Schools give WCC the OK to use AHS

In a specially called meeting on Oct. 4, the Alleghany County School Board voted unanimously to approve the use of the cyber campus at Alleghany High School during the school day by Wilkes Community College. Before the vote, AHS Principal Jim Halsey put his stamp of approval on WCC's use of the cyber campus, but only after several concerns of his were met.

"My primary concern is for the security of the high school students," Halsey emphasized. "If we've got students from ages 19-70 coming in here during the day, I want to make sure our students are safe."

Halsey continued, "My other concerns are that no AHS student get displaced from a class by an adult, adults follow the school rules, parking and control over what's going on. I hope this works out, it can be a benefit to our community."

AHS teacher George Matuck started off the meeting by describing the programs which are currently in use at the cyber campus, including the day classes involving adults coming into the school during school hours. "At no time will any of these programs displace high school students," said Matuck. "We fit these programs in when we can, high school classes have priority."

AHS teachers Sid Miller and Lisa Shaw addressed the board, speaking in support of adult students sitting in classes with AHS students. "The four adults in my class haven't been a detriment but an asset," stated Miller. "I didn't know how it would work out, but from my point of view, it's been a positive experience."

Shaw said she has had better success with her high school students when the adults are in the classroom with them.

Several other speakers, including Dr. Suzanne Mellow, Town Manager Don Adams, Brian Edwards of NAPCO, Sally Chitwood, supervisor for Alleghany County schools, and Chris Robinson of WCC, addressed issues directly or indirectly affecting the use of the campus.

The last to speak before Halsey, Matuck addressed what he called the biggest concern; security.
 
 

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