C.H. Friend Elementary School Principal Linda Owen is expected to pitch a proposal to the Halifax County School Board Monday night to implement a pilot year-round school program at the school.
Halifax County School Superintendent Dennis Witt declined yesterday to call the proposal a year-round school program, calling it instead "an alternative school calendar."
However, he did say the proposal calls for "essentially, what is known as year-round school."
The proposal, Witt said, is to implement it with the start of the 2001-2002 school year.
Witt strongly emphasized that no decisions regarding the program have been made.
"We're just going to explore it," the school superintendent stated.
"We've done some preliminary work and want to share it with the School Board and see where it goes."
Witt also stressed yesterday that the proposal for the year-round, or "alternative schedule" program, did not result from his directive or a directive from school system administrators.
"The initiative is coming from the school level as an attempt to improve student performance and student achievement," Witt said.
Witt did not reveal details of the proposed alternative calendar program yesterday, saying that details will be unveiled to the Halifax County School Board on Monday night.
The school superintendent did explain, though, that "kids would go to school on a different schedule than the traditional 180-day schedule."
Witt called the proposal "a very interesting concept and a very powerful instructional concept."
The proposed calendar for alternative teaching is expected to be the headline topic at Monday night's Halifax County School Board meeting.
The meeting, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the school administration conference room on the first floor of the Mary M. Bethune Office Complex, is open to the public.
There are only two items under the heading of new business on Monday night's agenda, those being a request for the placement of refuse containers on the Project HOPE property on Mountain Road and a report on the Special Education annual plan.
The School Board will go into a closed executive session to discuss discipline cases after the regular business items are concluded.

"It was about as perfect as you could get."
Those words from Johnny Francis, Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department president, amply described Tuesday's 19th annual Scottsburg Fourth of July Parade and Celebration.
The event attracted a record crowd estimated by Francis at between 10,000 and 12,000 people and netted a record profit for the Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department, which stages the annual Independence Day celebration as its primary fund-raising event of the year.
"Everybody around here said that this was the biggest crowd they had ever seen," the fire department president noted.
Francis said the fire department grossed over $17,000 from the event that started with a gala parade at 10 a.m. and concluded at 10 p.m. following a dazzling fireworks display.
"That's the best we've ever done," Francis pointed out.
"We expect to clear over $10,000."
Proceeds from the event were tagged to be put toward the purchase of a new emergency medical services van for the fire department.
Francis said the weather, which yielded partially overcast skies and temperatures in the mid to upper 80's, was responsible for bringing out visitors in droves to the small Halifax County town.
"The overcast skies kept the temperatures cool," Francis said, "and a lot of people stayed on for much of the day.
"Last year it was so hot and humid that it was unbearable. People left right after lunch and didn't come back until around supper time. This year, everybody hung around pretty much all day."
The gala parade featured a wide variety of units, including "Elvis" who arrived in a pink 1968 Cadillac, a couple of floats, a large number of fire fighting units from area fire departments, antique and custom cars, a number of youth and teenage beauty queens, and clowns.
"It was a very good parade," Francis said.
"We had a lot more nice antique cars and trucks this year."
The Reese Farms float received top accolades in being judged as the best float in the parade.
Plenty of live music graced the Scottsburg Fire Department stage throughout the afternoon and evening hours with the Scottsburg-based "New Country" band being the day's featured entertainment.
Youngsters flocked to the variety of kiddie rides, inflatables, slides and games that were set up on the grounds.
The adult visitors spent a good amount of time visiting the various arts and crafts booths that were set up on the grounds.
And, the young and old alike had fun taking their shots at attempting to dunk the personalities in the dunking booth.
As far as the prize winners went, Connie Murray of Virgilina won the table and chairs from Daystrom Furniture that was given away in a drawing.
Linda Holcomb of Virgilina won the $200 prize that was the first prize in the fire department's cash jackpot drawing.
Shirley Harris of South Boston won the second prize of $100, and Dennis Seamster of Clover won the third prize of $50.
Nobody was successful in climbing the greasy pole and taking the $100 bill perched at the top.
The Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department had plenty of delicious food and soft drinks available throughout the day and evening.
The thousands of visitors gobbled it up almost as fast as it could be prepared.
"We sold out of everything we had," Francis pointed out.
"And, people were still coming up at 9:45 p.m. looking for food. We might have had a dozen soft drinks left. That was it."
Francis said approximately 75 persons were involved in helping stage the event, many of them community volunteers.
The fire department, he said, greatly appreciates the support.
"If it wasn't for the people in the community volunteering to help us, we couldn't put this thing on," Francis stated.
"We just have enough people to do it and we very much appreciate what all of these people do to help and we appreciate the support of everyone who came out and supported the event."

While the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina is considering Kerr Lake as a potential long-range water source, prior pipeline recipients in Virginia are apparently swimming in a surplus of water from that same system.
According to an article published in The Virginian-Pilot on June 17, the City Council of Norfolk is considering selling Stumpy Lake, currently a reservoir in Norfolk's water system.
The article further states that in negotiating to sell Stumpy Lake, Norfolk council members said Norfolk "no longer needs the lake."
The article states that for more than a year, the city had been trying to market a water surplus estimated at 40 million gallons per day.
That surplus was created when Virginia Beach began acquiring use of water from Lake Gaston (which in turn takes water from Kerr Lake) two years ago.
The Lake Gaston-Virginia Beach pipeline is capable of pumping up to 60 million gallons of water per day from the Roanoke River at Lake Gaston.
R. Pearson DeJarnette Jr., a lifelong lake country resident provided The Gazette-Virginian with the June 17 article, along with a letter to the Editor.
"Where's the demand?" asked DeJarnette.
According to the letter, "the water line to the Eastern Shore draws water from Lake Gaston, which in turn Buggs Island has to replenish.
"To add insult to injury, the Eastern Shore is currently in negotiations to destroy a fresh water supply that they claim they no longer need.
"Also, they are discussing how to sell a 40-million-gallon-a-day surplus from Lake Gaston.
"They never needed the water to start with," added DeJarnette.
Norfolk City Council held a public hearing on June 27 to receive public comments on the proposed sale of Stumpy Lake to Transamerica, Inc., a Virginia Beach developer.
According to Virginian-Pilot staff reporter Jon Glass, writer of the June 17 article, Norfolk City Council will meet again on July 11 to consider an amendment to the original sales contract with Transamerica to include Stumpy Lake along with the golf course and the 1,400 acres of undeveloped woodland and marsh.
A contract that included only the sale of the land and golf course was signed in March 1999.
Glass indicated that any water surplus in the Norfolk system was created when Virginia Beach began to draw water from Lake Gaston and discontinued use of Norfolk's water.
Virginia Beach has also recently expressed an interest in buying Stumpy Lake since learning of its possible sale, according to Glass's article.

Road issues, approval of SBA's request for a conditional use permit to construct a communications tower off of U.S. Route 360, and a request from the rescue squad concerning its transportation-to-hospital policy dominated the Board of Supervisors' meeting Wednesday night.
Supervisors also set a public hearing for their August session to consider through truck restrictions for Route 672 (Plato Road).
An ongoing problem regarding transportation of patients to hospitals outside of Halifax County, specifically a rescue squad manpower problem, was brought before supervisors Wednesday evening.
However, supervisors deferred action, referring the matter to the Fire Commission and to Julia Moss, assistant County Administrator.
In a letter from HCRS officials, supervisors were advised that Turbeville Fire and Rescue had for many years transported patients to both Danville and Halifax hospitals.
However, Turbeville is experiencing manpower shortages during the day and the Halifax County Rescue Squad has had to answer calls in Turbeville's territory, according to the HCRS spokesman.
Adding to the dual problem, supervisors were told that some patients in the western part of the county want to be transported to Danville Hospital, while some patients from the northern end of the county want to go to the Lynchburg Hospital.
Halifax Regional Hospital is the nearest hospital for county residents, supervisors were told.
The problem is that with only two medics to cover HCRS calls in the day, if they transport someone to Danville or Lynchburg, all Halifax County would be left uncovered for emergency calls.
The letter to supervisors sought a resolution by the board that said the HCRS would respond to any county resident's emergency call and that the patient would be transported to Halifax Regional Hospital for medical care.
The resolution also said that if a the Brookneal Rescue Squad or Turbeville Fire Department could not answer their emergency call, the Halifax County Dispatch would call the residence back and advise that the Halifax County Rescue Squad would respond.
"Shouldn't this be the Rescue Squad's policy-making?" Joe Satterfield, chairman of the Board of Supervisors asked.
Legality issues were also raised, with Moss asked to investigate and report back to supervisors.
Building and Grounds
Supervisors approved a change order for a metal roofing project for the courthouse.
During a heavy rain several weeks ago, Jerry Lovelace, assistant County Administrator, told supervisors that the roof leaked.
Since the county is spending "close to $700,000 on General District Court renovations," Lovelace said the oft-patched roof needed to be secure.
Since seeking an estimate for the work in February, Lovelace said the estimated cost had increased 15 percent.
Supervisors authorized the change order for the "A" roof.
The estimated cost of the new roof is $212,000, about $38,000 more than current budget estimate. Lovelace said it is hoped the $212,000 figure may be lowered by having county employees do some of the labor.
Lovelace said that it is hoped General District Court will be in its new courthouse quarters by July 17.
A proposal to sell the Court Services Building on Mountain Road to the county will be studied and a recommendation made to the Board at a later meeting.
Road Hearings
The hearing for the Six-Year Improvement Program for the Virginia Department of Transportation will be held July 26 in Lynchburg.
Halifax and South Boston speakers are scheduled at 10:30 a.m.
The meeting is to update the $10 billion Six-Year Improvement Program.
The meeting will be held at Comfort Inn on U.S. 29 and Odd Fellows Road in Lynchburg.
Information will be received about the needs for improving primary or urban roads, public transportation and ride-sharing.
The board will not be taking comments on Transportation Enhancement grants.
Local Roads
Following a VDOT study, supervisors approved a request for "Watch for Children" signs in Clover, provided that those requesting the signs pay for them.
Supervisors also asked VDOT to conduct a speed limit study on Grubby Road, and to conduct a speed limit study on Rodgers Chapel Road off of Route 360.
Joe Barkley, VDOT resident engineer, advised supervisors by letter that following a traffic signal study at the intersection of Route 58 and Route 931, the evaluation indicated that a traffic signal is not warranted at the time.
In other business, regarding the Local Workforce Investment Act, supervisors were told that the Virginia Workforce Center began operations here this week. The Center is located at Virginia Employment Commission on Seymour Drive in South Boston. The Center offers a combination employment and education program. For addition information, contact Peggy King at 572-8993.

By Michael Paige
They traveled in a two-and-one-half ton truck to Daytona to watch the motorcycles races on the beach in February of 1953. Thirteen members of the Gumstump Motorcycle Club in Clover had gathered for the trip.
The truck, provided by club member Richard "Dick" Cabiness, had been outfitted with a canvas top, sleeping cots and two double beds, as well as a tub full of ice and beer.
"A country ham had been cooked for L.R. Lacks Jr., another member, to have on the way down to Florida and it was shared among the members. By the time we got to Clarksville, we had thrown out the bone," said Bill "Cookey" Talley Jr., a member of the club.
The group had been riding together on Sundays for several years with their Harley-Davidsons thundering to Richmond or in the mountains of Virginia.
At the time, they were considered the only motorcycle group in the county, according to Johnny Turner, a son of the club's organizer, Abram "A.C." Turner.
Turner, the postmaster of Clover, had started the motorcycle club and his home was the gathering place for the riders.
Shortly after the trip to Daytona, however, Turner was killed in an accident in front of Clover's Little Retreat Hospital.
After Turner's death, the group disbanded, ending the days of the Gumstump Motorcycle Club, a name derived from their gathering at the stump of a sweetgum tree.
Yet the memories of those thirteen men survive and can be seen among other memorabilia exhibited at the Halifax County/South Boston Historical Museum.
A variety of unique motorcycles and rare publications are on display that tell of the days when over 280 different American companies produced motorcycles.
Organized by David Hunt, a collector of motorbikes, the exhibition offers a look at various styles of motorbikes, such as the Indian, the BMW and the Cushman scooter.
"This exhibition graciously provides the memories of unique motorcycles and brings people together who share an interest in these old bikes," said Hunt.
On display through August 25, the exhibition of antique motorcycles includes such models as the 1953 Indian Chief Roadmaster, owned by Jack Lewis of Danville; a 1937 Indian Pony Scout, owned by George Bagwell of South Boston; and a 1968 BMW, owned by Garland Epperly of Danville.
Hunt brought his own 1966 Harley-Davidson Sportster and a 1971 BSA that is owned by his brother Rick, and nephew Bryon Hunt.
Also on display are a 1944 Cushman Airbourne, used in WWII on the front lines in Europe, and a 1957 Cushman Eagle, both owned by Rick Loftis of Halifax.
In the museum, memorabilia includes the hat of A.C. Turner and publications about or relating to motorcycle racing at the Virginia International Raceway.
Of the thirteen members of Gumstump, only two, Talley and Owen Blount, remain alive.
Talley, a tobacco farmer, had bought a Harley-Davidson for $600 when he was riding with the pack.
"Up in the mountains, I had to learn how to lean in a curve rather than cut into it. I was inexperienced compared to the others ," said Talley.
It was said that Talley and John Moss, another member, had the newer bikes, according to Johnny Turner.
Moss had remarked that "It just costs a little more to go first class," said Turner.
In viewing the motorcycle exhibit at the museum, many riders were of the same mindset as Moss.
"It's a collection of motorcycles that you just don't see everyday.
"I just want to thank all the people who contributed to this display," said Hunt.
For more information about the motorcycle exhibit, contact the South Boston Historical Museum at 572-9200.

Clarence Coles, 76, of 1168 Pine View Lane, Scottsburg, died July 4, 2000, at his residence.
Mr. Coles was born in Halifax County on June 17, 1924, the son of Joseph and Fannie Thaxton Coles. He was married to the late Lessie McCraw Coles and was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church.
His survivors include five daughters: Carolyn Green and Yvonne Cousins of Clover, Margaret Hicks and Clarice Buster of Scottsburg, Dorothy McCargo of South Boston; two sons: Wayne Coles of South Boston and Christopher Coles of Clover; two sisters: Bettie Ann Venable and Fannie Lee Jones of Clover and 20 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 8 at 2 p.m. at the Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald Claiborne officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Buster, 2052 Woods Creek Lane, Scottsburg.

Viola Grubb Adcock, 82, of 540 Logan Street, South Boston died July 5, 2000 at Holly Manor Nursing Home.
Mrs. Adcock was born in Suffolk on April 19, 1918, the daughter of Emmett and Nancy Grubb. She was married to Roland Garwood Adcock.
Her survivors include her husband; daughter: Jacquilyne A. and Bill Bush of Buckingham County; grandson: Mark H. Bush of Houston, Tex.; three sisters: Ruby Willis of Saluda, Dorothy Speight of Hampton, Jean Melton of Williamsburg and four brothers: Willy, Charles, Emmett and John Grubb of Chesterfield.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bob Fox conducting the service. Burial will be held in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home Saturday from 7-8:30 p.m.

Lucille Bass Nichols, 85, of 1099 Mt. Laurel Road, Clover, died July 6, 2000 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Nichols was born in Halifax County on August 24, 1914, the daughter of Sam and Elsie Canada Bass. She was married to Bryan W. Nichols and a member of Clover Baptist Church and the Baptist Women's Association. She was also a member of Halifax Co. Retired Teachers Assoc., Clover Volunteer Fire Department Aux. and the treasurer of the Clover Cemetery Assoc.
Her survivors include her husband; son: Sam and Ann Nichols of Martinsville; brother: John W. Bass of Clover; sister: Alyce Sydenstricker of Roanoke and grandchildren: Emily and Evan Nichols.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Tom Walker officiating. Burial will follow in the Clover Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel on Sat., July 8 from 7-8:30 p.m.
The family requests that those wishing to give memorials to please consider Clover Baptist Church, P.O. Box 306, Clover, VA 24534.