THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 30, 1994 TAG: 9410280250
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Education
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WESTER, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
ALTHOUGH SHE'S A PARENT of a fifth-grader, Robin Barton knows what it's like to be a kid again.
Through a new program at Green Run Elementary School, offering free classes for parents and staff, Barton is experiencing student life one more time.
From making new friends to learning new things, she knows what her daughter, Tiffany Sherrod, goes through each year.
``I really enjoy the classes,'' Barton said. ``I think the whole thing is great.''
The classes of G.R.E.A.T. U., which stands for Green Run Elementary Always There For You, were developed by art teacher and academic coordinator Renee Seiler, in an effort to encourage parents to participate in the school.
``You hear about problems with education every year,'' she said. ``I like to do things to chip away at those problems.''
Although the classes began during the first week of October, Seiler started brainstorming ideas last year, after teaching an art class to some adult friends. ``Everybody kept talking about their children during the class,'' she said.
Using that parental bond as a basis, Seiler spent the summer developing the program. The object was ``to get parents to share ideas and have a good time,'' she said.
For parents who only come to school when their child is sick or in trouble, the program would help erase that unpleasant association. ``I thought offering classes would be a great way to bring them into the school and enjoy being here,'' Seiler said.
In September, registration for 22 fall semester classes was held. Nearly 50 parents and staff members signed up for classes such as shirt decorating, nutrition, meteorology, computers and skin care. Both teachers within the school and volunteers from various organizations are teaching the courses.
``It's a non-threatening situation,'' Seiler said. ``There are no grades involved. It's just fun.''
Classes are held on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and last from 60 to 90 minutes. Free child care is offered during the 11 scheduled sessions.
``It's not a huge turn out,'' said Seiler, who teaches a class in basic drawing. ``I'm really happy it's starting off small.''
Those teaching the classes are excited about being involved in the program. ``It's just so neat to get the parents to come out,'' said teacher assistant Betty Schroeder, who is co-teaching a class in cake decorating. ``It's a great opportunity to extend to them.''
Many of the ``students'' are learning life-long skills, while others are developing hobbies.
Marti Crutcher, a fourth-grade teacher, took basic drawing so she could use the skills in her classroom, to decorate walls and bulletin boards.
``I can't draw but I'm fascinated with it,'' she said. ``I think it's a good stress reliever.''
A spring schedule will feature an additional 25 classes. Seiler is talking with members of the fire and police departments about teaching. Registration is slated for late February.
``More people call about it every week,'' Seiler said. ``Word of mouth is the best advertising.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos by HOLLY WESTER
Debbie Wylie, a special-education teacher; Marti Crutcher, a
fourth-grade teacher; and Pat Skopal, a parent of a fifth-grader,
practice blind drawing by looking away from the table during a class
at Green Run Elementary Always There For You (G.R.E.A.T. U.).
LEFT: Robin Barton, mother of fifth-grader Tiffany Sherrod,
practices her cake-decorating skills. ``I really enjoy the
classes,'' Barton said. ``I think the whole thing is great.''
RIGHT: Renee Seiler, art teacher and academic coordinator at Green
Run Elementary, developed the G.R.E.A.T. U. program to encourage
parents to participate in the school.
by CNB