Mayor of Arcadia Gary Kovacic to Read Barnhart School’s Student-Created Book, Bobbie the Bobcat’s New Friend
Saturday, March 19 at Arcadia Public Library
A new book created by Barnhart School students will be read by Mayor of Arcadia Gary Kovacic at the Arcadia Public Library’s Barks and Books event Saturday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m. Earlier this month, Barnhart awarded the winner of their “What it Means to be a Bobcat” Children’s Book Writing Contest. Jadyn E. Lee, an eighth-grader, incorporated the virtue of kindness into her winning story about making new friends. One of Barnhart’s first-graders, Lily Winter Hauge, drew the best bobcat and won the privilege of becoming the illustrator for the school’s new Bobbie the Bobcat book. Mayor Kovacic proclaimed March 2 to be: “Bobbie the Bobcat’s New Friend: Day of Kindness” in Arcadia coinciding with the winner announcement and book release. Both students plan on attending the March 19 event. The students’ new book was also read at the Arcadia Public Library by local firemen for Read Across America Day.
“We are delighted to have another great children’s book to read in Arcadia and the fact that it is created by our city’s school children is something to celebrate,” said Mayor Kovacic. “The book encourages students to make friends with new students and serves as a vibrant example to all Arcadians to spread kindness to newcomers to our community,” Mayor Kovacic added.
“Jadyn and Lily’s book has been welcomed with open arms by our community and hometown of Arcadia. Our two students have made us extremely proud we are Bobcats. We are very honored to have our book, reflecting Barnhart’s timeless values, read by Mayor Kovacic on Saturday,” stated Ethan Williamson, Barnhart Head of School.
Located in Arcadia, California, Barnhart offers an independent K-8 education. Distinguishing programs of Barnhart include Spanish at all grade levels, daily physical education, The Virtues Project™ character development program, a creative writing program with the Lucy Calkins’ Writer’s Workshop, a choral group, and an on-site harvest garden. The school has an early literacy emphasis, a 1:1 technology ratio and an average 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Barnhart offers weekly art class for students in all grades and art appreciation and studio art electives for students in middle school. Barnhart is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In Barnhart’s diverse community, over 20 languages are spoken at home.
Established in 1959 by Dr. Ethel Barnhart, Barnhart, a non-profit school, is affiliated with the non-denominational Santa Anita Church. Visit barnhartschool.org for further information or to inquire about a tour. For further information on The Virtues Project™ visit virtuesproject.com.
Barks and Books is a library program for kindergarteners through fifth-graders in association with the generous volunteers of the Pasadena Humane Society. Riley, a friendly Shetland Sheepdog, and his best friend, Bonnie, can usually be found at the events listening to the stories …and of course enjoying being petted. Barks and Books is held on the first and third Saturdays of each month (except August) at 11:00 a.m.
