Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 22, 1995 TAG: 9508220041
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-12 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
All schools will close two hours early on that first day, anyway. On future days, if the temperature runs unusually high, schools will close between noon and 12:30 p.m.
"Hopefully, our weather pattern will improve and conditions will be cooler than they have been during the past several weeks," Superintendent Bill Asbury said.
Parents and students also need to know:
The School Board has tightened its policies on weapons, alcohol and physical assaults, and those will be made clear immediately to parents, students and employees.
"Everyone associated with our schools needs to know that the new policies are more stringent and the penalties for violation are severe," Asbury said. "We intend to keep our schools safe for our students and teachers ... We also believe that our students need to know what expectations are from the very first day of school."
School buses will start operating on regular schedules Thursday.
All first-time students should preregister at the school they will attend. Birth certificates should be presented at registration. State law also requires that each child have a physical exam and a record showing necessary immunizations have been received.
No textbook rental fees will be collected, due to a change in state law.
School lunches will cost $1.10 for kindergarten through fifth grade, and $1.15 for grades 6-12. Breakfast will be served at all schools for 75 cents, plus 25 cents for extra milk.
School accident insurance coverage is available for $11 per student, or $60 for 24-hour coverage.
The school system is starting a year-long study of building needs, in line with recommendations from a School Building Needs Task Force. Asbury said he hoped that a plan could be developed to improve all facilities over the next three to five years.
"Hopefully, our citizens will support our attempt to modernize our facilities and provide the necessary accommodations for the demands of the 21st century," he said.
The system will be starting the second year of its Critical Years/Critical Skills program, with smaller classes in the lower grades. The program makes sure pupils master one skill level before moving on to another.
Claremont and Northwood Elementary schools will be in the third year of their model continuous progress programs, merging different subject areas and grouping pupils by ability rather than age.
The math-science-technology school within Dublin Elementary School will begin its second year, trying new teaching techniques on a small scale and increasing the use of technology in the classroom.
"Each of our remaining elementary schools are involved in school-based initiatives to improve instructional programs," Asbury said.
"Our two middle schools will begin the year with a new block scheduling enabling our teachers to have more control over their day. In addition, they have planned coordinated calendars to enable joint staff development programs for the faculties," he said.
Block scheduling of four 90-minute classes a day and other initiatives at Pulaski County High School will continue under new Principal Jim Kelly.
"We will also continue our efforts to infuse technology into our daily operations," Asbury said.
by CNB