(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, Ca) - New Technology at Pershing
For 6th grade students at Pershing Middle School, learning is taking an exciting twist. Students are learning how to use notebooks in Math and English as the school pilots the i21 program for the San Diego Unified School District. The program is designed to help students develop the skills needed to be active learners in the 21st century. Students have access to the class curriculum, as well as in line access to various components of the curriculum (i.e., textbooks, worksheets, online tutoring and homework help). Students also have access to websites to enrich their in class learning. Lessons are taught using our newly installed Promethean boards.

Digital Literacy Class
This year, in addition to using a variety of technological tools to enhance learning, Pershing is offering a new elective course called "Digital Literacy". This course, which is taught by Mrs. Buchanan, is aimed directly at enhancing students to use of the new literacy-image, connectivity, and words that evoke- in a responsible way for critical thinking. Other goals include web safety, ethics, and modifying messages for a variety of venues.
Ms. Buchanan's students have already published their first assignment, "Think Different," online at http://pershing2.sandi.net/studentvoice. I encourage you to visit the website. You will see the world through the eyes of our students as they communicate their views, concerns and aspirations.

Willy Wonka
The Pershing Middle School Drama Department and the Primetime Extended Day program has just completed casting their December production of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka based on the novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The show promises to be most "Scrumdidlyumtious" ever with over 100 students involved in both cast and crew. Local schools and community groups have already begun reserving seats for December 16 - 9:15am and 1:00pm, December 17 - 9:15am, 1:00pm and 7:00pm and December 18 - 9:15am, 11:30am and 1:00pm.
The show will run approximately one hour and admission is free. It is being produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. In addition to the main stage productions, Pershing Middle School offers Drama classes on all levels to grade 6-8 and encourages participation in the after school Drama program where students can perfect their performance and technical theatre skills.

Students perform several times during the academic year at Open House, for different classes and at various Drama Festivals. Most recently, several technical theatre students participated in the TechFest at Grossmont College on September 26th. Students had an opportunity to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes, including sound, lights, costumes, publicity, stage management and set building. Although Pershing was the only middle school in attendance, the students came home with trophy and three medals for their outstanding participation in the event and the Tech Olympics.

For more information about Pershing's Drama Department or to make a group or individual reservation for WILLY WONKA, please contact Terry Miller, Drama Teacher, at (619) 465-3234 ext. 4111.