Stories this week at Wake Forest University

PARENTS SHOULD GET TO KNOW TEACHER AT START OF SCHOOL

Much of a student’s success in school depends on parental involvement, says Donna Henderson, associate professor of counselor education at Wake Forest University. A former teacher and school counselor for 12 years, she suggests parents get to know their child’s teacher early in the school year to open the lines of communication. “Don’t wait for a problem to talk to the teacher,” she says. “Parents should communicate with the teacher to discuss the student’s needs and the teacher’s expectations before there is a chance for misunderstanding.” To arrange an interview with Henderson, contact the News Service.

TELLING TALES FROM THE HIMALAYAS

Students in Wake Forest’s new study abroad program, SPIN (Summer Program In Nepal), will return from Nepal on Monday, Aug. 13, flying into Piedmont Triad International Airport. The students have participated in an intensive cultural study of the exotic country that features the world’s tallest mountains, the Himalayas. From yoga lessons to worship with Tibetan Buddhist monks, the students have explored the exotic country to discover how the religious and cultural influences of neighboring China and India have affected the Nepalese. They trekked through the Himalayas and lived with families during their journey. The students and their faculty advisor, Stephen Folmar, visiting professor of anthropology, will be available for interviews beginning Aug. 14. To arrange an interview, call the News Service. For photos and a daily log of the trip, visit www.wfu.edu/anthropology/nepal.

WAKE FOREST LAW STUDENTS SHOW MEANING OF PRO BONO

American Lawyer magazine recently reported that pro bono legal work in 2000 was down from the previous year. Wake Forest Law School students are working to reverse that trend. To encourage a commitment to community service and later legal pro bono work as lawyers, the law school dedicates an entire day of its five-day orientation program to a community service project. On Aug. 15, the entire entering class, in addition to faculty and staff, will work together to help build the foundations for six Habitat for Humanity houses in the Neals Place development in Winston-Salem. The program is organized through the Public Interest Law Organization, a Wake Forest student group that works to emphasize the importance of serving the community as part of a lawyer’s professional commitment. To arrange coverage, contact Ann Gibbs in the law school at 758-6119.

FRESHMEN VOLUNTEER IN WINSTON-SALEM

Before they register for classes at Wake Forest, a group of about 40 freshmen will experience volunteering in the Winston-Salem community. S.P.A.R.C. (Students Promoting Responsibility and Action to the Community) is a program designed by the Office of Volunteer Services to show students first-hand the important role that community service plays in the life of the university. On Aug. 20 and 21, the students will volunteer at several sites around Winston-Salem including senior homes, children’s centers and Hanging Rock State Park. Contact the News Service for a complete schedule.

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION BEGINS AUG. 22

New students will move into Wake Forest residence halls and begin orientation on Aug. 22. Distribution of ThinkPads and printers will be that day from noon-5 p.m. in the Information Systems building. A computer training session for all freshmen will be held on Aug. 24 in several sessions throughout the day. Classes begin on Aug. 29. For more information and location details, contact the News Service.

Categories: Campus Life, For Parents, School of Law, Student