Smart Start joins with rec department to help teach kids

Published 9:42 am Thursday, September 2, 2021

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Smart Start of Davie County had a busy summer.

During June, July and August, Smart Start partnered with Davie County Recreation and Parks and helped with Mobile Rec Days.

Harriet Wood, parent educator and Allison Gupton, community outreach and education coordinator, attended these events each week and provided games, activities and arts and crafts for children 0-5 years old.

On July 29, Gena Taylor, executive director, along with Gupton attended the Town of Mocksville’s event to pass out books and bubbles to young readers.  Staff also enjoyed attending events at WinMock, Davie County Public Library and even participating in the tractor parade.

The Parents as Teachers Program hosted two events, a Nurturing Parents Class and a “Roll and Read” event in July.

While the rain forced the Roll and Read inside, young children were given the opportunity to stroll the halls of Davie County Community Park and read the story “Tired of My Bath” written by local author, Dicy McCullough, who autographed a copy of the book for each child and was available for photographs. There were stations representing each part of the book and thanks to Rivers Family Dentistry and Comfort Inn and Suites, children went home with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and travel soaps as well as other goodies.

July brought new board members for the Smart Start Board, including: David Bone, county manager; Rick Cross, mayor of Bermuda Run; Teresa Kines, retired educator with Davidson Davie Community College; and Dave Rosser, mental health counselor.

Brandy Koontz was honored at the July meeting as she ended her six-year term on the board and for her service to the organization.  Koontz was recognized by Heather Phillips, board chair, and Taylor for her dedication since 2015, for serving on committees and serving as chair for two years.

Smart Start of Davie County is a non-profit organization proudly serving all young children and families in Davie County for more than 23 years.

For more information about Early Education programs, contact 336-751-2113 or info@daviesmartstart.org or visit www.daviesmartstart.org.