THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 11, 1994 TAG: 9408100163
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: COVER STORY
BACK TO SCHOOL
SOURCE: BY SUSIE STOUGHTON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
ALL SUFFOLK elementary students will have access to a 10-station computer lab this year, thanks to the school system's commitment to technology.
Each of the city's 10 elementary schools is being equipped with Apple/MacIntosh computers with CD-ROM technology.
``It's like having a library on the disc,'' said Calvin Mitchell, technology specialist.
The cost for the computers and software was $223,260.
Each of the schools had computers in various classrooms, but they were available only to certain students at certain times.
``What's so exciting about this is it's the latest technology,'' Mitchell said. ``And it's going to be available for the entire school. We're servicing the entire school population instead of a portion of it.''
The libraries at Lakeland and Nansemond River high schools also have been upgraded to provide CD-ROM and automatic checkout systems, Mitchell said.
``The learning environment has greatly changed in the past 20 years,'' he said.
Other changes in the city's schools this year include a program, ``Careers and You,'' being introduced at John Yeates Middle School. The program likely will be expanded to the other two middle schools - Forest Glen and John F. Kennedy - in the spring.
The class allows students to explore career possibilities before choosing a course of study in high school, said Judy Liles, coordinator of vocational education.
The teachers in the pilot program are being trained by teachers from Norfolk, where the first model program in the state was developed,
``This is going to be very interesting for students,'' Liles said. ``It's a way we can turn them on to careers and the work ethic. Eventually, they are going to have to enter the work force.''
The second phase of the school system's Tech Prep program also will begin at the high school level this year. The program outlines courses of study for students preparing for certain careers.
``The student can see the type of math that is required for this career area, for instance,'' Liles said. ``It has everything listed that the student needs to complete the program.''
Last year, the Tech Prep program was aimed at business and marketing career clusters. This year it will be expanded to include engineering and industrial careers.
Tech Prep curriculum begins in the freshman year with a combination of vocational and technical courses and academic classes that focus on applied approaches and practical experiences. The program continues through two years of community college.
Another program that began last year - GRADS (Graduation Reality and Dual Role Skills) - will be expanded this fall. The second phase of the program will start at both high schools.
The program is designed to keep pregnant teenagers in school by providing them a support system and teaching them skills to cope with motherhood.
The second phase will work with students who have had babies, Liles said. ``It's a dropout prevention program,'' she said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by ERIC THINGSTAD
Mike Joyner, a rising senior at Lakeland High School, studies a
chart of the new patterns for the school band as the group practices
on the field. Joyner plays trumpet.
KEYWORDS: SUFFOLK SCHOOLS
by CNB