Dabney S. Lancaster Community
College
Clifton Forge, Virginia
|
Dabney S. Lancaster Community
College |
What is the purpose of the Field Ecology Summer Regional Governor's School?
When and where will the Governor's School operate?
What will be offered in the Governor's School?
Who are the instructors for the Governor's School?
How does the Governor's School differ from regular school?
Will grades or credit be given?
Who is eligible to attend the Governor's School?
How many students will the Governor's School accommodate?
May anyone who wishes to do so attend the Governor's School?
How will participants be selected?
What is the cost to participants?
Are participants allowed leaves-of-absence from the Governor's School?
What are some of the responsibilities that participants might assume?
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The Summer Regional Governor's School at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (DSLCC) is designed to inspire in our academically-gifted eighth and ninth grade students a respect for the bountiful natural environment that is their heritage, a heritage that might soon be lost if succeeding generations are not taught to preserve and cherish it. The aim of the Governor's School is to awaken an awareness and interest in native plant and animal life as a rich and varied natural resource. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships between organisms and their natural environments and on the role and impact of humans on these ecosystems. Participants "learn" science by actually "doing" science.
Where:
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
1000 Dabney Drive
P.O. Box 1000
Clifton Forge, VA 24422
When: June 16 - July 6, 2010
Note: Neither transportation nor lodging accommodations are provided; students must arrive and leave daily according to the times designated on the itinerary. However, no potential participant will be denied admission to the program solely on the basis of lack of transportation. Car pooling, especially for those traveling a considerable distance, is encouraged. Time will be made available to organize car pools during an orientation meeting (late May 2010) required for all participants and their parents/guardians.
The curriculum includes classes, seminars, field trips, laboratory work,
and field studies in a variety of topics from the general areas of:
(a) Terrestrial and aquatic ecology
(b) Backpacking, camping, and hiking
Instructors for the Governor's School are college and high school teachers who have experience with both the subject matter and the education of gifted students. Typically, the instructors have had previous experience with the Center. Several other guest lecturers also will present a variety of topics.
Participants in the Governor's School come from various areas located within a fifty mile radius of Clifton Forge, Virginia. They have one thing in common: a desire to explore academic and/or field studies at a level not always possible in their respective schools. Activities include lecture, seminars, field research, tours, and trips to unique environments.
Yes. Upon successful completion of the program, each participant earns five semester hours of non-transfer level community college credit in natural science. Additionally, students receive a Certificate of Commendation from the Governor. A report of grades, course itinerary, and a copy of the certificate verifying participation are sent to his/her school upon completion of the program. Students register for the courses at the required orientation meeting prior to commencement of the Governor's School.
Eighth and ninth grade students from public, private, and home schools are eligible to attend if: (1) they are academically gifted or show potential for excelling in biological field studies, (2) their overall achievement in school work is acceptable, (3) they have been residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia for at least one year and live within the service area of Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, and (4) they are nominated from their school. Private school and home schooled students must apply through their local public school .
Twenty. The number of participants from each school is apportioned according to the number of eligible students in that school relative to the total number of eighth and ninth grade students in the Service Area of DSLCC.
No. There is a selection process established by each school division.
Students are nominated by their superintendent, principal, counselor, science teacher, administrator of gifted programs, or a committee that has been established at their school. Nomination is based on academic potential, positive attitude, good citizenship, and maturity of judgment. The final nominees (and their designation as participant or alternate) from a given school are determined by a committee established at that school. After receiving the nominations, the Program Director notifies the students of their selection as participant or alternate in the Governor's School by April 30. Confirmation of the selections also is sent to school principals.
The cost of field trips, tuition, and other activities planned for the Governor's School are paid from State funds. The student must provide his/her own food, spending money, and transportation to and from the college daily.
No. Since time is limited and activities are planned for each day of the session and since any absence may significantly compromise the student's experience at the Governor's School, students may not leave the school during its session, except in the case of emergencies. Students must agree to remain as a participant in the center for the entire period of activities.
Each participant must share in all activities (academic and social) planned for them. Further, they must adhere to the Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics on Field Trips. Any infringement of these rules can result in immediate dismissal of the participant from the Governor's School. Before the student signs page 2 of the application form, please be sure that, if selected, he/she will subscribe to each of the items set forth in the Code of Conduct and Discipline Procedures. All students are expected to read them and be prepared to follow them throughout the session.
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Updated 5/6/10