Lorna Sheridan: Education Roundup, April 10

Free audio books, the SVHS barn talk, career advice and more. News, tips and resources for Sonoma Valley families.|

Free audio stories: Stories Podcast is a free children's podcast for bedtime, car rides, and kids of all ages. The Stories Podcast was created to provide family-friendly content to families on the go. Always free, it's a great way to entertain kids on the go and limit screen time while encouraging imaginations. storiespodcast.com.

Barn Talk: If you worry what the future holds for your student in the workplace, don't miss the next Barn Talk at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 29. The topic is 'The Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Age of Equality.' The speakers are two Sonoma Valley High School graduates, David Havlek '83, and Merdeith Schmidt, '93, both of whom are EVPs at Salesforce. The talk is brought to Sonoma by the school district and the Ed Foundation. Learn more at svgreatschools.org.

Alumni event: All Sonoma Valley High School graduates are invited to the annual alumni banquet on Saturday, May 19, at Veterans Memorial Building on First Street West. Tickets ($60) must be purchased in advance. Email sonomahigh@gmail.com or call Jurine Biers at 933-1696. Seating is limited.

Clutter: A team of anthropologists spent four years studying middle-class families in their natural habitat and were 'disheartened' to find that American families are 'overwhelmed by clutter, too busy to go in their own backyards, rarely eat dinner together even though they claim family meals as a goal, and can't park their cars in the garage because they're crammed with non-vehicular stuff.' Read more on the very helpful 'Self-Sufficient Kids' Facebook page. tinyurl.com/ydhkxxc5

Campfire: Kids of all ages are invited at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, to gather 'round the warm campfire in the historic Sonoma Barracks Courtyard. Join in the fun with a short talk, songs and, of course, a marshmallow roast. Free, but steady rain cancels.

Small but Grand: Arts Guild of Sonoma is hosting an opening night reception for its 'Small but Grand' show of student work (SVHS and Adele) from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 13. Refreshments and light snacks will be served. The exhibit runs through April 30.

Career advice: Sonoma high school students who are interested in exploring a career in health care should check out the dual enrollment program that the CTE Foundation Sonoma County is helping to sponsor at the Santa Rosa Junior College this summer. healthcareers.santarosa.edu/summer-health-careers-institute-shci

Resume-building volunteer work: Is your high school sophomore or junior looking for volunteer work this summer? Sonoma State is looking for teaching assistants for its EXCEL summer program. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 14. Details and flyer in the College and Career Center at SVHS.

Save the date: At the end of April, the State Parks is hosting three days of fun for local youth. On Friday, April 27, there will be a fireside chat and campfire; Saturday, April 28, is the Children's Day at the Mission; and Sunday, April 29, is the Day of the Child, which will be celebrated with a nature hike and fire recovery program. Sonomaparks.org.

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