FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bobbie Fisher, Director of Corporate Communications
WHRO – 757.889.9107 ph 757.451.6862 fax
bobbie.fisher@whro.org
WHRO TO PRESENT GEDDY AWARD TO TWO AREA SCHOOLS
WM Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology and Crittenden Middle School Named Technology Schools of the Year
NORFOLK, June 7, 2006: WHRO announced today that W. M. Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology (Hampton) and Crittenden Science and Technology Magnet Middle School (Newport News) have been named co-recipients of the 2006 Vernon M. Geddy, Jr. Technology School of the Year award. The award is named in honor of the late Williamsburg attorney and former Mayor of the City of Williamsburg, whose advocacy for education and commitment to the region are well known. Mr. Geddy served for many years on the governing Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads Educational Telecommunications Association (HRETA), which does business as WHRO. He served on several of its committees, including the Executive, Audit & Finance and Nominating committees. In addition, he was a charter member of the WHRO Foundation.
W.M. Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology’s students partnered with a school in London, England to design and build a mouse-trap car; they designed Clay-mation and animation iMovies; they used computer aided drafting in art classes, engaged in magnetic levitation projects, constructed game boards for SOL preparation, and produced regular closed circuit broadcasts recognizing student achievement and providing mini-lessons.
Crittenden Science and Technology Magnet Middle School’s students integrated technology through classroom connections with NASA in Outer Space; communications with a sister station in Neyagawa Japan; and with special programs in robotics, web design, and maritime history with NOAA. In addition, technology was used to provide administrative support to the staff and faculty in various communications efforts.
The Vernon M. Geddy, Jr. Technology School of the Year, established by WHRO by its Board of Directors in April 2004, recognizes the regional public school perceived as most effectively integrating technology into the curriculum, as well as increasing overall school efficiencies. Relative size, budget, community partnerships and special circumstances are considered in awarding the honor. Nominations were solicited through WHRO’s Superintendents Advisory Council.