Lorna Sheridan: Education Roundup, Dec. 4
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Santa: Santa will not be “in the Springs” for his regular visit to Republic of Thrift this year but he will be in the KSVY 91.3 studio from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Kids can call the studio at 933-9133 and talk to Santa live on the air. Up next, he arrives on the Plaza at 5 p.m. on Dec., 7, thanks to the Soroptomists.
Senior projects: The first SPARC meeting of the 2018-19 school year will take place from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4 inside the College & Career Center conference room at Sonoma Valley High School. SPARC is a committee that evaluates and proposes changes to the SVHS senior project process. Parents, students, and community members are welcome to attend.
Hour of Code: It’s the Hour of Code week! Schools around the country are focusing on computer science education this week. The Hour of Code nonprofit offers a curriculum for kindergarten through high school. Hour of Code tutorials are free, aimed at all levels and ages and self-guided. www.hourofcode.org.
School tour: Woodland Star Charter School is offering a tour and “walk through the grades” from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12 with administrator Jamie Lloyd. 17811 Arnold Drive.
Life hacks: Inc. magazine recently ran a great article on “8 Things Every Person Should Do Before 8 a.m.” Do these things first and you’ll have done the important stuff first, says author Ben Hardy. The reasons supporting each are compelling and available online at stumbleupon.com/su/2iHp3V/.
1. Get a healthy seven-plus hours of sleep
2. Prayer and meditation to facilitate clarity and abundance
3. Hard physical activity
4. Consume 30 grams of protein
5. Take a cold shower
6. Listen to or read uplifting content
7. Review your life vision
8. Do at least one thing toward long-term goals.
Easy donating: Do you have a Sonoma Market Community Scrip Card? If so you can now choose Sonoma Valley High School as your donation. Cards and the (simple) instructions are available at SVHS front desk.
Free magazines: Don’t forget that our local library allows cardholders to read magazines from their mobile device or home computer. Zinio for Libraries has more than 160 popular full-color digital magazines to choose from and they look the same as the hard copy version. The collection of popular digital magazines includes both new and old titles with no wait list, no checkout periods and no limits. zinio.com
Attention whittlers: Yannick Phillips’ garden students have discovered whittling and they love it. The craft builds excellent spatial-intelligence skills. The students would appreciate any carving or whittling tool, small pocket or paring knives. Phillips is very concerned with safety and she makes sure the students are extremely careful with both whittle tools and the kitchen knives used in her program. To donate items, call Phillips at 337-6739.
Grants: Landmark Vineyards is offering a school grants program to all Sonoma Valley public schools. Visit www.landmarkwinegrants.com to learn how to apply.
Free books: The Sonoma County Free Bookmobile will be in our area on Dec. 15. You can pick up or donate books at Kenwood Market from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; at Glen Ellen post office from 11 a.m. to noon; and at Fiesta Center in Boyes Hot Springs from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Acts of Kindness: Umpqua Bank is treating SVHS teachers and staff to lunch on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Tortilleria y Tacos Jalisco will be set up in the north parking lot. Manager Corina Zavaleta-Doo, who is a SVHS parent, made this random act of kindness possible.
Ballet: The Sonoma Conservatory of Dance’s Snow Maiden ballet is on stage in Sonoma at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9. thesnowmaiden.brownpapertickets.com
Mental illness resources: The holidays can be hard. In recognition of this fact, below are national helpline numbers.
Suicide – 800-784-8433
Bullying – 800-420-1479
Self harm – 800-DONT-CUT, 1-800-344-HELP
Eating disorders – 847-831-3438
Rape and Sexual assault – 800-656-4673
Grief support – 650-321-3438
Runaway – 800-843-5200, 1-800-843-5678
Depression – 630-482-9696
Roller Derby: Resurrection Roller Girls, Rohnert Park’s roller derby league, is offering classes for skaters ages 7 to 17 in January. Practices are on Tuesdays, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Cal Skate of Rohnert Park. Interested skaters and parents can find out more and sign up at rrgderby.org/juniors. Questions can be emailed to info@rrgderby.org.
Free fun: Check Friday’s Index-Tribune for a complete list of all the great holiday activities going on around the Valley – and most are free. Or visit www.sonomanews.com.
Email tips and comments to ourschools@sonomanews.com.
