| Submitted by Jean Simers
The eighth 2007-2008 Saturday Fun and Learning Day sponsored by Heads Up, GEAR UP and the Parent-Educator Resource Center was held on Saturday, April 19th at Calhoun Middle/High School with a western theme.
Parents could participate in a car seat check as they arrived at the school for Saturday Fun Day. Several parents had their car seats inspected by a certified technician and 23 car seats and boosters were given to parents that day.
Edna Robinson and Grace Richards distributed information about the Storyteller program for preschool children. This program is conducted six Mondays during the summer program for children ages 3-5 and their parents. For more information contact the WVU Extension office at 354-6332.
Asst. Principal Susan Carper (left) and Principal Karen Kerby
Breakfast was served to all participants and then parents after which the children played western games and the parents received training on WESTEST. Karen Kirby, principal, along with Susan Carper and Carla Taylor, assistant principals at Calhoun Middle/High School gave the parents an overview of the WESTEST along with sample questions. They also presented test taking strategies along with how to interpret test results.
When the parents and children were reunited everyone participated in a substance abuse health fair. Students and their parents visited booths set up around the gymnasium including Barbara McKown from Minnie Hamilton Health System who discussed the dangers of tobacco use; Calhoun County Schools which had a display of the consequences of using drugs, alcohol or tobacco on school property along with the "drunk" glasses for participants to experience.
Joyce Morgan talks about healthy foods
School Health Nurse Joyce Morgan's display dealt with healthy, nutritional foods; Calhoun Family Resource Network coordinator Sandy Osborne surveyed the parents about substance abuse in the county while Shari Johnson, Youth Force coordinator, and the PRIDE team did face painting; and Eva Richards distributed information about RAZE.
Students enjoyed face painting (left) while
some tried walking in "drunk" glasses
There were over 100 students and 70 parents in attendance on Saturday with the following parents winning door prizes, $20 Pit Stop gift cards from Heads Up were Chasidy Rush and Shelly Stevens, winner of a cooler filled with picnic supplies donated by GEAR UP was Charles Metz. Linda Sims won a $25 gift certificate from Grantsville Foodland, donated by Calhoun Family Resource Network. The drawing was a random drawing of the parents who completed the FRN survey during the substance abuse fair.
Parents and children who attend five of the eight sessions are eligible for a trip to Idlewild Park on Saturday, May 31st.
The next Saturday Fun and Learning Day is Saturday, May 10th. If you have questions - contact Jean Simers, Heads Up Coordinator at 354-7595.
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