April 19, 2024

Newton selected for IPTV Ready for School program

By Ty Rushing

The Newton Public Library has had a great working relationship with Iowa Public Television, with frequents visits from on-air personalities, such as Dan Wardell, who is shown in the photo. Now, IPTV has selected the Newton Community School District to be a 2014-2015 Ready for School Community. The station will partner with agencies such as the library to help promote literacy for kids between 2 and 8.

Iowa Public Television is getting ready to launch the second year of its Ready for School Communities program, and the Newton Community School District made the cut for the 2014-2015 school year.

“The Ready for School selection is based on several factors, including percentage of children eligible for free and reduced lunches under the USDA’s National School Lunch program and community partners available to support the early learning activities. Geographic distribution of selected communities statewide is also a factor,” said Kristen Gray, IPTV spokesperson.

Being a member of the program will provide children between 2 and 8 in Newton an opportunity take part in a number of literacy based activities. According to IPTV, it will provide access to high-quality educational media resources, including online games, instructional materials and educational activities that help children increase their school readiness and success.

“(This program) makes a big difference in communities by providing resources and services designed to enhance early reading and math skills for young children,” said Terry Rinehart, IPTV’s director of educational services.

“These fun, engaging and educationally sound activities are a part of Iowa Public Television’s ongoing 45-year commitment to lifelong learning in Iowa.”

Locally, IPTV is partnering with the Newton Public Library, the Newton YMCA’s before and after school program and the Jasper County Iowa State University Extension Office’s early care and education program.

“The Newton Public Library is excited to partner with IPTV to bring this program to Newton.  I am hoping it will give families resources to make sure their children are ready to learn when they enter school and raise awareness of how important the early learning years are,” said Phyllis Peter, NPL Youth Services Librarian.

“IPTV always has quality materials, so when they called and asked if I would help coordinate the program in Newton, I readily said, ‘yes.’”

Peter is inviting all preschools, daycare providers or health care providers in the area  to come take part in the Ready for the School program.

The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1 at 2:30 p.m. at the library.

Contact Senior Staff Writer Ty Rushing at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6532 or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.