Submitted by Rene Carroll for General Federation of Women’s Clubs Camas-Washougal
The 1, 2, 3 Grow and Learning Program at Hathaway Elementary School in Washougal has come to a close for the 2017-18 school year. The program is sponsored by Educational Service District 112 and is designed to enrich the lives of young children through books.
“The success of the 1, 2, 3 Grow & Learn Program is due to the leadership of Julie Jacobson, Early Care andEducation Specialist with ESD #112 and the parents who have made the commitment to bring their children to the program,” said Susan Bennett, General Federation of Women’s Club Camas-Washougal Vice-President.
“Julie leads the children with a song and breathing exercise prior to beginning their 90-minute session. The interaction between the children and Julie is truly amazing.” As Jacobson reads, she asks the children questions to get them engaged. Occasionally asking them to make sounds of animals or other characters within the books.
“While the program doesn’t operate when school is not in session, the students who attended the program this school year will have books at their homes this summer,” said Bennett. “This is thanks to the backpack program, Reaching For the Stars Through Books, instigated by the members of GFWC Camas-Washougal. This was funded through a grant from the Camas-Washougal Community Chest. Students attending their seventh session of the program receive a backpack full of age-appropriate books, educational learning aids and a tee shirt”
The program will be available to children from birth to five years old in the fall when school opens. All interested parents may contact Hathaway Elementary School, (360) 954-3800 or ESD #112 (360) 952-3358 to get the details regarding the program.
