The Virginian-Pilot 
                            THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT  
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, November 3, 1996              TAG: 9611010175
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 07   EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: Denise Watson  
                                            LENGTH:   75 lines

CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION: ***************************************************************** Two parents spoke at the Oct. 28 School Board meeting, asking the board to amend a proposed attendance zone change for Deep Creek Middle and the new middle school being built on Cedar Road. Under the proposed plan, some children would go to the new middle school and then later go to Hickory High or Deep Creek High. The parents want their children to go to Hickory Middle and continue on to Hickory High with their friends. Separating the children from their friends could hamper them socially, the parents said. Correction published in the Chesapeake Clipper, Friday, November 8, 1996, page 3. ***************************************************************** SCHOOL BULLETIN BOARD - CHESAPEAKE

Here's a look at some of the action from Monday's meeting of the Chesapeake School Board: Zone hearing

Two parents said they want their children to stay in Deep Creek schools instead of going to Hickory High School, which could happen through a proposed attendance zone adjustment for two middle schools.

The two concerned parents spoke during the board's first public hearing on proposed attendance zones for Deep Creek Middle School and the new middle school being built on Cedar Road.

The women said their children have grown up in Deep Creek schools and switching to Hickory could interrupt friendships and hamper the students socially.

A second public hearing will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6. Program evalution

School officials said a first-year evaluation of a block scheduling program Western Branch High School yielded mixed results.

Western Branch was the first school to begin the scheduling last year which allows students to take four 90-minute classes a day - called ``4X4 block scheduling'' - instead of the traditional six 55-minute class periods.

An evaluation committee presented a report Monday detailing interviews with students, school administrators, parents and teachers. The report listed the following findings:

The majority of students, teachers and parents preferred the block scheduling.

Eighty percent of freshman, sophomores and juniors earned more credits because the classes carry more credits.

Students who failed a class were able to take it the following semester.

Yet,

Students missed more work when they were absent.

Lunch periods and time between classes were shorter.

Advanced placement and music classes were taught in only one semester block, while students wanted them in both semesters.

The committee will evaluate the scheduling again this year, looking at test scores, attendance rates and disciplinary referrals to note fluctuations from current rates. Construction update

Installation of the gymnasium floor at Hickory High School has begun and should be completed no later than Dec. 16, according to school officials.

Steven Gilbert, assistant superintendent for operations, said the new school building is about 90 percent complete and should be completely finished by mid-January.

The electronics and computer lab was completed last week, and the auditorium is expected to be completed by Jan. 17. The surrounding band and choral areas should be ready before the auditorium, Gilbert said. MEMO: The School Board meeting scheduled for Nov. 11 will be held on

Wednesday, Nov. 6 because of the Veterans Day holiday. by CNB