While James River High School students read "Rocket Boys" by Homer Hickam, technology oriented Lord Botetourt will have high school students reading on the web every thing from safety instructions to English assignments.

The block schedule presented a summer reading dilemma, said Dr. Joni Poff who is supervisor for secondary instruction. She said they think they have come up with satisfactory reading programs for the summer on the high school level.

Lord Botetourt High School students read around a maple tree in front of the school this spring.

Photo courtesy of Jackie Newman

At Lord Botetourt High School, English teacher Jackie Newman presented an Internet-based reading program that will cover all subject areas including technology. Lord Botetourt principal Alan Brenner said all schedules for the fall have been mailed out this week so students will know which four classes they need to access the reading material for summer reading. Students without computers can come by the school and use the school computers or go to the public libraries. The reading material links can be found on the school website. Lord Botetourt has stressed technology as part of the school improvement plan for the past several years and it is used through out the curriculum to enhance learning.

James River Principal Jamie Talbott said the close-knit atmosphere at James River lends itself to such a story. Students will make journal entries on the book. The administration and faculty will be pulling ideas together to enhance the “Rocket Boy” idea -- they also had a student dress as rocket to introduce the book this past spring. He mentioned James River will play the Craig County Rockets on homecoming this year for one thing. He also mentioned going to the National Air and Space museum in Dulles on a field trip for those who read the book and do the journal entries. Honors classes will have additional reading assignments. Reading instruction for those who need help will be available from teachers and staff at the school library.

Our last post about Lord Botetourt High School was June 12. Our last post about James River HIgh School was June 24.

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• Posted by cathy benson in Schools & education
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