INFORMATIONAL

    The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to
  announce the Playground Safety Demonstration Project,
  which is being sponsored by the Virginia Department of
  Health's Center for Injury and Violence prevention.  The
  purpose of the project is to promote playground safety in
  our public schools.  This project provides an opportunity
  for schools to receive recognition for their exemplary
  playground safety efforts and to serve as demonstration
  sites for other schools in the Commonwealth.

  The Playground Safety Demonstration Project is designed
  to promote effective safety practices by providing
  administrators with an evaluation tool and identifying
  the 1998-99 playground safety demonstration schools.  The
  enclosed Playground Safety Demonstration School Criteria
  Checklist is based on guidelines established by the
  Consumer Product Safety Commission.  We are sending your
  elementary principals a copy of the enclosed criteria and
  information on how to participate in the playground
  Safety Demonstration School Project.

  If you have questions or need resources or other
  technical assistance, please contact Jeanne Sanders,
  Department of Health, at (804) 692-0330, or Vanessa
  Wigand, Department of Education, at (804) 225-3300.

  PDS/VCW/pc

  Enclosure:   A hard copy of this memo and its attach-
               ment will be sent to the superintendent's 
               office.