Rogers Students Equipped To Get Technical In History Class

This year, 60 Rogers High School juniors are learning American History a bit differently - for them, it’s infused with technology.

Each student in the two combined American Studies/College Prep English classes received a personal word processor on loan for the entire year. In addition, the classes have access to four laptop computers, eight desktop computers, digital cameras, digital video cameras and scanners.

“The aim is to figure out how we can use technology to achieve our objectives and to enhance what we’re doing,” said social studies department head Peter Perkins, who teaches the American Studies portion of the class. Jeri Giachetti teaches the English portion.

The equipment was bought with about $50,000 made available through a federal grant as part of the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund, which aims to get more technology into schools. The grant also covered teacher training.

An additional Contextual Learning and Teaching grant - federal dollars administered through Eastern Washington University and the University of Washington - helped make the class a reality. During the year, students will work on a variety of project-based assignments, including one in which students will interview area senior citizens, collect old photos and produce a multimedia CD that will preserve the personal history of those community members.

Now, they are working on a unit on politics, which has included Internet research, writing their findings on the word processors and printing them out using Microsoft Word.

Students have only good things to say about the equipment.

“It’s very convenient, especially when you don’t have a computer at home,” said junior Katie Johnston.

Others say it is easier to take notes by typing, that the word processor makes it easier to stay organized and that it saves paper.

The hands-on, project-based assignments also got positive reviews.

“There’s more activity, so you’re not just sitting there,” said junior Missy Narrance. “It’s not boring.”

Medicine Wheel plans benefit concert

The Spokane Public Schools Indian Education/Medicine Wheel Academy will hold a benefit concert by singer and musician Jack Gladstone Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at The Met, 901 W. Sprague.

The proceeds from the benefit will go toward the purchase of a van that will be used for after-school events, like transporting students to cultural events, field trips and to hear speakers. The purchase of the van is one way Medicine Wheel educators hope to assist their students in finding activities that give them healthy and safe alternatives to drug and alcohol use.

Tickets are available for $10 at the Bancroft Center, 1025 W. Spofford, by calling 354-7110, or at the door the evening of the performance.

Riverside gets playground toys

After about two years, Riverside Elementary School finally has new playground equipment to call its own.

Through countless sales of gift wrap and candy, members of the Parent/Teacher Organization raised $10,000 for the playground. The Riverside School District kicked in $16,000.

Tuesday, school administrators worked with parents and maintenance staff to lay 2,800 square feet of sod, which was donated by Marlend Ray of Ray Turf Farms in North Spokane.

“It’s exciting for us to all work together to get this done for the kids,” said Riverside Elementary Principal Michael Jordan.

Mead presents female `Odd Couple’

The Mead High School theater department will present Neil Simon’s comedy, “The Odd Couple” (female version).

Because the high school’s theater is not yet complete, performances will be held at the Mt. Spokane High School performing arts theater Nov. 15, 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens.

NWC and NC girls honored

The Northwest Christian Schools girls’ cross country team was recently named Washington State Academic Champions. Members are Brenda Case, Ashley Hadway, Rebekah Hansen, Jenell Jennings, Talia Rickel, Heather Sullivan, Laura Tinklenberg and Jenny Vowels.

Together they have a combined grade point average of 3.448.

The North Central High School girls’ cross country team also won honors when they were named 4A State Girls Cross Country Academic Champions.

Team members are Laura Hodgson, Katie Whittaker, Katie Graesser, Jenna Shay, Denee Wolbert, Danielle Bright, Michelle Toshack and Laci Schrock. They have a combined grade-point average of 3.918.