHEET
Compiled by the Office of Communication

Week of December 5, 2005

South Kilbourne Elementary is sponsoring two exciting events to encourage students to become better readers:

- Storytelling Festival
On Monday December 5th, the school celebrates reading with a Fireside Storytelling Festival from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Local business and community leaders, including retired teachers, district employees and parents, have been invited to read or tell their favorite holiday stories. Guest readers include Tre’ Tailor of KISS FM radio and WIS-TV anchorwoman Hannah Nelson. A grandmother whose son served in Iraq will also share her story about how she raised him to be a leader.

- Real Men Read
On Tuesday, December 6th the focus will be on men. South Kilbourne is sponsoring a new program called "Real Men Read," which will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Fathers, uncles, brothers and male community members will come to the school to read to the children. Seeing men read has a positive influence upon young readers, especially males. Guest readers include Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Channel 19 newsman Curtis Wilson, a local fireman and a parent.

South Kilbourne Elementary is located at 1400 South Kilbourne Road.

On Tuesday December 6, BOCCE rules for students at Pendergrass Fairwold School. This Special Olympics-type event for disabled students will be held from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Meadowlake Park, 600 Beckman Road Events include a unique "bowling" tournament where teachers have rigged up lawn blowers to propel balls down a ramp. Students from other Richland One schools will be on hand to push the wheelchairs of disabled students and act as runners for some activities. Teachers believe these types of events allow disabled children to play games normal kids play and give them an opportunity to positively interact with non-disabled students.

On December 9th creepy, crawly snakes and other reptiles will slither around classrooms at Pine Grove Elementary on its Science Day. Students will participate in science workshops, and learn more about electricity, environmental issues and reptiles. Representatives from SCE&G, DHEC and the SC Department of Natural Resources will do interactive presentations with the students. Science Day starts at 8:30 a.m.. Pine Grove Elementary is located at 111 Huffstetler Drive.

Media with inquiries about Tip Sheet items are asked to call Edith Caudle in the Office of Communications at 231-7504.