Bringing “Literacy and Values” to 2nd Grade Classroom - via READING!

In RI convention 2008, Rotarian, Educator and Retired principal of Mechanicsburg PA school district Mrs. Marcey Whiteside learnt about Andy and Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventures program.
Her inner core was re-energized to take, what she has done best during her professional career, a notch up!

December 2007, Marcey initiated a program for, developing a partnership with one grade level (2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade) in the Cumberland Valley School District PA.

After procuring approval and support from MNRC, Marcey went on a crusade to “READ the social values to 2nd graders in 16 schools”. A gargantuan task executed with professional finesse, which Marcey was always credited with and honored for during her NN years of educational career.
MNRC extends heartfelt THANKS to Marcey!
THANK YOU Marcey and all the MNRC Rotarians who extended their support.


This is a recount of Marcey’s work and effort through this year [2008].
Marcey developed the reading program. 12 MNRC Rotarians volunteered to read the book to 2nd grade students in SIX Elementary schools in Cumberland Valley School District PA.






The reading program included,
• Online and printed presentations,
• An activity book will be given to each student in the classroom to keep
• A bookplate located on the inside cover explains that it is given to the child compliments of The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North
• A retelling of the story in coloring book format as well as various activities that reinforce the Four-Way Test
• Teachers assign the book to be read for homework that night.


In addition, the classroom and school library received hard copies of the book. Each child in the classroom received a soft cover coloring/activity book. The coloring book is the story. The activity portion of the book reinforces the story.
This also acts a stepping stone for the essay contest our Rotary Club sponsors with the 9th graders begun in 2007 in reference to the 4-Way Test (MNRC sponsored program).

The reading program was executed during the school year 2008.

Thanks to the MNRC following volunteers, who believed and took time out of their busy schedule to READ to 2nd graders.

Susan Asbury
Mark Breithaupt
Lisa Chiado
Carla Fisher
Dave Getz
Steve Grubb
Mark Reilly
Mary Rodman
Mike Whitman
Eric Williams
Dan Whiteside
Marcey Whiteside

Also special Thanks extended to all the Teachers and the participants, who made this project a “success” for the school year of 2008.