BRAVO to be used instead of SMART in Bandon School District

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Story Published: Sep 4, 2008 at 10:41 PM PST

By Kristina Nelson

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BANDON - Ending their long-standing relationship with SMART, Ocean Crest Elementary in Bandon starts up a new reading program, similar to SMART but with a few differences.

Beginning this fall, BRAVO or Bandon Readers and Volunteers Organization will officially replace the SMART program at Ocean Crest.

This comes after news that SMART would be making some changes to their paid coordinator positions, making them all volunteer.

BRAVO President Tami Bolduc says while the main focus is still on the students and their reading skills, there are a few differences between this system and SMART.

"It's different because we're going to have more teacher input than with SMART. If the teacher has a special request, especially with the kindergarten age group, we can incorporate books in the program, helping the teachers while also keeping it fun."

SMART South Coast Area Manager Barbara Bassett says they first received word that Ocean Crest was thinking about changing their program back in July.

"The split between Ocean Crest and the SMART program is a positive one on both ends, because the ultimate goal is sustainability and literacy and working with kids, and they're doing that," says Bassett.

Bolduc says most of their old SMART volunteers will be volunteering with the new BRAVO program, noting that the city and school board have been supportive through the entire process.

She says they are still looking to raise funds for books.

If you'd like to donate, BRAVO has set up an account at Chetco Federal Credit Union.

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