THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 15, 1995 TAG: 9512140151
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY GARY EDWARDS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
Demetrious Nicholson eats well - everywhere but at home, said his mother, ELizabeth.
``I fix him a plate of food at home and he doesn't touch it, or just moves it around on his plate,'' she said. ``If he goes to his grandmother's or some relative's, he eats everything.''
Elizabeth and Demetrious Nicholson attended the Pipeline to the Community program at Bettie F. Williams Elementary School for 10 weeks this fall. There, they were able to learn about diet and many other areas of child development and parental support. Parents and their 3-year-old children began the two-hour weekly sessions in early October.
Funded by Virginia Natural Gas, the Pipeline program is in its second year and is a collaborative effort among the company, Virginia Wesleyan College and Virginia Beach public schools.
Elizabeth Nicholson expressed her concerns during the final session on a recent Monday morning with dietitian Melody Miller, who works for Sentara Leigh Hospital.
``Demetrious loves fruits, apples and oranges,'' said Nicholson. ``He eats well, only at someplace else.''
The 3-year-old is growing normally and has no health problems, except for asthma.
In fact, he was across the hall in another classroom playing, listening to a story and watching a cartoon video about dental care. He held his new toothbrush up and smiled.
``This is my new toothbrush brush,'' he said.
Elizabeth Hunt, an adjunct instructor at VWC, worked with the children at Bettie F. Williams.
``The exciting part is that children initiate most of the interactions with each other,'' said Hunt. ``One child suggested finger painting, so we did that. We've taken them on outings - to Mike's Trainland, for example.''
Hunt said the earlier children are introduced to school, the better. The program began last year at Newtown Elementary School, next door to Williams. Ginger Ferris, an assistant professor of education at VWC, worked closely with those students, said Hunt.
``We (VWC staff and students) come in and work with the teachers at the school to get the program started and then the staff carries on the work.
``We'd like to see it in all the schools.''
Wendy McKay would, too. The 20-year-old VWC student plans to teach. She was one of five college students to assist at Williams during the past semester.
``I plan to be certified to teach kindergarten through eighth grade,'' she said. ``This has been a valuable experience.''
She has worked at a child care center and did a practicum at Bayside Elementary School.
``We have structured activities, like storytime, cooking and art,'' said McKay. ``The other activities vary.''
Two of the 10 sessions are left open for questions and ideas from the parents.
That's important, said Williams teacher, Sue Tinsley.
``The parents get to know us and that's vital,'' she said. ``The secret of success is the parental involvement. And their children become familiar and comfortable with the classroom setting.''
About 15 to 20 other children and parents will participate in the Pipeline program for 10 weeks in the next session beginning in January. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by CHARLIE MEADS
Teacher Kathy Poole, left, helps parent Cheryll Stephenson with
``Rainbox Stew.''
Jalesa Mason, left, and Samantha Stephenson use blocks to build a
house with the help of Virginia Wesleyan student Wendy McKay.
by CNB