The Cleveland Browns Foundation, along with current Cleveland Browns players, visited 250 preschool and kindergarten students from Glendale Primary School and Central Primary School in Bedford, Ohio on Dec. 2 to help promote early learning, kindergarten readiness and the importance of reading.
Through the Foundation, Browns WR Kevin Cone, DB Pierre Desir and LB Keith Pough, emphasized the importance of early education by holding a school assembly and personally reading with preschool students. Browns players shared the importance of education, teamwork, respect and studying throughout all phases of life, including in the early stages of childhood development.
The event, which was joined by Bedford High School's football and cheerleading teams, as well as Bedford's Little Bearcats members, aligned with the Foundation's focus on education.
"The Cleveland Browns Foundation believes the importance of a high-quality early learning experience is an important factor in a child's continued growth and success," said Cleveland Browns Foundation vice president and executive director Renee Harvey. "A child's experience during the transition into kindergarten should be as positive as possible for the entire family. We are proud to support the Kindergarten Club, whose mission aligns with these views."
Glendale student leaders ended the assembly by asking the players questions on behalf of their classmates about preparation, hard work and teamwork.
Following the assembly, players visited two pre-K classrooms to enjoy several interactive books with the younger Glendale students.
Kickoff to Kindergarten, in partnership with the Cuyahoga County Public Library's Kindergarten Club and March into Kindergarten, emphasizes a two-pronged approach to inform and encourage all parents how to prepare their children for kindergarten.
The Kindergarten Club's ongoing purpose is to help ease the transition into kindergarten for students and set them on a positive path at the start of school. The Kindergarten Club's Cuyahoga County Public Library and Starting Point, an early childhood learning center, have partnered with four economically distressed school districts, including the Bedford City School District, to foster parental engagement and ensure that children can make a smooth transition to kindergarten.
The Cleveland Browns Foundation is proud to support the importance of high-quality early learning, as well as programs such as Kindergarten Club, which actively engages young scholars and their families in early education from the onset.
About the Cleveland Browns Foundation:
The Cleveland Browns Foundation is dedicated to a solution-based, holistic approach to ensure Northeast Ohio youth receive the development and education they need as a foundation for independence and success.
