Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : November 2, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Scott Warner, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind To Host Archery in the Schools Training January 9th and 10th

The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind will host training for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Archery in the Schools Program on January 9 and 10, 2007, according to DNR’s Scott Warner, who coordinates the program.

 “The WV Schools for the Deaf and Blind have done a tremendous job in getting their students involved in this program,” Warner said. “I have had the pleasure of personally meeting with their students, have seen the excitement and their success at the State Archery Tournament, and can honestly say that they have become a model school for this program. Allowing us to host one of our trainings on their campus in Romney demonstrates not only their commitment to their students but also for the other schools in the eastern panhandle. I hope the schools in that area take advantage of this training and get involved in a program that has already reached thousands of kids.”

DNR personnel implemented this program in the fall of 2004 in 19 schools as part of its pilot program to introduce physical education students to an activity that teaches a life skill. In two years there has been a phenomenal amount of interest; and after the next training, which is scheduled in Logan County (November 28 th and 29 th) DNR will have trained more than 180 physical education instructors from more than 115 schools. However, this will be the first training offered in the eastern panhandle and DNR officials encourage schools interested in participating in this program to have their teachers receive the free training. Teachers interested in attending the training at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind located in Romney have until December 15 th to sign up.

“Due to the type of training and amount of time needed for hands-on-instructions, classroom size will be limited,” Warner said. “Teachers interested in attending this training are encouraged to contact the DNR early since most of our classes are typically filled within weeks of the deadline.”

  For additional information on the West Virginia Archery in the Schools Program or to attend training, visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov or call (304) 558-2771