
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 15, 1991                   TAG: 9103150459
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: STEVE KARK CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: PEARISBURG                                LENGTH: Short

GILES PUPILS GET `AT-RISK' SCHOOL GRANT

Giles County fifth- through seventh-graders will benefit from the only U.S. Department of Agriculture grant awarded in Virginia for more science and math technology instruction.

Superintendent Robert McCracken made the announcement at Wednesday night's School Board meeting, thanking Virginia Tech extension agents Mary Katherine Tanner and Charles Lytton for helping get the grant.

In an interview after the meeting, McCracken said that while the exact amount of money hasn't been released, he expected the county would get the entire $74,000 sought.

All fifth- through seventh-grade pupils will benefit, but the money request was tailored to needs of "at-risk" students.

The grant identifies at-risk students as those who have school problems caused by family environment.

For instance, some students might have trouble learning in a home where a parent abuses drugs. Or, learning may be affected in homes where a parent himself has received a limited education.

McCracken also announced that the "Kids on the Block" puppets would perform Thursday at 12:45 p.m. in the Macy McClaugherty school auditorium. The group has gained recognition from helping grade-school children understand the needs of the handicapped. Parents are welcome at the performance, McCracken said.

by CNB