Education notebook: St. George’s pair selected National Merit Scholarship finalists

St. George’s School has announced seniors Marshall Roll and Sarah Wu as finalists for the National Merit Scholarship for their performances on the PSAT last fall.

Of the 1.6 million students to take the test nationwide, Roll and Wu finished among the top 15,000. They are now eligible for a variety of scholarships ranging in value from $2,500 to $10,000.

Winners are selected from the finalists based on academic record, the student’s activities and leadership and their finalist essay.

St. George’s student vying for presidential medallion

St. George’s School has named senior Kathryn Moon a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. She is among 4,500 high school students in the nation to be selected based on academic achievement, and the only one in the Greater Spokane area, including North Idaho.

A ceremony will be in June at the White House in Washington, D.C., for which 161 students will be selected to receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars Medallion.

Mead teachers attain, renew board certification

The Mead School District has announced teachers who have received their initial or renewed their National Board Certification.

Teachers who received their initial certification include Mark Eastman of Mead High School and Mya Brooks of Shiloh Hills Elementary School.

Teachers who renewed their certification include: Colleen Thornton of Mead High, Ashley Byrne of Mt. Spokane High School, Kellie Nixon and Jennifer Sicilia, both of Prairie View Elementary, and Melva Pryor of Shiloh Hills.

Sign-ups underway for SPS web program

Spokane Public Schools has opened fall registration for Spokane Virtual Learning.

SVL is a web-based program with instructor-led courses for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program uses interactive learning and a curriculum built to mirror the content taught in Spokane Public Schools.

All instructors are certified in their subject areas. Register at spokaneschools.org/svl.

Testing set for East Valley enrichment program

East Valley School District has announced the spring testing session for the East Valley Planned Enrichment Program.

Based on the pull-out model, PEP is designed to promote higher level thinking skills, independent work habits, and a commitment to learning. The program includes problem solving, creative thinking, use of technology, special interest classes and more.

To be considered for the program, nominations must be made to the teacher of the prospective student (grades 1-7), or to program coordinator Heather Schultz at (509) 927-3228.

Completed applications must be submitted by April 24.

East Valley Food Bank needs donations of food

East Valley School District is calling for donations for the EV Food Bank.

The food bank serves 80 students with weekend food bags.

Acceptable donations include: easy-to-make boxed or bagged meals, canned fruit or vegetables and various other snack items and nonperishables.

Donations can be dropped off at 3830 N. Sullivan Road, Bldg. 1, in Spokane Valley.

Two Nine Mile Falls teachers reach certification

The Nine Mile Falls School District has announced two teachers who have received their National Board Certification. The teachers are Lance Marquartdt and Caitlin Tumlinson, both of Lakeside High School.

Kids can register for ‘environment hero’ camp

The West Valley School District is offering an “Earth Superhero” themed camp for first- through fifth-graders during spring conference week, March 5- 6, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Outdoor Learning Center, 8508 E. Upriver Drive, in Spokane Valley.

Activities will include cape-making, looking at environmental issues, inventing, watching robots in action and learning about superheroes.

Students are advised to bring weather appropriate clothing, lunch and water bottles.

Cost is $15/day or $25 for both days. Register by emailing jami.ostby-marsh@wvsd.org or call (509) 340-1028 by Friday.

West Valley opens application process for academy

The West Valley School District has begun accepting applications for the Production and Manufacturing Academy. All eligible juniors and seniors are welcome to register at wvsd.org/apps/news/article/1164077. Applications are due by March 15.

The academy allows students to explore careers in engineering, welding, machining and design through a four-week program, and offers a $2,000 stipend for students that complete the courses.