Education notebook: New library cards give Spokane area students easy access to resources

Spokane Public Schools has created special library accounts for all students in the district so they can easily access the Spokane Public Library’s resources from school, home or any computer or device.

The new accounts are designed to give students easy access the library’s array of databases, downloadable materials and online homework help services.

The accounts are free and students using them will not accrue fines or fees, except in the cases of damaged or lost books.

The accounts can be accessed by visiting spokaneschools.org/students. Students should click the “Clever” button and login like normal. They should then click the Spokane Public Library icon, where they will see their library card number and pin displayed at the top of the page.

Students who already have a traditional library card will still be able to use it to check out materials from Spokane Public Library and use in-library computers. The new, virtual card will supplement the traditional library card and make it easier for students to access the library’s online research tools as part of their school work.

Parents who do not want their child included in this program can opt out by going to spokaneschools.org/OptOut or by calling or visiting their child’s school office.

Newport pair win underwater robotics meet, advance to nationals

Newport School District students Jeremy Ward and Frankie Chambers won first place at the Inland Northwest SeaPerch Challenge with an average combined time of 5 minutes 1.9 seconds. They now have the opportunity to go on to the national competition held at University Massachusetts in Dartmouth.

SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that provides students with a low-cost kit and curriculum to learn the basics of marine engineering.

Freeman team forming plan to guide distribution of United Way funds

Freeman School District recently established the Freeman Recovery Team, led by director and former superintendent, Church Stocker.

By distributing surveys, the Recovery Team is gathering input from students, parents and staff to evaluate current areas of both concerns and strengths.

The team will develop and implement a recovery plan that will be updated regularly. A six-person committee will be created to guide the distribution of United Way funds and donations.