A number of Halifax County parents are upset because their children failed to pass one or more of the SOL tests this spring.
True enough, failing an SOL test certainly is not good news.
But, it's not the end of the world, either.
Contrary to what some parents believe, the child will not automatically fail his or her grade and be retained for another year on the basis of failing an SOL test.
And, failing an SOL test doesn't mean that Summer School is mandatory - that is - unless a child fails two or more SOL tests.
"One test does not fail a child," said Ann Conner, the Director of Instruction for the Halifax County Public Schools.
"A child is not retained solely on the basis of the SOL score. The student's grades will be looked at, the student's attendance will be looked at, and the SOL test will be looked at.
"We won't retain a child just because of the SOL test," she emphasized.
"The SOL test is just one piece. But, the child may be recommended for Summer School because of the SOL."
However, if a child fails two or more of the SOL tests, attendance in Summer School is mandatory under a policy the Halifax County School Board adopted last year.
"Our policy says that for students in grades three, five and eight, if a student fails two or more SOL tests, remediation is required," Conner pointed out.
"It does not say a student will automatically be retained if he doesn't come to Summer School."
In instances where a student fails two or more of the SOL tests, the parents, teacher and school principal are required to meet, review the child's situation, and devise an acceptable plan of remediation.
"If you fail one SOL test, Summer School is recommended," Conner noted.
"If you fail more than one, our policy says it (Summer School and or remediation) is required."
Conner says she realizes that some parents regard the Summer School as being punitive in nature.
But, it is not that at all.
"I'm sure some parents look at it as punitive," Conner stated.
"I'm sure it's disappointing for some families to find their children have not passed the test and that for some it (Summer School) messes up vacation plans.
"We're urging parents to help us provide the best opportunities we can to get the students ready for the next level," she added.

Pressure Is Up At HCHS
The pressure of SOL tests on Halifax County High School students will be turned up another notch starting this fall.
Students entering the ninth grade this fall will be the first students required to verify credits for high school graduation by passing SOL end-of-course tests in specified subjects.
As a result, the consequences for not passing the SOL end-of-course tests will have a significant impact.
And, because school system officials want those students to be as prepared and as ready to tackle the next level as possible, Summer School is being strongly emphasized for eighth grade students who failed one or more of the SOL tests.
"They take five tests," Conner pointed out.
"Obviously, children have different strengths and weaknesses. If you fail two or more of the tests, the question is, are you really ready to go to the next level."
Students in the lower grades will also face that situation when they reach the high school level.
But, for now, failing SOL tests are more or less red flags to teachers, parents and school principals that the child needs additional help and remediation.
Conner says assistance and remediation for the child are what the child needs in order to become better prepared to tackle the next grade level.
Every school in Halifax County has a remediation plan in place.
"When the SOL tests indicate children are having a problem we're required (by the state) to provide remediation," Conner said.
"At this point, our remediation is our Summer School program. Also, once the children are back in school there are some opportunities during the school year.
"Summer School is an opportunity to give them a shot to make up their deficiencies before school starts," she added.
Conner emphasized that the state has not made the SOL tests barrier tests for promotion from one grade to the other.
"There is nothing from the state that says students must pass a certain number (of SOL tests) before promotion," she stated.
"There is no state-mandated barrier below the end-of-course tests in high school. But, the end-of-course tests are barrier tests."
Currently, the state has made no provision to provide students who fail an SOL test an opportunity to take a re-test.
Conner pointed out, however, that the state is providing an opportunity later this summer for students who failed the Algebra I SOL test to take a re-test.
However, there won't be any takers.
All of Halifax County's students who took the Algebra I SOL test (all of whom were students at Halifax County Middle School) passed it.
Halifax County Middle School Principal Bristol Martin Jr. said yesterday that according to the preliminary report the school received on its test scores, all 48 students who took the Algebra I SOL test passed.
Thirty-two of them achieved advanced status and 16 of them achieved proficient status, Martin said.
Conner noted that a child's SOL test results, from the elementary grades on up, are made a part of the child's permanent school record.
"The scores follow the child," Conner said.
"But, they don't hook to consequences for graduation."

By Doug Loftis
Yesterday's auction sale at Tultex "went very well."
But it was a bittersweet climax for the former brick tobacco factory on Mineral Street where, for the past three decades, upwards to 1,200 workers produced millions of pieces of fleecewear until its economic collapse last fall.
The sale in South Boston was the final of three days of auctions ordered and sanctioned by the federal bankruptcy court and conducted by the Baltimore, Md.-based auction firm, Michael Fox International. On Wednesday, everything in Tultex's Martinsville and Henry County locations, including the firm's corporate offices, was sold at auction.
Dozens of buyers, including J.E. Cline of Concord, N.C., were in South Boston early yesterday morning to follow the auctioneer and, hopefully, pick up a few bargains. Cline is a corporate official with Fun-Tees, Inc., which produces and markets mostly T-shirts.
"It breaks my heart knowing that peoples' lives have been torn apart here," said Cline as he wiped the sweat from his brow and stared at the hundreds of sewing and binding machines. Even though the 88,000 square-foot brick building is completely air-conditioned, only lighting was being used for the sale and a sign at the front door reminded visitors to use portable toilets outside the factory since water and sewer were not functioning.
Even the machines Cline was purchasing will be used "off shore" for Fun-Tees" sewing operations in Mexico.
Other buyers from Peru and India were bidding against mostly equipment brokers and dealers who hoped to purchase the machinery, then clean, recondition and resell it to sewing operations around the globe.
Cline purchased a dozen or more of one type of sewing machine which brought $1,250. The machine, if purchased new, would sell for almost twice that amount.
In addition to machinery and tools, a 196-page auction catalog provided a description of thousands of items including clocks, filing cabinets, desks, several refrigerators, tables, storage bins and chairs.
Johnnie Peters-Fuller bid $30 and got a lot of chairs. A lot of chairs!
The New York Whoppie Goldberg look-alike, was here with her grandson and looking "to buy anything" which she might use in her home improvement business. The $30 actually bought an estimated 175 ladderback chairs which figures to be about 17 cents each!
She was pleased.
Buyers have until next Friday to remove all items from the building, which was purchased by Roanoke businessman and property investment broker Calvin Powers. Powers also purchased a former Tultex plant in the Roanoke area.
Bill Walker with Walker Commercial Services, Inc., of Roanoke, will be responsible for securing new lease tenants in the former Tultex factory. Walker said yesterday that three tenants, including a Research Triangle (N.C.) technology firm, a trucking company and a storage firm, had expressed interest in space.
Walker hopes that, by offering affordable rent, the former Tultex building will be quickly occupied. How cheap?
As little as $1 to $2 per square foot will be the initial offer for some of the space, according to Walker.
Johnny Dease, who was maintenance supervisor with Tultex for over 20 years and will now perform a similar role with Powers, describes the facility as "good to excellent."
The building is completely heated and cooled, has compressed air, three-phase electrical supply throughout, freight elevators, receiving and shipping docks and a rail siding.
For additional information, persons may contact Bill Walker at (540)344-6160 or E-mail: wjwauction@aol.com.

Halifax Town Council swiftly approved its no tax/no fee increase FY 2000 budget of $1,075,081 during its Tuesday night session.
Council set the real estate tax rate at 22 cents per $100 valuation and the personal property tax rate at 80 cents.
The budget also reflects a cut in the machinery and tool tax rate from 20 cents per $100 assessed value to one-cent.
Instead of the budget, it was drivers' problems accessing Main Street from Cemetery and Houston streets that dominated the session.
Halifax businessmen asked councilmen for help.
"About 80 percent of parking" for businesses and employees exists behind the Main Street stores, explained drug store owner and pharmacist Johnny Bass.
With a 4,000-daily traffic count along Main Street, people cannot exit Houston or Cemetery streets, the merchants to council.
"There have been several close calls," added businessman Willie Lacks.
Councilman Buddy Guthrie told fellow councilmen that town businessman Garland Childrey had called him about the problem during the day.
"He could not be here tonight," explained Guthrie.
Don Marston, who has an office in the Farm Center, had also expressed concern abut the problem earlier in the day.
"Crossing the (Main) street walking is difficult," added Peggy Bane. "I can see a serious accident happening. We've been lucky."
Clyde Lloyd, whose business is located on Houston Street, also sought council's help.
The businessmen also noted the problems encountered by anyone trying to turn left onto Hwy. 501 from Houston Street.
Bass called for a stoplight at Cemetery and Main streets.
"We have to have some kind of relief here. It is serious. It is a real safety problem," Bass said.
Council asked Town Manager Bob Greene to meet with VDOT Resident Engineer Joe Barkley as quickly as possible to seek recommendations for a solution to the problem. It was suggested the pubic and merchants have input once recommendations are made.
Several speakers called for additional pedestrian crosswalks across Main Street, citing the difficulty crossing the busy street.
Public Hearing
Council set a public hearing for its July session to amend the town's code to reflect the Boca National Property Maintenance Code.
Currently, the town's code does not carry a fine for violations.
The town manager and councilman and attorney Buddy Guthrie are to prepare the amendment for advertisement.
"It (the code) has a lot of muscle but no bite," explained Greene.
Unsafe or unsanitary conditions at a property site are examples of code violations that could result in a fine.
Tuesday night, councilmen discussed a $100 fine for the first violation with subsequent violations set at $150 if owners failed to take action. A cap of $3,000 for a solitary violation was suggested.
Liquor-by-the-drink was also the subject of discussion.
Town businesses currently may serve wine or beer but not liquor. "I think the Town of Halifax should have that (liquor-by-the-drink) to be competitive," said Councilman Jack Dunavant.
Green and Guthrie are to investigate whether or not the town could call for a referendum on the November ballot.
Council members also recognized retiring councilman John Murphy with a resolution and gift. The veteran councilman did not seek re-election this term.

NASCAR driver and South Boston resident Ward Burton blended humor with a call to volunteerism during the annual Tri-River Habitat for Humanity dinner Tuesday night.
Approximately 300 people attended the function at the World of Sports Complex.
The Rev. Russell Lee, president of the local Habitat chapter, summarized the past year's activities, and presided over election of the Habitat's four new board members: Wanda Jeffress, Brad Ballou, Amy Lammerts and Dennis Osborne.
Brian Burton, chairman of the recently held Jeff Nelson Memorial Golf Tournament, presented Lee a check for $5,000, representing the proceeds from the tournament, to aid in the Habitat's efforts. The local Jaycees sponsored the tournament.
Burton gave brief remarks about his Winston Cup season thus far and his conservation work with the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.
Burton acknowledged the Habitat's efforts in his remarks.
"Every family needs to have a proper environment in which to grow up," Burton said.
"That gives them a foundation, because they're our leaders for the next generation."
In an impromptu question-and- answer session with the audience, Burton made frequent references to his own family environment while growing up, and its influence on him.
Burton also spoke to the group about his conservation efforts through the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.
The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation was started to "manage, preserve and protect our natural habitat."
According to Burton, the foundation has already set aside about 2,000 acres in Halifax County. The foundation has also been searching for other suitable areas, including land in Montana.
In Virginia, the foundation is working with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
The ongoing efforts of the Habitat were mentioned by Rev. Lee in his opening remarks.
The Habitat has plans to build two homes this year; one is now under construction at Sinai Road and Mallard Lane.
Construction of a second house is slated to begin in July or August.
According to Lee, there are three qualifications for a house to be built.
The family involved must have an annual income of between $13,000 and $17,000, must already reside in substandard housing, and must be willing to partner with the Habitat in "sweat equity," equaling 500 hours.
At present, the Habitat is building a home for Martha Hubbard,near Sinai Elementary School.
Volunteers are always welcome at the construction site. Building will continue from now until the end of August.
Volunteerism was a constant theme throughout the evening.
"Habitat for Humanity is a cause which is not only great, but it shows what we can do as a community and as individuals to make a difference," Burton said.
Lee recalled that former President Jimmy Carter gave one week of his time each year to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
" President Carter says that he is better known for his efforts with Habitat for Humanity than for anything else he's ever done," remarked Lee.
Lee told the gathering that the local Habitat has adopted a slogan - "Building a community day-by-day, building a house or two along the way."
Donations for Habitat for Humanity can be sent to P.O. Box 824, Halifax, Va.

A 45-year old Chase City man, Dennis Blaine Duffer, died yesterday from injuries suffered when a tree fell on him at a logging operation off Route 344 near Dryburg.
The victim, according to a family spokesperson, was visiting the site and not employed with the logging operation when the accident occurred.
The accident occurred some distance from the highway and the victim arrived at Halifax Regional Hospital by rescue squad around noon.
A hospital spokesperson said that Duffer suffered massive trauma.
Duffer's survivors include his 29-year-old son, a brother, Danny Duffer of Chase City who was working at the accident site, and two sisters, Brenda Lawson of Chase City and Shelia Pulley of LaCrosse.
No funeral arrangements were available at press time and services will be conducted by Woods Funeral Service in Chase City.

A 14-year-old Halifax youth was charged with reckless driving after a two-car crash Wednesday afternoon.
Trooper S.L. Noblin said the youth was behind the wheel of a 1978 Ford pickup, traveling eastbound on Leighwood Trail (Route 791), and rounded a curve too fast.
The youth drove the vehicle off of the right side of the road, came back across the road and struck the side of a 1995 Chevrolet Blazer, driven by Alesia Sutphin, 30, of Halifax.
The 1 p.m. crash occurred one-half of a mile east of Chatham Road (Route 832) and caused an estimated $6,000 in damages to Sutphin's vehicle and $500 to the vehicle driven by the youth.
Along with being charged with reckless driving, the youth was charged with driving without a valid license.
· A two-car crash involved two Sutherlin residents Monday afternoon at the intersection of Hackberry Road (Route 656) and Rocksprings Road (Route 713).
Trooper D.T. Conner said a 1989 Ford, driven by Rosa Marie Richardson, 51, pulled into the path of a 1991 Chevrolet, driven by Buddy Wade Irby, 30.
The Richardson vehicle then struck the Irby vehicle, according to Conner.
The trooper estimated $1,200 in damages to the Irby vehicle and $1,500 to the Richardson vehicle.
Richardson was charged with failing to yield the right of way.

In other police reports:

Henry Louis Davis Jr., 28, of Ball Park Loop in Halifax, was arrested Wednesday by sheriff's deputies on an assault-and-battery charge.
Davis allegedly committed the assault and battery of Tia L. Mitchell on the day of the arrest.
A hearing for Davis is scheduled for June 21 in Halifax County General District Court.
· A South Boston man was arrested Thursday by sheriff's deputies on a charge of appearing in public in an intoxicated manner.
Jason Thomas Sizemore, 22, of Flint Rock Road, was charged with allegedly being in an intoxicated condition in public.
Sizemore is scheduled to appear in Halifax County General District Court on July 21.

The hail that pelted the South Boston area caused a catastrophe, according to Sharon Blosser of State Farm Insurance Company.
Hundreds of homeowners claims and over a thousand automobile claims resulted from the June 3 hail storm that hit portions of Halifax County.
"We had a client who had just bought a brand new Ford Explorer when the storm hit. The owner was in tears when she called and I wanted to cry along with her," said Ann Saunders, office manager of State Farm Insurance Company on East Halifax Road.
Saunders said the hail storm had caused an estimated $5,000 in damages to the 2000 model vehicle.
"People don't realize how much damage was done by the storm," said Carrie Hogan Aycock of Bermann Street in South Boston.
Aycock's house sustained broken windows and roof damage from the storm.
"It was frightening because nobody was around and when I heard glass breaking, I got underneath the bed," Aycock said.
"I've never seen anything like it and I'm a senior citizen.
"It was like hell on earth," Aycock said while workers of Danny Brizendine Construction scraped and patched the tin roof of her house in preparation for a new coat of paint.
"There's damage all around this area," said Danny Brizendine who has his own construction company.
Brizendine pointed out damage to another house down the road from Aycock's, where there were holes in the vinyl siding, broken windows and dented vinyl trim around the windows.
The house is among others that Brizendine has been contracted to repair in the Berry Hill Road area.
James Comer, a roofing contractor, said he did over 100 estimates of houses in South Boston and along Hyco Road.
Comer said it would take until the end of summer before he finished up the repairs.
Automobiles with dents and dings have required a special vehicle repair service to arrive in town. Estimates of damage range from a few hundred dollars to $10,000 per automobile.

Dorothy Faulkner Jennings, age 75, of Edmondson Avenue, South Boston died at her home.
Mrs. Jennings was born in Halifax County on October 6, 1924, the daughter of Rosa Faulkner and was married to David Jennings. She was a member of First Baptist Church.
Survivors include two sons, Willie "Bill" Boulden and James Boulden, both of South Boston; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Deloris Watts of Hampton.

Funeral services will be held June 17 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Allan Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Robert L. Harris Jr., age 57, of Vernon Hill died June 8, 2000, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Harris was born November 23, 1943.
Survivors include his father, Ralph Harris Sr. of Vernon Hill; one sister, Mary Harris of Vernon Hill; three brothers, Ras and Leroy Harris of Vernon Hill and Charlie Harris of Albany, N.Y.

Funeral services for Mr. Harris will be held today, June 16 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant CME Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. William Howerton will officiate.

Janet Bowen, age 77, of Enumclaw, Wash., died Tuesday, May 16, 2000.
Mrs. Bowen was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Belmar, N.J., where she was born and raised. She graduated with honors from Asbury Park High School in 1942, and was married to James Harold Bowen.
She was active in her home church, was a past Worthy Grand Matron in the Order of the Eastern Star, a Cub Scout pack leader, insurance secretary, hospital volunteer and homemaker, initially in Belmar and Wanamassa, N.J. and then in Buffalo Junction, State College, Penn. and finally Enumclaw in her retirement years.
Surviving Mrs. Bowen is her daughter, Janet Nan Bowen Devlin and her husband, Dr. Dennis Devlin and their two daughters, Sarah and Lauren, all of Enumclaw; one son, Dr. James Harold "Hal" Bowen Jr., his wife, Elaine and daughters, Rebecca and Shannon of Long Neck, Del. and their son, Adam of Phoenix, Ariz.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m on Sunday, June 18 at North Fork Baptist Church in Virgilina, where her husband is buried.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider a local Christian charity in her name.

Charity Lancaster Perry, age 23, of 1335 Washington Avenue, South Boston, died June 13, 2000, at Keysville.
Mrs. Perry was born in South Boston on January 30, 1977, the daughter of Wayne Lancaster and Phyllis Davis Lancaster and was married to Timothy Dwight Perry Jr. She was a member of the South Boston Church of God.
Survivors include her husband of South Boston; one brother, Sam Lancaster of Halifax; one sister, Tabitha Lancaster of Halifax; her parents; her parents-in-law, Greg and Connie Miller of South Boston; her grandparents, Rev. Harper and Betty Davis of Halifax.
Funeral services for Mrs. Perry will be held today, June 16 at 2 p.m. at South Boston Church of God with the Rev. Bill Leonard conducting the service. Burial will take place in Halifax Memorial Gardens.