Outdoor fun: Challenge Sonoma Ropes Course is offering outdoor adventure outings for families and groups of families on Nov. 27 and 29. Families (pods or groups) will be assigned their own guide to be with them for a four-hour experience in the redwood forest. Groups of 10 can reserve any day. For further information and questions, contact Diana Rhoten 484-7759. Orchard Road, Eldridge.
SSU news: After more than 10 years of planning, Sonoma State University is breaking ground on renovations of its oldest building, Stevenson Hall, to turn it into “a 21st century academic learning environment,” with a completion date of fall 2022.
Free art kits: Free holiday art kits are available for pick-up at Sonoma Valley Museum of Art on Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Construction opportunity: High school seniors who are interested in learning more about a construction career should apply to the North Bay Construction Corps by Dec. 2 at constructioncorps.org. This is the fifth year of the basic skill building program. The corps meets once a week and one Saturday a month from late January through mid-May. A two-week “boot camp” experience where students help on a real construction project occurs at the end. For those who make it all the way through, a $750 scholarship is awarded. Successful students also have the opportunity to interview with local construction companies.
New sports complex brick fundraiser: Sonoma Valley High School Boosters Club will be selling 4-by-8 inch and 8-by-8 inch bricks to business supporters and Boosters members in conjunction with Tenaya Dale of Counterpoint Construction Company. The bricks sold will be part of two walls located near the new football field. The "bricks" will go on sale soon. To join Boosters, visit sonomaschools.org/domain/1148.
Funding campus beautification club: Boosters has approved additional financing to help a student club to make improvements to the SVHS campus. Current projects include renovations of the lunch area near the "F" buildings, making and installing planter boxes, installing benches, laying out gravel and pavers, new plants for landscaping and art.
Change in schedule: While some schools are reporting double the number of failing grades among some student populations, the number of failing grades at Rancho Cotate in Rhonert Park has dropped 13 percent in the first quarter of the school year, according to principal Louis Ganzler. Rancho Cotate completely overhauled its schedule and students take three classes at a time, down from six. Teachers are responsible for educating 75 kids, down from 150. The block schedule, which met every other day, is gone. Classes now meet every day and a year’s worth of curriculum is delivered in a semester. Read more at sonomanews.com.
Admissions tours: Justin-Siena High School is still holding its Brave for a Day experiences and tours in person. The visits will have groups of up to 10 people. While visitors can’t sit in on live classes in person right now, the school expects to resume opportunities to sit in on classes in the spring. Sign up at justin-siena.schooladminonline.com.
Students interested in learning more about Sonoma Academy should complete an inquiry form at sonomacademy.org and register for a virtual Open House, and to receive an information packet. The next open house is from 6 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 8. Virtual tours are available anytime at sonomaacademy.org/admissions/virtual-tour.
Family fun: A popular website offers fun activities for families including making fruit leather, building little ships that float and more. munchkinfunathome.com.
Holiday décor: Sonoma Future Farmers of America (FFA) is holding a wreath sale. Fifteen percent of each purchase goes toward the Sonoma chapter as well as 100 percent of donations. Fundraiser ends Dec. 21. Order at facebook.com/SonomaFFA.
Nature Journal Club: A local nature journal club assists kids of all ages go outdoors to learn and have fun. The club brings together education, science, ecology and art to foster writing skills and gathers regularly for free nature journaling workshops. The club is part of the national network of Nature Journal Clubs. The first 100 members who sign up get a free notebook and pencil pouch. artofleisure.com/sonoma-nature-journal-club.
Book donations: There is a read-aloud book drive going on now through Dec. 20 coordinated by the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation in conjunction with Readers’ Books. The goal is to provide a full set of books for every elementary school. All of every donation will be used to purchase books. Stop by the store for details.
Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.
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