THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 26, 1995 TAG: 9507250094
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Allison T. Williams
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
SMITHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL Principal Dr. Donald J. Alvey's reputation extends far beyond the hallways of his small, rural school.
Alvey, who assumed the helm of Smithfield High in August 1993, successfully steered the Isle of Wight County school through the implementation of one of education's newest trends, block scheduling. It is intended to allow students to take fewer classes each day while doubling the amount of time spent in each class, Alvey says.
``We did a lot of work to make this transition. Solving some of the problems that came up really challenged our creative powers,'' he says. ``But the benefits outweigh any problems we had.
``After just one year, our kids are doing so much better academically.''
Now, several school divisions considering block scheduling are benefiting from Alvey's experience at Smithfield High.
``I've visited two or three other school divisions and spoken to their faculties and parents about block scheduling. It's gratifying to be called upon by other school systems.''
Also, Alvey was elected secretary of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals last month. Traditionally, the person holding that seat becomes president-elect the following year.
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? The opportunity to work in a growing, improving school division.
Birthdate/hometown: I was born May 16, 1967, in Brooklyn, N.Y., but I spent my childhood and college years in Northern Virginia.
What's your fondest childhood memory? The older guys in the neighborhood picking me to play sports.
Marital status and children: Married 27 wonderful years to Barbara. We have one daughter, 25-year-old Kimberly.
Pets: Two cats, Tuxedo and Prissy.
What was your first job? Worst job? My first job was working for my father at his garage. My worst job was doing yard work at a used-auto parts lot. My job included cleaning up after the old ``junkyard dog.''
Occupation: School administrator.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? Rhythm guitar in the Coral Reefer Band.
Your favorite night out on the town: Making music with family and friends.
Favorite food/drink: Hot peppers, steak and shrimp/raspberry soda water.
Favorite movies/TV shows: ``Footloose,'' ``Top Gun'' and ``Matlock.''
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? The mountains and Big Sky of Montana.
I can't resist: Picking up litter.
Few people know that I . . . am a parrothead and have a filing phobia.
Most embarrassing moment? Yet to come.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Take the family to Hawaii for a vacation and give to my church's building fund.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? ``If it's not documented, it didn't happen.''
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? My sense of humor.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? Anyone in heaven.
Of what achievements are you most proud? 1) Finishing my Ed.D with two nationally recognized publications while my father was still alive, and 2) being principal of Smithfield High School. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB