PCPS news

1) AP Hill Elementary doubles its Relay for Life goal 2) Future doctors from PCPS get HELP 1) AP Hill Elementary doubles its Relay for Life goal The staff of A.P. Hill Elementary School in Petersburg not only took part in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in the city earlier this year, they raised double the […]

September 16, 2008; 9:16 AM • by brenda p

1) AP Hill Elementary doubles its Relay for Life goal
2) Future doctors from PCPS get HELP

1) AP Hill Elementary doubles its Relay for Life goal

The staff of A.P. Hill Elementary School in Petersburg not only took part in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in the city earlier this year, they raised double the amount of the goal that they had set, amassing $2,498 to benefit cancer research.

The Relay consists of teams of people who camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path, for pledges. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length.

It raises much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

“Cancer strikes our families and friends,” said team member Chevaliet Gray, “and [the Relay for Life] is a good cause.”

For more information about Relay for Life, visit www.relayforlife.org.

2) Future doctors from PCPS get HELP

Vernon Johns Junior High School students in Petersburg are learning to GEAR UP for success — and the future medical professionals among them are getting some extra help — Project HELP.

GEAR UP is active in 25 school divisions across Virginia, including Petersburg, but Project HELP (Health Careers Early Learning Program) is new to the Petersburg City Public Schools. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) awarded VCU/Medical Center GEAR UP funding to launch Project HELP, and it is already producing results.

VJJHS students who are enrolled in the program, and their parents, toured health sciences programs and labs at VCU/Medical Center and at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College this summer. They had hands-on opportunities to practice medical procedures, such as forming synthetic teeth.

“They really enjoyed that activity,” said Evelyn Britton, 8th Grade Counselor and GEAR UP Coordinator at VJJHS.

Those summer sessions will be followed by two focus groups and several workshops to be held during the school year at Petersburg High School. During the workshops, health professionals will talk with parents about higher education opportunities and the health care field.

“The goal of Project HELP is to help our students entering secondary education in pursuit of a degree in the health sciences. It’s unique in that it involves parents and students,” said Linda Staylor, GEAR UP Regional Resource Manager with SCHEV.

“We’re pleased to be working with the Petersburg City Public Schools in this initiative,” Staylor said.

Even before Project HELP, the growth in GEAR UP students during the last few years has been amazing, Britton said.

“Their confidence and self-esteem has increased,” she said.

This year, program coordinators plan to have Petersburg High School students work with VJJHS students as mentors, Britton said.

VJJHS will kick off the GEAR UP program for the new schoo year with special activities on Wednesday, September 24 at 9:30, at VJJHS.

September 16, 2008 9:16 AM 0