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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Inside our Schools: Grants will benefit math, science programs

Two elementary schools in the Central Valley School District have received grants to enhance their science and math programs.

Ponderosa and University elementary schools each received $500 from Whitley Fuel and ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Program.

The program partners schools with locally owned service stations.

Ponderosa, which was partnered with Harry’s Food Mart, 3458 S. Dishman-Mica Road, will use the funds to expand this year’s science fair, which was Friday, along with the school’s annual Bingo Night.

Principal Jerrol Olson said he was approached with an invitation from Whitley Fuel, a local wholesaler, to apply for the grant, which would help create a relationship with Harry’s Food Mart.

During the school’s annual science fair, Olson asked teachers what supplies students would need to create their projects. He estimated that about 150 students benefited from the grant.

The school also used some of the funds to bring Mobius Kids to the event.

University, which partnered with Rich’s Gas and Deli, 10620 E. 16th Ave., will fund its Math is Cool program for fourth- and fifth-grade students.

There are eight students divided into two teams from the fifth grade, and 12 fourth-graders in three teams. Lennick said the program helps to strengthen students’ math skills, working an extra hour and a half after school twice a week.

Principal Sue Lennick said her school was nominated by the store’s owner, Paul Singh.

“He is awesome to our students,” Lennick said. After school, students often visit the store across the street and he has been helping the school in other ways, as well. During the school’s Grandparents Day festivities, Singh donated $200 for coffee and rolls.

“Without that, we couldn’t have done that (celebration),” Lennick said.

Free immunizations

Spokane Regional Health District will offer free immunizations March 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at North Pines Middle School, 701 N. Pines Road.

All children ages 4 through 18 are eligible to receive the immunizations needed for kindergarten registration, the TDAP required for students entering the sixth grade in September, and immunizations needed to meet college requirements.

Parents or guardians must accompany children younger than 18.

For more information, call (509) 228-5888.

Summer school at Spokane Valley Tech

Spokane Valley Tech is now accepting registrations for its summer courses for students currently enrolled in eighth through 11th grade. There are two sessions available, June 16-July 2 and July 7-23.

Successful completion will earn students one-half of an elective credit per session. Students may only attend one course per session.

Courses available are: Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing, Cosmetology, Introduction to Computer Science, Energy and Manufacturing, Fire Science and Emergency Services, Running Your Own Business 101, Sports Medicine, Principles of Biomedical Sciences, and Introduction to Engineering.

For more information, visit www.spokanevalley tech.org.

EV Future Business Leaders of America

East Valley High School’s Future Business Leaders of America are participating in the American Enterprise Project. Students involved will use this project to compete in the state FBLA competition.

Students Rochele Trainor, Audry Burgess and Baylee Buchanan have been visiting second- and third-grade classrooms throughout the district to teach them about sharing, spending and saving their money. Through a partnership with Spokane Teachers Credit Union, the students have been able to provide goody bags of a money jar, a journal and pencils. The credit union also trained the East Valley students how to teach the younger students.

Although Trainor, Burgess and Buchanan have been visiting the schools, the club of about 20 students has been involved in the project.

“We are doing this not only to compete in this competition,” Trainor said, “but to educate our younger generation on the importance of managing their money.”

More solo and ensemble winners

More winners from the Feb. 1 Northeast Music Educators Association’s Regional Competition held at University High School: Riley Madrian, violin, Central Valley; MacKenzie O’Dea, cello, Central Valley; Arianna Birch, string bass, University; the large string ensemble of East Valley; the small string ensemble of East Valley; Adara Tredway, soprano, University; Matthew Gerard, baritone, University; the mixed, large vocal ensemble of University; the large men’s vocal ensemble of University; the large women’s vocal ensemble of University; and the small brass ensemble of East Valley.