Students launch postal program

In this instant message, e-mail age, many children haven’t experienced the
excitement of getting a hand-written letter. One popular program, though, allows students to write letters and work in an in-school post office and mail delivery system.

Story by STACY RICE,
Managing Editor
Tis the season to send out Christmas cards! How about adding your youngest friends and family to the list. Everyone enjoys opening the mail to discover a festive cheerful Christmas card... even our children. With the introduction of the Bobcat Express Postal Service, now you may send your very best greeting, all while teaching a thing or two about writing to our local students.
In 1990, the United States Postal Service introduced the Wee Deliver In-School Literacy Program to help improve reading and writing skills of elementary school children. It has grown to include more than 20,000 schools across the country, Drexel Elementary included.
Wee Deliver encourages teachers to incorporate letter writing into their classroom activities. The program, flexible enough to fit any curriculum and student population, is limited only by imagination and creativity. The objectives of the program are to provide children with real-life experiences in which to apply basic skills, such as writing a letter, using the mail system, addressing an envelope, using ZIP Codes, locating street addresses, and, using punctuation appropriate for text and addressing; to unify the student body through a student centered school-wode communication system; to provide a vehicle for students to use their writing skills; to provide experiences in proper completion of forms; to teach job interviewing skills and develop an awareness of career opportunities; to help develop a sense of responsibility; to improve language arts skills; to foster teamwork; and, to form community partnerships and encourage support of school programs.
Respectfully, the Bobcat Express, is the name chosen for the internal post office at Drexel Elementary. Sixth graders, along with Marsha.......
Read the complete story in the December 10th edition.
PHOTO: Neither rain, nor snow, nor untied shoelaces can keep Drexel Elementary School’s sixth-grade letter carriers, Trevor Gunnels, Brandon Eberra, and Gannon Hathcock, from their mission of delivering mail to classmates and teachers. Photo by Stacy Rice