Prime Time; National Activities Week

[Theme music] [Theme Music] [Theme Music Ends] [Ed Sardella] "Hello, I'm Ed Sardella, host for Prime Time. Each week KRMA-TV reports on the educational programs of the Denver public schools. Bringing you highlights of learning activities which involve the staff, students, and community. In this program, Prime Time describes some of the student activities that supplement the academic offerings. And we'll see how volunteers give children confidence and increase their

classroom achievements. These are some of the stories featured this week on Prime Time. Student activities are an essential part of a well-balanced educational system, built around student governments, sports, music, drama, and academic courses. The extracurricular activities build good citizenship, recreational interests, and enhance the social, mental, and moral development of the individual student. Last week was National High School Activities week. Prime Time talked with Robert Conklin, Director of Athletics and Student Activities." [Lin Mrachek] "What is the purpose of extracurricular activities? Why are they important?" [Robert Conklin] "Well, The National Federation of State High School Associations refers to extracurricular activities as the other half of education. It's a need that high school. youngsters have. And it's a program, by the way, it's the only program that they claim students put in the curriculum." [Mrachek] "What does it accomplish for the students?" [Conklin] "It develops them

physically and emotionally. It provides an opportunity to learn to get along with others in difficult situations. It provides them with an opportunity to use their skills and to develop skills." [Mrachek] "How does it benefit the school and also the community?" [Conklin] "In a large city like Denver, it's extremely important because it does develop the sense of community. In Denver we have 10 high schools so we have ten communities. It's an opportunity for everyone to share." [Mrachek] "Mr. Conklin, what is the scope of extracurricular activities at the high school level?" [Conklin] "The scope of the program involves interscholastic athletics, music, speech, drama, debate, clubs. A variety of club activities, and other special school programs." [South High School Choir singing] [Conklin] "The typical high school choir in Denver would have a glee club, they have acapella choirs,

they have jazz festival groups, and they have performing groups. Drama is an exciting program and an extension of the curriculum. The drama program provides all school shows and other programs for parents and students." [Thomsas Jefferson High School Student Actor 1] "Well, well, they're sending in the heavy artillery now. Dr. Emerson, I must insist that you not stick that needle in me." [Student Actor 2] "It's important that I do." [Actor 1] "Who for?" [Actor 2] "You." [Actor 1] "I'm the best judge of that." [Actor 2] "I think not. You don't even know what's in the syringe." [Actor 1] "I take it that what is in that syringe is one of a series of measures to keep me alive." [Actor 2] "You could say that." [Actor 1] "Then it is not important. I decided not to stay alive." [Actor 2] "But you can't decide that." [Actor 1] "Why not?" [Actor 2] "You're very depressed." [Actor 1] "Does that surprise you?" [Actor 2] "Of course not, it's perfectly natural. Your body received massive injuries. It takes time to come to any acceptance of a new situation.

Now I won't take a minute." [Actor 1] "Don't stick....." [Conklin] "In speech, we compete at the state level. Each of our high schools is allowed 14 speech meets. And then for the state meet we bring in nationally recognized speech adjudicators to judge the kids and Denver has won their fair share of those." [Thomas Jefferson HS Student Debater 1] "Thank you and and what was your second? I mean what was your second point again please?" [Student Debater 2] "Second point was that American children today are simply not physically fit." [Debater 1] "American children are not physically fit. Can you prove to me for, or can you explain to me why this is a result of inadequate physical education programs?" [Debater 2] "Because fitness comes from exercise as well as other factors, but in countries where they do have better physical education programs, where a more active life style is emphasized, they are not a sedentary as we are in the United States." [Debater 1] "Could you demonstrate a country that has a better physical education program than ours and then proceed to tell me why?"

[Debater 2] "Yes. Sweden has a much more developed physical education program. They stress the, that everyone should participate and they have less emphasis on competition, as we do in America, and thus people find..." [Debater 1] "That's sufficient, thank you." [Conklin] "We have to 18 varsity sports in the city of Denver. We have six sports in the fall, we have three in the winter, we have a variety in the spring. We have football, basketball, baseball, track, virtually every activity you can think of." [Mrachek] "What about for women?" [Conklin] "Women take part in basketball and volleyball and swimming, tennis, gymnastics." [Mrachek] "What percentage of the high school students actually participate in these extracurricular activities?" [Conklin] "I think if we look at the total spectrum, we're talking about 90%. There's an interesting statistic: 94% of all high school dropouts did not take part in extracurricular activities. I would say though between 80 and 90% of all of our students are involved one way or another. And the

involvement might be attending an activity. I think it's extremely important that the total community be aware of the activities our students take part in and support them." [Sardella] "Extracurricular activities are not the frills of education. They're essential in the development of students' special talents, interests, and abilities. One of these talents is playing a musical instrument. Next Prime Time traveled to Fort Collins for an annual band competition. The Denver Public Schools Citywide Marching Band checked in before dawn on a recent Saturday morning in preparation for their third exhibition performance. They were going to Fort Collins for the annual band day festival sponsored by Colorado State University. It's one of the oldest marching exhibitions in the state and the citywide band started practicing last summer to get ready for it." [Band Performance] [Sardella] "Soon everyone was on board. Once in Fort Collins they'd have only minutes to unload

and go through a short warm-up with band director Robert Vasques. These 198 dedicated musicians were handpicked following auditions last spring and they're the best from the Denver public schools. [Band Performance] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues]

[Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Band Performance continues] [Sardella] "Three judges rated each band in the field exhibition for choice of show design,

execution of show design, and music performance. The Citywide Band which has been in existence for only two years received a superior Rating. Competition such as this one benefit players by improving their music skills, power technique, and balance and intonation. Following the field maneuvers, the bands went quickly downtown to regroup for the parade. Thirty four bands participated in this event. Some came from as far away as western Nebraska and Rapid City, South Dakota." [Band Performance] [Sardella] "If you'd like an opportunity to see this group, the Citywide Marching Band will be performing on

Veterans Day at the Bronco game on December 13th, and in the Christmas lights parade." [Band Performance concludes] [Sardella] "Helping children to learn is the reason hundreds of Denver citizens give their time and talents to help Denver Public Schools achieve excellence in education. These volunteers represent all ages from high school students to senior citizens, from homemakers to professional people. They assist in the classroom, in the libraries, in career counseling, or on a one to one basis tutoring children who are having difficulty in school. Next, Prime Time features three volunteers at Holm School." [Darlene Foster, volunteer at Holm School] "Think about the school. And windows and the doors, make it look like your school. I see a flag out there sometimes too, that you might like to put on your school." [students talking in background]

[Foster] "Yes, that's a beautiful door. It does look like your doors. Is the roof pointed or is the roof flat?" [child] "It's a triangle." [Foster] "It's a triangle? On the roof of this school?" [child 2] "I think it's flat." [Foster] "I think it's flat too. You'll have to look the next time you're outside." [Students talking in background] [Foster] "I think anybody that is interested in children, could basically be a volunteer. I myself was a schoolteacher in the past, and so I kind of missed that once I retired to have my own children. So, I was anxious to get back into the classroom, almost. And I enjoy being with children. And I think that's the best, main quality if you enjoy working with children and aren't nervous around large groups of children, you could be a volunteer. The things are usually simple enough that, that any adult could do it easily. I think that the children enjoy having more than one teacher around. I think I would have, as a child.

You get a lot of different views and, and a lot of extra help that one teacher cannot provide for 30 children in a classroom. And when I was teaching there was no volunteer program, and I know it would have been very helpful to me as a teacher to have mothers there. Doing extra things for you things that take time and are important, but you may not get around to it because you're busy with more academic type things." [Hadisha Alighandhi, volunteer Holm School] "What is it that I like?. My family, where I live, my friends, and my school. Right. I ?got it? today. What makes it go a lot easier and make the class seem a little smaller, when they have four volunteers in there or three volunteers and teacher. Otherwise, I don't think they can make it. So I think the school and teachers are happy. When I talk to my friends about it they say, "Oh, I could never do that." You know, they don't think they have the patience to do it, to handle that many kids. But, I think the volunteers are

really needed and they probably could do with a few more because the classes are too big. If I could volunteer more time I would. And, I think everyone who has volunteered so far, and no one has dropped out, everyone seems to be pretty happy with us. It's not hard work. And it's something, you are doing something good. So I think everyone's pretty happy with it. We need more volunteers and the more the better. You get a good feeling, I think, you, you get to see exactly what the kids are doing and then, for one thing, you can help. And then later when they said, well, the school system's this and that, and everything's bad, but you didn't help it any by not volunteering. So, at least you have a good feeling about that. But I tried. I think that's about the best thing right there." [Peggy Schreiber, volunteer Holm School] "On a typical day, I'll check the books in and take them out of their bins, and check off the cards, and put them back in, the cards back into the books, and then

we shelve them. I will check out books as, as the kids come to the counters. If they have questions in how to find books or where to find books, we will try to help them in that. Basically, that's just about it. Time is the only thing you need to be a volunteer, I would say. Here, we, you can come in at the library. Some ladies give two hours, some ladies work three. It's just a matter, matters how much time you have and you want to give. My children think it's great that I am up here. I think. They like to see their mother in there. It lets them know that their mother does care. And, even the other neighborhood kids will walk by, and in that sense it makes me feel good because they'll go, you know, "Hi, Mrs. Schreiber." You know and half, some of the time I'm not sure who they are, but I wave and my kids really appreciate it, I think. And, the teachers,

I know appreciate it. I get a lot of personal satisfaction out of being a volunteer. I enjoy it. I know my kids appreciate it, which makes me feel good. I just think it's great. If you can only give an hour, a half hour, every little bit helps. It's a good feeling. It's a good feeling and not just sending your kids out the door and relying on the Denver Public Schools to educate your kids. This way you can say you had a little part in doing something maybe." [Sardella] "You too can be a volunteer and receive that rich, full, personal reward that comes from caring and sharing. For more information, call the principal of the nearest school or the Department of Information at a 837-1000 at extension 23 88." [Dr. Joseph E. Brzeinski] "Prime Time focuses the resources of the school, the home, and the

community on reading. It's my pleasure to introduce a Denver businessman who's become a Prime Time sponsor, Mr. Bill Neusteter of Neusteter stores, and incidentally, Bill's a Denver Public Schools graduate. Bill, you joined prime time because you have some definite feelings about the importance of reading. What are your feelings about Prime Time?" [Neusteter] "I believe that reading is the most important skill that our youth can be taught in schools. As a business leader, and as an adult in our society today, I think that reading is the most important activity in my life to keep me abreast of changes in my business and what is happening throughout the world. I believe in our children's lives they can be taught every major skill if they can read accurately and dependably." [Brzeinski] "As we were talking, I believe you said you have five children of your own?" [Neusteter] "Yes, five children." [Brzeinski] "What do you do as a parent to encourage your children with their reading?"

[Neusteter] "Well, we have recently, since I found out about the Prime Time program, we have struck a bargain. Television vs. Reading. Some of the kids enjoy reading and others don't enjoy reading and we have a ratio of, with all of the children, of two hours of television to one hour of reading." [Brzeinski] "What were you doing before you started with Prime Time? I know you've done some things with them to encourage reading and to make it enjoyable activity. It may be that this would be helpful to some of the other viewers." [Neusteter] "Reading became in my household, the best prime time with the children. Normally at bed time, alone in each child's bedroom, where they're looking for the parental support anyway, and the cuddles and love that is important to give a child at bed time, and that it was an opportunity to give them a pat

on the back for showing progress on a daily basis, and an area to communicate at bedtime, as you both learn something from their improving reading skills." [Brzeinski] "We had a similar experience with our own children and it set a pattern that now, with their children, that they are following, and I think you're setting that same kind of a pattern, because reading really is essential not only to schools but to life. As a businessman what are you doing with Prime Time as a sponsor of a prime time activity?" [Neusteter] "What we have determined in our business, that it is to our best interest to have the employees and their associates familiar with the public school system and Prime Time and we allow them to visit the DPS classrooms during the semester without losing, without losing pay for becoming involved and getting acquainted with the teachers." [Brzeinski] "Well that's tremendous, because we know that a good school system, that achievement

of children, is going to be dependent upon parents coming into the school, parents working with the teachers, and to have that kind of cooperation, that kind of commitment from you as a businessman, is, is very important. With your own children, I understand they all attend the Denver Public Schools, what are the kinds of things that have been most helpful to them?" [Neusteter] "Well the older children, who are able to read on their own, we have encouraged to use the Denver Public Library quite a bit, and the library of the schools, and it's even an outing for the little ones. They think getting to go to the library with the big kids and pick out their own books is a special treat to them." [Brzeinski] "Do they have some favorites that they especially enjoy reading or having read to them?" [Nuesteter] "I would say over the course of the last few years, Babar series, the Babar series seems to be the favorite with all the kids." [Brzeinski] "Are there any of the fables that they enjoy?"

[Neusteter] "They, I think kids like learning a lesson with anything they read. None of them are really into comic books, but they do like fables. And the fable that we've been talking about, as they knew that I was going to appear with you, is a fable about the Grasshopper and the Ant, as it relates to reading. And I have tried to encourage them to study now and learn now and prepare themselves to be able to read whatever they may need to absorb in, in an adult environment in the business world, and not put it off because eventually they're, they're going to have to be proficient readers in order to get by in this world." [Brzeinski] "Are there any last words of advice to other parents that you care to offer?" [Neusteter] "I'd like to hear some advice from parents." [Brzeinski] "Thank you very much. We certainly appreciate your taking time and we appreciate your commitment." [Neusteter] "Thank you." [Nat Ostrom] "This is our Prime Time activity card. It's a game this time. It's called

classification game. And the directions are, on a large sheet of paper, or a grocery sack, glue five envelopes or draw five squares, and label them comedy, sports, drama, music, and news. And then we're to put the names of TV programs on some cards. And then the players, to do this game, draw cards from the stack and then try and match the TV name with what kind of TV program it is, if it's on the paper here." [Cherre Ostrom] "This classification game teaches the children to try to put things in an order. And, in their school activities, they're learning the different types of stories such as folk tales, nonfiction stories, science stories, and this is a, in a way, a little more relevant for them since they watch so much TV. And

it helps them really narrow in on what, what categories the TV shows are." [Danny Olstron] "Drama and comedy are hard..." [C. Ostrom] "Yeah, yeah they are." [N. Olstron] "They can crossover, see that's the thing. What is it?" [D. Olstron] "Sesame Street." [N. Olstron] "Sesame Street." [D. Olstron] "That would be comedy or drama? Comedy." [N. Olstrom] "Most of the time, probably comedy." [C. Olstrom] "It has maybe some little stories. It also has music in it too. I think it's mainly comedy." [N. Olstrom] "Okay, your sister. Monday Night Football. That's an easy one. It surprised me that both kids really were, as we got into it, starting to see some similarities in some of the different areas, like the drama and comedy and maybe the comedy and the music, and some shows like Sesame Street or something where you could really put it into any one of the five categories that we had at any one time. Wild Kingdom." [C. Olstron] "It's not sports, and it's not comedy, and it's not..." [D. Olstron] "I know! I know.!"

[C. Olstron] "No, it's not a story. It's news, I think. Because it's, if you...." [D. Olstron] It's news, it's telling about wild animals." [C. Olstron] "Right, I think it goes under news." [D. Olstron] "Bugs Bunny." [N. Olstron] "Bugs Bunny, I know that one." [D. Olstron] "Comedy." [N. Olstron] "That's right, that's a comedy. [N. Olstron] 60 Minutes.Whats that ..... One of the main things that I get is a chance to sit down with the kids and do something that's, you know, kind of quiet and so on. Danny likes to, you know, do different sports and stuff, go out and throw the football with him or kick the soccer ball or something, and this is something we can sit down and do quietly together, type of thing." know one..... [Sardella] playing games with your child makes learning to read more interesting. Be sure and do this week's activity card. On our next program, Prime Time goes on a field trip to the Denver Zoo with children from Rosedale Elementary, and a reading specialist give suggestions about how parents can improve the learning skills of their children.

Join us again as we give you a close up look at other exciting events taking place in the Denver public schools. I'm Ed Sardella for Prime Time."