Reading, Writing and Softball for One New Jersey Elementary School

Reading, Writing and Softball for One New Jersey Elementary School

Several students from Parkview Elementary School in Stratford, New Jersey, got a view into the world of college life a decade early, as they participated in a pen-pal letter writing campaign with members of the Mercy College softball program.  The literacy campaign was the brainchild of Second Grade Special Education teacher, Ms. Britt Cauley, sister of Maverick second baseman, Paige Cauley.

All students in the special education program, as part of the learning to read curriculum, exchanged letters with team members.  The letters from the youger students covered topics ranging from school to sports and everything in between.  Written responses from the Mercy softball players were then hand-delivered by Paige Cauley directly. During the visit, Cauley read several of the letters and answered children’s questions.

"Being able to share our everyday routines and experiences with such young children was such a privilege,” reflected Paige. “We really enjoyed writing these letters. They made us laugh and really realize how much we really do love softball."

The Mercy College softball team recently completed the 2010 season with a 19-27. The 19 wins are the most for the program since 1985, when Mercy posted a 19-9 record.