Teacher Kaye Bakatsas (right) coaches board member Sonia Joines in the handling of a battery-operated baby doll used in parenting classes. Bakatsas also teaches teen living and nutrition.

School board tours AHS vocational facilities

Teachers, administrators and students hosted the Alleghany County Board of Education last week for a tour of Alleghany High School's vocational classes and facilities.

Board members had previously commented that more recognition should be given to achievements by vocational students. The board held its Oct. 2 meeting in AHS' vocational building, and most of the meeting consisted of the tour and presentations from various vocational classes.

Superintendent Duane Davis said Alleghany had the second-highest vocational test scores of any school system in the state, with a 73.3 percent passing rate. Davis added that the AHS vocational program has the state's highest participation rate.

Teacher Anabel Gonzalez said her students are using technology in the classroom. They design their own individual Internet web pages, and the class made a website for New River Golf Course. She said they hope to do more such projects for businesses.

Teacher Cathy Edwards said her keyboarding students, in conjunction with English classes, have posted instructions for senior projects on the school website.

Other highlights of the tour/presentations included: