Pleasant Valley Elementary School hosted its last Dewey Day of the summer on Wednesday evening with the participation of about 150 students and their families.
Anne Gordon, a teacher and one of the event’s organizers, said it was the largest turnout yet. The events, which include various themed activities in June, July and August, were held for the second time this summer and are funded by the school district.
“We also get a lot of support from families and the community,” Gordon said. “We hope to increase that every year.”
The event included math and reading games to prepare children for the new school year, but also to help children who are anxious about starting or returning to school.
“I think it’s a great way for kids who are nervous about going to school to get to know school in a fun way,” Gordon said. “It gives them a much more positive feeling about going to school.”
To ease her child’s fears, Jule Gearhart brought her young son Grayson Gearhart to the event.
“I thought it would increase his excitement about kindergarten and reduce his anxiety,” she said.
Wednesday’s event was the first the Kunkletown family attended.
“He was really excited about the mobile library,” Gearhart said.
Anne Gordon said the Dewey Bus is an important part of their events. It is set up like a library inside and each child can choose a free book to take home. The books are donated by Scholastic, the community and teachers, especially those who are retiring.
“They have so many and they just give them to us,” Gordon said of the retired teachers.
Benjamin Searfass of Kunkletown, who is starting kindergarten this school year, chose a book called “Take One Home Free.”
“I find it very funny,” he said.
His mother, Debi Maskiell, has brought her children to all of PVE’s Dewey Day events. She has a daughter, Hannah, who will be in second grade.
“I think the kids really enjoy them,” Maskiell said. “They have a lot of fun.”
The event also featured activities supervised by Pleasant Valley High School students, snacks provided by the Western Pocono Women’s Club, and a backpack giveaway organized by the Pocono Harley-Davidson Ownership Group.
The backpacks were filled by members of the motorcycle group with help from the Latin American Motorcycle Association. They contained markers, crayons, glue sticks and pretty much everything the children need for elementary school.
“We help each other,” said Tammy Martin of the Pocono Harley-Davidson Ownership Group.
LAMA Manville member Craig Suma said the best part about helping the kids pick out a new backpack is seeing the kids’ reaction.
“When you see the children’s faces, they just light up when they look in,” Suma said.
He said the next best thing is the reaction from parents. They are grateful because the items can be expensive and they may have older children to get ready.
Martin said they filled 1,200 backpacks that will be distributed to all elementary schools throughout Monroe County. PVE was the first school they visited in August.
The Pocono Harley-Davidson Ownership Group is also hosting an event today from noon to 4 p.m. at Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson near Route 715. Admission is free and no pre-registration is required. There will be food, a plunge pool, face painting, paintball, a magician and even Santa Claus.
“It’s going to be a fun day,” said Martin.
Ayden Shenton of Saylorsburg, a first-grader at Pleasant Valley Elementary School, picks out a new backpack with help from Craig Suma and Tammy Martin during Dewey Day at the school on Wednesday. The Pocono Harley-Davidson Ownership Group and the Latin American Motorcycle Association have filled 1,200 backpacks for children in Monroe County. KRISTINE PORTER/TIMES NEWS
Benjamin Serfass of Kunkletown looks at books on the Dewey bus at Pleasant Valley Elementary School on Wednesday. Benjamin Serfass, center, walks to the front where he finds the book he wants. KRISTINE PORTER/TIMES NEWS
Pleasant Valley Elementary School’s Dewey bus was full of children looking for new books.
Grayson Gearhart of Kunkletown stacks giant Lego bricks during Dewey Day at Pleasant Valley Elementary School on Wednesday. KRISTINE PORTER/TIMES NEWS
Members of the Pocono Harley-Davidson Ownership Group and the Latin American Motorcycle Association filled 1,200 backpacks for children in Monroe County. Some brought their bikes to Dewey Day at Pleasant Valley Elementary School on Wednesday. KRISTINE PORTER/TIMES NEWS
Children play at various stations at Pleasant Valley Elementary School on Wednesday during Dewey Day. KRISTINE PORTER/TIMES NEWS
Members of the Pocono Harley-Davidson Ownership Group and the Latin American Motorcycle Association filled 1,200 backpacks for children in Monroe County. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
