TV program

TV program

becomes part

of curriculum

By SHARON KILPATRICK

Rappahannork N*w* Staff Writer

The School Board voted unanimously to participate in Channel 1 television programming at Rappahannock High School next year.

The company will install television monitors in each classroom and a satellite dish at the school. In exchange the school system agrees to show a the company’s 10-minute daily news show. Two minutes of the time are commercials for such products as snack food, sports shoes and clothes that appeal to teenagers.

School Superintendent David Gangel said he was approached about the programming several years ago and turned it down because he didn’t want to give up instructional time. He said since then he has visited schools that have the programming and learned that it is possible to show it early in the morning before class time begins.

Dr. Gangel said it is also possible to use the equipment so students can broadcast morning announcements into the classrooms. He recommended that the board agree to subscribe to Channel 1 providing that it not come out of instructional time and that the school system be allowed to preview the programs to make sure they are compatible with the Family Life Education curriculum. He said the contract stipulates that the high school can withdraw from the service if it wishes at no cost.

Dr. Gangel said many school systems in Virginia subscribe to Channel 1 and they seem to be happy with it. He added that students will be required to come into their first-period class 10 minutes earlier to view the program.

The board also agreed to allow the Extension Service to use school buses to transport children to the 4-H Center for summer camps and possibly for swimming instruction. Dr. Gangel recommended they be allowed to lease the buses that are scheduled to be taken out of the fleet and sold at auction. Instead of being sold this spring, they will be kept until fall and sold after their summer use.

Sm SCHOOLS, p. A-7

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