WESTFIELD-Reading together is a family affair for the Wyman family, and participating in the Book Buddies Program is a “fabulous” addition to that experience.
Rebecca Burgos, a family and community outreach worker with the Westfield Public Schools CFCE grant, is encouraging parents to sign up for the Book Buddies Program.
“We live close to the library and visit often and my granddaughter also enjoys the surprise book that arrives at the door step each week,” said Donna Wyman.
The Book Buddies Program is one of the free services offered to families through a Westfield Community Partnerships for Children Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant. The Westfield CFCE is a family support and engagement grant administered by the Westfield Public Schools and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
Paula Hebert-Pike is the grant coordinator and Rebecca Burgos serves as the family and community outreach worker. Their office is located at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield on West Silver Street.
Rebecca Burgos leaves a Book Buddies packet at the Wyman home in Westfield on Wednesday morning.
“Reading to your child daily is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your child for school, and to help him or her become a successful reader in the future,” said Burgos.
Each Wednesday or Friday, Burgos drops off a book at a family’s home in a plastic bag with a feedback form, along with parenting information and details about upcoming events and programs. The following week, participants are asked to place the book in the bag and leave it in the same place it was dropped off. A new book will be left at the door for the family to read for the next week.
Wyman’s granddaughter Freya Discenza, 5, who is attending Kindergarten at the Highland School, is always excited to see what new book has arrived.
“We read every day and she is always enthralled with the new book waiting for her,” said Wyman, adding that Freya’s mother, Kelsey Wyman, also joins in for reading time.
Wyman said she encourages parents to consider participating in the program since she has seen the excitement it creates for her granddaughter.
“I would highly recommend this program,” said Wyman. “Freya has her own extensive library and also can’t wait to return home from school to see what new story awaits her.”
For families living on the south side of the city, Burgos drops off and picks up books on Wednesdays, and for families on the north side, the distribution is done on Fridays.
“Since the program began in 2010, we have averaged about 65 families,” said Burgos. “We want to add more families to the program this year.”
“We are also always looking for donations of new or gently used books,” said Burgos, noting that books for preschoolers as well as chapter books for ages 5 to 10 are especially needed and she can pick up donations.
“The Magic Tree House, Horrible Harry, and Junie B. Jones book series are particularly enjoyed by the children,” she added.
Throughout the year the women also coordinate a host of programs for families, including playgroups and special events. One upcoming program is “Little Learners,” a free parent and child (ages 3 to 5) program offering activities and projects designed to strengthen early literacy skills and enhance school readiness. The group will meet Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club and registration is suggested.
Free, drop-in playgroups are also offered for parents or caregivers and children age 5 and younger on Mondays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, and on Fridays beginning Oct. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center. Program topics include math, science, art, literacy, and small and large motor development.
Free story walks are also planned throughout the school year, according to Burgos. The next program is slated Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon as participants take a stroll behind the Amelia Park Children’s Museum on Broad Street while reading the children’s book, “We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt,” by Steve Metzger.
For more information on any of the programs, call (413) 568-5242 or send an email to [email protected] or [email protected].
Current programs and events are also detailed on the Westfield Community Partnerships for Children CFCE grant Facebook page.
