Bellewood is hosting its annual Back to School Bash on Thursday, August 5, from 5 – 9 p.m.  This event will provide 300 underprivileged youth in Jefferson County with school supplies so they can have a solid start to the academic year.

This year’s bash is supported by the Ronald McDonald House which awarded Bellewood a $2,000 grant for the event, allowing to expand its giving to more youth.  The grant will buy some initial supplies as well as provide food and drink for the evening. 

Donations are needed on nearly every level, and the supplies are inexpensive and easy to purchase.  Bellewood is in-need of the following items in order to provide each youth with a great beginning to school:

• Backpacks
• Crayons
• Colored pencils
• Washable markers
• Folders
• Loose leaf paper
• Composition notebooks
• Glue sticks
• Rounded edge scissors
• Erasers
• Pencils
• Pencil bags
• Notebooks
• Highlighters
• Pencil sharpeners
• Pens
• Dividers
• Rulers
• Tissues
• Pocket calculators

Supplies are needed by JULY 27, and can be dropped off at The Kosair Building at 982 Eastern Parkway, Louisville, KY 40217.  Volunteers are also welcome to help get the supplies ready as well as work the event.  For further questions, call 502.636.1936.

The school on Bellewood’s Louisville campus was one of only 11 alternative education programs in Kentucky to recently receive the esteemed “Best Practice Sites” award which recognizes extraordinary work by the educators and programs for severely at-risk students.

The honor was presented by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and recognizes efforts made in three categories:

1. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
2. Culture, Support and Professional Development
3. Leadership, Resources/Organization and Planning

Bellewood received the award in all three categories, exemplifying the tremendous work and planning the school staff performs in order to bring its youth who face enormous difficulties in the classroom up to a much higher standard.

The school’s lead teacher, Theresa Landenwich, with 30 years’ classroom experience works tirelessly with the students and employees to ensure each child’s needs are met and their goals exceeded.  Her amazing work was recognized last year with the 2008-2009 Outstanding Administrator of the Year award on behalf of state agency schools in Kentucky.

“Every student can be successful,” Landenwich said. “I have yet to meet a child who doesn’t have some positive skills or behavior to build upon.”

Congratulations to our staff and students who have both overcome incredible obstacles to reach such wonderful achievements.

Lexington’s minor league baseball team, The Lexington Legends, is supporting Bellewood at their July 15 game in Applebee’s Park by giving back profits from a portion of ticket sales to Bellewood. 

Bellewood will receive the proceeds from the sales of 100 designated seats for the evening’s game.  Additionally, WTVQ meteorologist and Bellewood mentor,  Jennifer Schack, will be reporting weather live from the stadium and speaking briefly about Bellewood.

“We’re really fortunate to have support from the Legends and people like Jennifer Schack,” Bellewood’s Director of Operations for Central Kentucky, Janine Dewey said. “Having the community rally around our work really helps Bellewood provide better services to youth and families in need.”

The game begins at 7 p.m. EDT in Applebee’s Park located at 207 Legends Lane, Lexington, KY 40505. Tickets are $8 and quantities are limited.  For tickets or more information call 859.294.7080.