ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, April 8, 1997 TAG: 9704080053
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: class notes
SOURCE: HALE SHEIKERZ
Second-graders in Peggy Gray's class at Prices Fork Elementary School recently followed the 1997 Iditarod Alaskan Dog Sled Race. The children kept up with the race on a daily basis through the Internet. For example, the Iditarod homepage (http://www.alaska.net/
Iditarod/) has information about the race, including history, maps and even video clips. The race starts the first weekend in March and covers more than 1,000 miles between Anchorage and Nome. Participants usually finish the race in less than 10 days.
Gray's student teacher, Lisa Worstler, developed and implemented a cross-curricula unit about the race for the class. The children also had the opportunity to meet two special guests during their study.
Angie Griner, a doctoral candidate and student teacher mentor from Virginia Tech, brought two Husky dogs to the school. Griner, who lived in Alaska, also brought in an Alaskan dog sled and dog harness. Children in Gray's class and other grade levels had the opportunity to see the equipment used in The Iditarod race.
High school dramas are popping up around the area, some with a twist:
At Christiansburg High School, "Something's Afoot" in this comical murder mystery. We can tell you that everyone dies, but it's how the cast members meet their fate that should be the thrill. "The butler didn't do it," said senior Angela Mills. "He dies by an explosion and falls off the second floor." Mills said this production will have the most elaborate stage, detailed choreography and comical songs of any performance she could remember. Shows run April 17, 18 and 19, beginning at 8 p.m. The cost is $3.
Audiences at "The Mystery of Edwine Drood," coming soon to Blacksburg High School, will be actively engaged - they'll determine one of seven endings and possible murderers. "It's something I've never seen before," said cast member Shannon Marks. "It's complicated, but it's so much fun - you never know what's going to happen." Marks and the other students will speak to the audience, walk between the aisles, then ask for input on who-done-it. The show runs April 25 and 26, beginning at 7 p.m., and April 27 at 3 p.m.
MEETINGS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
The Bethel Elementary PTA will meet tonight at 7. There will be a variety show and election of new officers. There also will be a book fair at the library Tuesday to Friday. The book fair will be open before and after the meeting.
The Radford Parent Resource Center will have a workshop Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The workshop deals with transition from high school to working to college life. Parents with children in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend.
During the first hour of the workshop, personnel from Radford City Schools will answer parents' questions concerning their child's Individual Evaluation Program. The transition page of the IEP must be in place by the time the student is 16. A panel of representatives from area colleges, training centers and recreational centers will also speak on how their agencies can benefit the special needs child.
A pizza supper will be provided free of charge. For more information or to make reservations, call 731-3679.
High School students interested in the arts can attend Radford University's Summer Arts Conservatory. The program is July 6-12 and offers programs in classical guitar, film and video animation, percussion, madrigal singing, screen printing, dance and theater/musical theater. The program is sponsored by Radford's College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Virginia Department of Education. Students will participate in individual and group instruction, as well as attend featured performance series presented by residents and guest artists.
The $350 cost includes tuition, room and all meals at the university dining facilities, recreation and supplies. One chaperone/counselor will be provided for every 10 students. For more information, call Joseph Scartelli at 831-5265 or send e-mail to jscartelxc2runet.edu.
Montgomery County Public Schools has announced graduation dates. These dates are tentative and will hold as long as no more days are missed by students because of inclement weather. The dates are:
Auburn High School, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Blacksburg High School, June 14 at 10 a.m.
Christiansburg High School, June 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Shawsville High School, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.
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