Lorna Sheridan: Education Roundup, Sept. 15

Napa’s going back: Students at Napa-area public schools may return to campuses part-time as soon as next month, announced administrators on Sept. 14. The Napa school district said it expects to be ready to offer a blend of in-person and remote teaching in early October should the county's moderate rate of coronavirus infections continue.

College support: On Thursdays at 3 p.m., the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley and Teen Services are combining forces to offer a Diplomas2 Degree College Readiness program in person at Teen Services Sonoma (17440 Sonoma Highway). The program is also offered virtually. The 10-week program is focused on helping SVHS seniors create a shortlist of schools, types of schools/programs, and additional post-secondary education plans. As always, there is no cost, but donations are welcome from the community to help offset expenses. Learn more at sonomateenservices.org.

Creative staycation: The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is offering a special rate called School and Pool for families who want to do remote learning from the property, with wifi, recess around the pool, live music and more. Guaranteed late (after school) check out of 4 p.m., use of PE clothes and tech support. Rooms starting at $199, with 50 percent off a second room. Now through Dec. 23. Sonoma Valley Inn is offering a special Work Day Rate of $49 plus tax per day to spend the day at the hotel (not overnight).

Best colleges list: On Monday, U.S. News & World Report unveiled its 2021 U.S. News Best Colleges list. The top three universities nationally were Princeton, Harvard and Columbia. Stanford came in at No. 6. The top public universities in the country were: UCLA, Berkeley and University of Michigan. Other California schools high on the public list were: Santa Barbara at No. 6 and Irvine and San Diego tied at No. 8. Davis was No. 11. New this year, the list formula included measures of student debt and test-blind schools were included. Read the full list at usnews.com.

Awards: California students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteering within the past 12 months — virtually or otherwise. The application is available at spirit.prudential.com.

Library card: September is Library Card Month and Sonoma Valley residents are urged to get a library card if they don’t already have one. Having a library card is “an important step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning,” according to library officials. The card provides access to technology, media resources and educational programs. It can be obtained online at sonomalibrary.org.

Suicide prevention: On Sept. 15, some high-profile personalities will speak to any and all interested California middle and high school students at the LivingWorks Education Youth Summit with the message that “together, we can save lives from suicide.” The virtual summit is the official launch of the CDE online suicide prevention training for staff and students. Read more on the web cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr20/yr20rel74.asp.

Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.