Page 14 - The Paris Post-Intelligencer, Paris, Tenn., Tuesday, November 16, 1999


                                          - Photo by Donna Newcomb
Grove School teacher Mary Ann Claxton works with students at the school's
amphitheater, where she will soon have craftsmen teaching them the
ancient art of shaping stone tools.
Grant will help students learn art of ancient craftsmanship

     Six Henry County School System teachers have been rewarded for their innovation, imagination and creativity with the first Plus Endowment grants. Today, a week-long series during American Education Week continues with another teacher profile.  

By DONNA NEWCOMB

     When Mary Ann Claxton's students at Grove School study early man, she says "they often have a difficult time understanding what we mean when we say they 'shaped' stone tools."
     So, with the help of her Plus Endowment grant, and just short of taking them 
back in time, Mrs. Claxton aims to make her students understand this process.
     She will use her $500 in funds to bring craftsmen into the classroom.
     "There are people in the community who do flint knapping," she said, "which is the art of shaping stone tools. Their demonstrations will help students to better understand the life of early man.
     Mrs. Claxton said whe will also purchase a secure display 		 case.
     "We have students and faculty who have artifacts which they or their family members have found and are eager to share with others.  This makes the study more meaningful for students, giving them the opportunity for hands-on contact with tools used by early man,” she said.
     Anyone interested in helping make future grants available to local educators can contact Plus Endowment at P.O. Box 52, Paris, Tenn., 38242, or call 642-0906.

     Donna Newcomb is a freelance writer and former Post-Intelligencer staff writer.

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