SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SURF THE NET AT SCOTT CITY

SCOTT CITY -- Cathy Raines checked the weather in Montana then went to Oklahoma without ever leaving her seat.

She and other members of the Scott City Board of Education got a chance to surf the Internet Wednesday during a computer technology demonstration.

Librarians Loretta Templeton and Jeanette Mastin guided the demonstration. They are also leading a staff workshop titled, "Surfing the Internet."

While Raines checked the weather forecasts, Wayne Petitt learned more about the foreign embassies in the United States by browsing through the computer addresses.

Students and teachers are able to access the Internet through a link with MOREnet. Since last year, the school added 10 computers to its computer network.

More than 170 schools across the state are connected to the MOREnet system.

In addition to the MOREnet link, the high school vocational business lab also added 10 computers.

Although the 24 IBM computers frequently are used by business students, some English classes also use the programs to practice writing skills.

In addition to holding workshops for the staff, computer instructors also hope to open some classes to local residents.

An evening keyboarding class has already begun and additional classes are being considered.

The adult keyboarding class meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and covers the basics of keyboarding as well as some computer skills, said instructor Pat Andrews, adding that the students are becoming more comfortable with both the Macintosh and IBM computers.

This is the first time the school has offered classes for the public, said Superintendent Doug Berry, adding that the school is also hoping to add college courses through Three Rivers Community College.

Technology grants funded about two-thirds of the computer purchases, Berry said.

In other business, the board approved a Parent-Teacher conference for Nov. 2 and a teacher workshop for Nov. 3.

-- The district's Parents as Teachers program has expanded to include about 75 parents and children.

PAT Coordinator Cindy LeGrand said word-of-mouth advertising has really helped the program.

"The whole point is for parents to have fun with the kids and learn," she said. "Because they're the first teachers."

The Scott City PAT program has been active six years.