Blanchard hosts 9th annual reading program

Barbara Blanchard Elementary School recently hosted its 9th annual "Blanchard Reads" program. Students and their families read either "Flat Stanley" or "The Leaning Dog," and special guests from the community visited the school and answered questions about themselves and the book. The guests were honored at a reception hosted by fourth grade student leaders. "This experience highlights the importance of reading at home and the joy of sharing time with adults who care about children," said Blanchard Principal Dr. Barbara Kohlfeld. Community guests are pictured left to right, front row: Dr. Karen Hendrickson, Southeast Hospital; Dr. Jenny Stigers, dentist; Candy Hahs, former teacher; Sue Ann Powell, retired teacher; Joanie Skinner, teacher. Back row: Dr. Mark Anderson, Lynwood Baptist Church pastor; Patrick Tankersley, counselor; Emily Shanks, nurse; Adam Kidd, Kidd's Convenience Stores; Ruth Dockins, SEMO Area Agency on Aging; Luther Bonds, school board member; Dr. David Powell, Southeast University; Pastor Blake Tiemann, House of Hope minister; Sam Blackwell, Southeast University; Don Call, school board member; and Angie Umfleet, Chap Arnold Insurance.