OUR VIEW: These classes make going to school fun

Staff Editorial
Published: October 5, 2008

» SUMMARY: Culpeper schools have been in the news recently for some great programs and successful test scores.

How cool is Mr. Temple’s after-school guitar class at Sycamore Park Elementary? So cool that more than 90 students applied for 30 slots.

Thanks to a national program called Little Kids Rock, Ben Temple, who also teaches drums, is making music fun for area fourth- and fifth-graders. This is the type of education that appeals to a wide segment of kids, helping them to learn valuable skills while creating outlets for creative expression.

Kudos to Temple, his students and the good folks at Little Kids Rock who donated all 30 guitars. With such a demand for kids who want to learn the instrument, hopefully this program will expand in the near future. 

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KIDS MENTORING KIDS: Another great program in our public schools is the early childhood lab at Eastern View High. Students at both county high schools get the opportunity to interact with 3- and 4-year-olds on a daily basis, getting a first-hand look into the challenges of parenthood and teaching young children. The lab not only benefits the high school students, it’s also a cost-effective alternative for parents who need child care.

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SOLs: Congratulations are in order, as each Culpeper County public school passed the state’s requirements for the 2007-08 Standards of Learning tests. After being accredited “with warning”  last year because of a low math score, Culpeper Middle showed major improvement in that area, achieving full-accreditation status. Kudos to the CMS students and teachers who turned it around.