THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 22, 1995 TAG: 9501200270
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
The fact that John Fox teaches at a school housed in a church is beyond coincidence.
Coworkers say he's a godsend.
When the 1988 Cox High graduate arrived at Chesapeake Bay Academy, there weren't many extra-curricular activities for the students. The school for learning disabled youngsters had little focus on anything other than trying to teach kids ways they could soak-in the three Rs.
``Yes, he definitely is a godsend,'' said Mary Anne Dukas, school head. ``John is just fabulous. He's wonderful.''
What he is, is a a one-man organizational whiz.
Since his arrival as a math teacher last year, Fox has initiated a soccer team, a yearbook staff, elections for the student government association, a cheerleading squad and, now, a basketball team.
When the SGA held elections, half the student body ran for office - with enthusiasm. All had posters and buttons and campaigned through the halls.
``And you should have seen them when they made their campaign speeches,'' Fox said. ``It was so wonderful, so emotional. They were all proud of themselves and that's the greatest feeling in the world.''
During the Christmas holidays, Fox even found time to work at a local toy store so he could get the employee discount to buy the youngsters presents.
This spring, when the soccer team takes to the field against teams from the Virginia Beach Soccer Club, Fox will bring in a four-day carnival to help raise money for his programs.
``When I first came here, I walked down the halls and said to myself `there's nothing for these kids to do around here,' '' said the 24-year-old bundle of energy. ``I walked in there and asked the director what activities do the kids have. All they had was their homework and an SGA that didn't really do anything.''
Not anymore.
How the kids find time to do their studies and take part in Fox's programs is anybody's guess. But it is likely they get considerable inspiration from the man who got it all started.
While at Cox, Fox was involved in the executive council of the SCA and was vice president of marketing for the Inner Club Council. He was involved in everything from the yearbook to the homecoming activities to the graduation dance.
While studying for his education degree at Longwood, he was in the SGA, the college judicial board and a fraternity.
He brought his zest to Chesapeake Bay Academy.
``We aren't usually the first school these kids have been in,'' Dukas said. ``When they were at other schools, they saw all the things going on. They come here and it doesn't seem like a normal school to them because they don't have those activities to participate in.
``The things John has started are helping to make the school more normalized and the importance of that to these kids is invaluable.''
The 40 children at the school have one specialized learning need or another - because of problems such as dyslexia or an attention deficit disorder. Some are gifted and talented children who had trouble adjusting to the crowded world of public schools. Students often need things repeated and they more time to understand lessons than is offered in traditional classrooms.
Other than that, they are just like any other youngsters.
``Having these programs like the basketball team are a very important part of a full educational program,'' Dukas said. ``They help to remove any stigma that students who attend a specialized school might experience. And it helps people to understand that Chesapeake Bay Academy represents a great opportunity to learn, to feel good, and to have fun.
``I can't take credit for finding John, because he was here when I took over. But I can't praise him enough for all the things he's done for the school.''
And, for the kids. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Since his arrival as a math teacher last year, John Fox has
initiated a soccer team, a yearbook staff, elections for the student
government association, a cheerleading squad and, now, a basketball
team.
by CNB