Orientation Weeks 2005

Thursday, August 4, 2005

Twenty-eight new students at the Jackson River Governor’s School at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College recently completed their orientation activities and will begin studies on August 22 when DSLCC’s fall semester begins.

While the week had its share of forms to fill out and paperwork to complete, most of the time was spent getting new students familiar with the DSLCC campus and the expectations of the Governor’s School curriculum.

Early in the week, the students participated in a college-wide scavenger hunt in which they needed to find specific landmarks and information around the campus. "Students enjoy the scavenger hunt," said Dr. Susan Rollinson, director of the Governor’ School. "They must search the entire campus to find information such as when the college was founded, how many 'Harry Potter' books are in the library, and what is taught in room 224."

Academics weren’t left out. Students spent time in the laboratory observing and interpreting fossil tracks, conducting experiments, and keeping a laboratory notebook. They also had to design an experiment and write a short scientific research paper to answer the question, "How fast does a candle burn?"

"Orientation is an important beginning for Governor’s School students," Rollinson said. "They get to know the campus, meet students from other high schools, and begin to understand how the Governor’s School differs from their previous high school classes."

Comments from the students indicate that the sessions were valuable. While they weren’t universally pleased with the 9:00 AM starting time, most felt that orientation gave them a good foundation for the coming year. Participants wrote, "Now I feel more prepared," and "It was a lot of fun, and I can’t wait for classes to start." Randy P. from Covington High School said,"“Let’s have a great year!"

"The Jackson River Governor's School is an integral part of the overall mission of DSLCC to provide quality education to the entire service region of the College," said Dr. Richard Teaff, DSLCC President. "These students receive the benefit of earning credit toward high school graduation while getting a head start on their college education. They are wonderful representatives of the DSLCC experience and the College welcomes them as they begin their journey here."

The Jackson River Governor’s School is a regional public high school for motivated high school juniors and seniors who want to go beyond the traditional high school offerings in science, mathematics, and technology. Students come from five school divisions in western Virginia—Alleghany County, Bath County, Botetourt County, Buena Vista, and Covington.

Students come to the DSLCC campus in the morning for dual enrollment courses in mathematics, science, and technology, then return to their home high school for afternoon classes in English, social studies, electives, and extra-curricular activities.

The junior year curriculum weaves biology, geology, chemistry, and statistics into a comprehensive study of environmental science. The senior year curriculum embraces a rigorous study of physical science emphasizing physics and calculus. Elective courses include chemistry, engineering, computer programming, and independent studies. Technology is integrated into almost every activity, since each student has access to a notebook computer.

Former Jackson River Governor's School participants have gone to enroll in some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation.

For more information about the Jackson River Governor’s School contact Susan Rollinson at 863-2841 (toll free 877-73DSLCC) or e-mail srollinson@dslcc.edu.