Field Trips

Struggling parents at H.B. Wilson Elementary School in Camden were charged for photos of their children with Santa and the Easter Bunny and were required to pay for a spring carnival even though district money had been set aside for those activities, school personnel say they have told a state grand jury. The employees do not know what became of the money that parents paid during the 2005-06 school year for the photos and carnival. But they said they had told the grand jury that they did not believe it had been properly accounted for and feared the parents had been bilked out of thousands more dollars.

Many college graduates are poorly prepared Nick O'Dell's May 24 commentary, ("Not our business? We must hold teachers to a higher standard") was both interesting and frightening, but oh so on target. In 1979, when I was general sales manager of WCBS Radio in New York, I was interviewing a Pennsylvania State University graduate for a position in our sales department. I asked her what she majored in at college. She said math. I asked, "Can you tell me what 15 percent of 200 is?" She responded with a straight face, "Oh, I don't do percentages.

Plans for a 12-room addition to the Paxon Hollow Middle School in Marple Township are proceeding smoothly through the approval process at the state and local levels, Superintendent Stephen Frederick told the Marple Newtown school board at its Tuesday workshop session. Groundbreaking on the bi-level addition is expected to begin in the summer, Frederick said, and the addition is expected to open in September 1992. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved the site and preliminary plans for the addition, as have three Marple Township boards and the Delaware County Planning Commission.

Downingtown school officials plan to hold a hearing Wednesday on the $3 million plan to renovate Beaver Creek Elementary School. Although the plans to add eight classrooms, a music and art room, and a library are estimated to cost about $1 million more than expected, the board last week voted 7-1, with one abstention, to approve the project. Board member Nancy Glenn voted against the project, saying that earlier this year, the board had been told that it would cost approximately $2.2 million.

An alternative curriculum for middle school seventh graders who would spend at least 40 days a year on field trips to study the Brandywine River, its history, cultural and geographical significance may be a possibility in the Radnor Township School District. The alternative learning program was proposed by two teachers, Ed Silcox and Mark Springer, to the school board's curriculum committee Tuesday night, and reaction was favorable. The committee decided to place the proposal on next month's regular board meeting agenda for a vote.

A talented artist, 13-year-old David likes to draw action figures and animals, and is interested in art competitions. Other pastimes include watching television, playing video games, swimming, and a variety of outdoor activities. David has a wonderful sense of humor and a great laugh. He's a bit shy, but is quite friendly when he gets to know you. A sixth grader enrolled in an alternative education program, he enjoys doing homework. He likes going on field trips, and his favorite subjects are math and science.

"To meet a family that loves me" is Tiyanah's greatest wish. Energetic and friendly, the pretty 11-year-old gets along well with adults and with the other children in her foster home. She is very talkative and expressive once she gets to know you. Tiyanah enjoys art, playing with her toys, and watching television. She also likes outdoor activities, including in-line skating and bike riding. A music lover, she is taking piano lessons. Tiyanah attends weekly church services and participates in the church's Adventures Club, a group that learns about nature and goes on field trips.

Sixteen pairs of little hands got covered with chocolate frosting, glazed honey and coconut when the class of 4-year-olds of St. Andrews Nursery School paid a visit to the folks at Dunkin' Donuts. Marcia Renner, director of St. Andrews, which is in Audubon, said the children are taken on field trips each month to such places as post offices, supermarkets, police stations, and dentists' offices. The trip to the Wayne Dunkin' Donuts last week was easily arranged, as one of the children, Lea Culp, is the daughter of John and Aggie Culp, an Audubon couple who own the store.

One of the best things about living around here is the climate - just when you're sick and tired of 95-percent humidity, autumn descends, along with its crisp, cool temperatures and beautiful foliage. If you're into sports, there are ski and bicycle clubs galore. The Poconos are a short drive to downhill exhilaration. And you haven't lived in Philadelphia until you've biked, jogged, rollerbladed or just strolled down Kelly Drive. One thing's for sure: It won't happen with the remote in your hand.