Education Notebook

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TAX COMMITTEES BEING RECRUITED BY CLARK COUNTY

The Clark County Election Department is recruiting citizens to prepare arguments advocating and opposing the Clark County School District's proposed property tax increase. If approved by voters Nov. 6, the measure would levy an additional 21.2 cents per $100 assessed valuation for capital construction for schools for up to six years, starting July 1, 2013.

The cost for the owner of a new $100,000 home would be about $74 per year.

The Election Department will appoint two committees of three citizens each for its Ballot Question Committee. One committee will be composed of those in favor of the ballot initiative and the other committee of those against it. Members of both committees will serve without compensation.

To apply, visit clarkcountynv.gov/vote, or call 455-2784 to receive a Ballot Question Committee information packet. Applications are due Monday.

MACY'S SCHEDULES FUNDRAISING FOR LITERACY CAMPAIGN

Macy's and the nonprofit literacy organization Reading Is Fundamental are fundraising through July 31 to support the Be Book Smart program. Money raised will support the Public Education Foundation's Clark County READS program, which provides books to schoolchildren.

Shoppers at Macy's can donate $3 and receive $10 off an in-store purchase of $50. Every $3 donation will be used to buy books. More than $21 million has been raised since 2004 by Macy's partnership with RIF.

For more information, visit rif.org/macys.

SUMMER SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR LOW-INCOME STUDENTS

Students from low-income families can apply for scholarships to attend summer school. The Clark County School District and the city of Las Vegas are offering 250 scholarships, funded by a grant from Workforce Connections.

Classes for high school students include physical education, health, U.S. government, English and driver education. Classes for middle school students include English, math, Nevada history, reading, science and world geography. Classes are usually $100 per half-credit.

Registration for the session scheduled for Monday through July 26 will be accepted through Friday. For more information or to apply, call Nevada Partners at 924-2133. To register for summer school, visit ccsd.net.

PALO VERDE, RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL BANDS TO PERFORM AT PATRIOTIC PARADE

The Palo Verde and Rancho high school marching bands plan to perform at the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. The parade will start at the corner of Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive and travel south on Hills Center and conclude at Trailwood Drive.

The parade is scheduled to feature more than 60 entries, including floats, storybook characters and other performing groups.

UNION TEACHERS HAVE TWO-WEEK WINDOW TO WITHDRAW MEMBERSHIP

Clark County School District teachers in the Clark County Education Association wishing to opt out of union membership for the 2012-13 school year must notify the CCEA in writing by July 15. Letters can be mailed to: Clark County Education Association, 4230 S. McLeod Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89121.

MADAME TUSSAUDS OFFERS FREE ADMISSION FOR STRAIGHT-A STUDENTS

Clark County School District students with straight A's on their spring report cards can receive free admission through August to Madame Tussauds, a wax museum at The Venetian, 3377 Las Vegas Blvd. South, No. 2001. Students must present their report card at the box office to receive a ticket.

For more information, call 862-7800 or visit madametussauds.com/lasvegas.

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO ACTIVE, RETIRED MILITARY

The University of Phoenix, 7455 W. Washington Ave., and American Veterans, or AMVETS, a veterans education advocacy group, will award 50 scholarships worth $7,000 each to active-duty service members, veterans and eligible family members to pursue a degree from the University of Phoenix. Applications for the 2012 University of Phoenix AMVETS Scholarship are being accepted through Aug. 21.

For more information, call 638-7279, visit phoenix.edu or amvets.org.

SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFERS ONLINE SUMMER LEARNING ACTIVITIES

The Clark County School District is offering online resources to help students continue learning during the summer break. The Fun Summer Learning Activities are available to families with students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. The materials provide grade-appropriate activities in math, reading and more.

For more information, visit ccsd.net/learn.

KIDS CAN LEARN GARDENING AT WEEKLY CLASSES AT COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is offering an eight-week Junior Master Gardener program for children 7 to 12. They will experience hands-on gardening activities and learn about plants, soil, vegetables and more.

Classes are scheduled from 8 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays through July at the Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road, and Saturdays at the Master Gardener Orchard, 4600 Horse Drive in North Las Vegas.

Registration is $30. For more information or to register, contact Karyn Johnson at 257-5523 or johnsonk@unce.unr.edu.

STUDENTS RECEIVE DISCOUNTS TO EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

Students will receive a 30 percent discount throughout summer to "BODIES ... The Exhibition" and "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition," both at the Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are available at the box office on the atrium level of the casino. Regularly priced tickets are $24 for children, $32 for adults and $30 for seniors.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 262-4400.