Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 14, 1990 TAG: 9006150644
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHRISTINA A. SAMUELS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The program was established by Congress to improve civic literacy in the nation's youth and is in its second year at Hidden Valley. The program consists of three activities.
The first activity, civic knowledge, required students to study from a special textbook that combines American history, government, economics, culture, geography and current events. The students were allowed to study at their own pace and correct their own work.
The second activity, civic research, required the students to write a one-page research paper on a subject covered in the textbook. Many of the students wrote papers on the American flag.
For the third activity, civic action, the students donated clothes to the Salvation Army.
Patricia Hammond and Jean Wheeling, both civics teachers, used the program with their classes.
The students received a star on their certificates for each of the activities completed. There also was a special instructor's award for those who scored well on a four-page test covering the entire textbook.
"This award is given to people who have spent some time trying to learn what our government is like," said Olin.
He added that the United States has to serve as an example to the world, especially to Europe, which is undergoing rapid change. "It would be a tragedy if all these countries tried to be like us and we fell apart."
Olin quipped that he wanted to take the test to see how he'd do. "It would be very revealing."
Norma Peters, supervisor of social studies for Roanoke County, said the civic action project was one of the best parts of the program. "[It's] something really practical."
The program is only used at Hidden Valley now, but Peters said they will try to implement it at other schools.
"I'm very enthusiastic about the project," Olin said. "I think it should be spread more broadly."
The students were especially happy that they received extra credit for the program. "I thought it was easy," said Brooke Moody, one of the honorees. "I would do it again."
The students who received awards were: Jason Altizer, Tameka Barnett, Angela Bernys, Lisa Bowers, Heather Brookins, Rusty Caton, Heather Custer, Anissa Dalton, Jason Dowdy, David Dunstan, Cynthia Easterling, Amy Elmore, Elana Fox, Jennifer Green, Gerry Hartman, Michelle Heishman, Heidi Holody, Tara Jones, Seth Keyes, Rachel Mardian, Mary Ann Meador, Kerri Mikkelsen, Carrie Molokach, Brooke Moody, Michael Newton, Melissa Patsel, Kristy Ratcliffe, Susan Rowan, Emily Shelton, Mandi Shreffler, Christina Strausbaugh, Angela Sutherland, Cherie Wagner and Jacob Yi.
by CNB