Vandy holds orientation programs
Summer school gives leg up to newcomersBy MICHAEL ERB, merb@newsandsentinel.com
PARKERSBURG - New students and staff alike are getting a leg up on the new school year this week at VanDevender Middle School.
While holding summer school and orientation classes for some incoming students, Vandy also is having teacher training for its newest staff members.
Penny Tonelli, assistant principal of curriculum for Vandy, said the two programs are both aimed to help boost performance and reduce anxieties for this fall. Because of the countywide grade transition, about half of the school's students will be new to the facility this year, and several new teachers have been hired while others have moved to different positions within Vandy.
"For the students it gives them a chance to get familiar with the school and the teachers, to understand what is expected," she said. "It's also a difficult change for the teachers. Just like the kids, they are apprehensive and have questions. Our hope is by them meeting me in a small-group setting, they have a chance to ask those questions. It eases their transition as well."
Tonelli said planning for the tradition has been ongoing for more than two years. This summer's student and teacher programs are both funded through a $50,000 grant administered through the state Department of Education.
"Half of that is used for teacher training," she said. "The other half is used to hire teachers for the summer school program."
The summer school program, which concentrates on either math or English, focuses on small learning groups. About 30 students have been divided among six teachers to receive intensive instruction while also learning about the school. Students were recommended to the program through parent or teacher referrals or sought out by the teachers after identifying possible academic weaknesses. Students were given an English or math exam at the beginning of the program, and similar exams will be given at the end of the program to measure the students' progress.
"With a smaller number of students we are able to work in small groups with very intense instruction," Tonelli said.
English teacher Carol Paul has been working with a small group of students to help teach them communication and technology skills they will use this fall. Students this week worked on writing autobiographies which eventually will be turned into digital presentations.
"It's an enhancement program," she said. "We're doing a little bit of everything, from looking at Appalachian writers to working with graphic organizers."
Tonelli said the student summer program will run through the first of August. The teacher training program continues through today with a second session planned for those educators who could not attend the initial session. Other professional development sessions with the entire staff also are planned for the near future.
