Education notebook

THE MEADOWS SCHOOL TO HOST UPPER SCHOOL ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE

The Meadows School, 8601 Scholar Lane, plans to host an Upper School Admissions Open House for prospective students and parents from 6:30 to 8:10 p.m. Nov. 30.

A brief informational session about the Upper School and its curriculum, procedures and policies is planned. Students and parents will rotate separately through a series of sessions with faculty members focusing on major academic, artistic, athletic and other extra-curricular aspects of the program.

FOSTER CHILDREN NEED TUTORS

Child Focus Academic Success Program is conducting tutor training for volunteers wishing to tutor a foster child in reading. To register for the training class, call 436-1624.

READING PROGRAM NEEDS MENTORS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

Spread the Word Nevada's reading mentor program, Books and Buddies, is seeking volunteers to help students in kindergarten through fifth grade improve reading proficiency. Spread the Word Nevada matches adult mentors with elementary students at 26 at-risk schools.

Volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of one hour per week for 12 weeks. Training will be provided, and background checks are required.

For more information, call volunteer coordinator Libbi Erickson at 564-7809 or email libbi@spreadthewordnevada.org.

ROBOT DESIGN CONTEST OPEN TO CLARK COUNTY STUDENTS

National Security Technologies is offering education grants for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math programs. Grants ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 will be awarded. Applications, including a letter of recommendation, will be accepted through Dec. 29. For more information, visit nstec.com or call Mona Higgins at 295-5428 or Shari Morrison at 295-2843.

Teams must submit a written solution that addresses the following Robots In Real Life scenario:

"A four-room house has been flooded and has a very serious mold and mildew infestation. What kind of robot would your team design that could autonomously map the floors and walls for water, mold and mildew? Provide a design concept for the controls and sensors, and a sketch of the robot. Reports must be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins, and four pages or less."

ARBOR VIEW HIGH SCHOOL BAND ASKS FOR VOTES TO HELP FUND TRIP

The marching band from Arbor View High School, 7500 Whispering Sands Drive, is competing for $50,000 to help fund a trip to march in a Memorial Day parade in Washington, D.C., and play at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The band is asking for votes as part of the Pepsi Refresh Project. To vote, visit refresheverything.com/avhsbands.

SPRING VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL TO HOST YOUTH WRESTLING

Spring Valley High School has a youth wrestling program scheduled at 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning this week and continuing through February. The program is open to students 8 to 13.

Parents can register their child for $75 at any of the evening practices.

The school is at 3750 S. Buffalo Drive. For more information, call coach Fred Meyer at 580-3807.

TECHNOLOGY GRANTS AVAILABLE TO LOCAL TEACHERS

National Security Technologies is offering $50,000 in grants to schoolteachers for innovations in science, technology, engineering and math. These STEM Innovative Instruction grants are available to teachers in all grade levels.

There are no specific restrictions on the grant except that the money must be used in support of STEM programs and must be requested by a teacher. Requests will be accepted through Nov. 30 and can be submitted to nstecsupportseducation@nv.doe.gov. Awards will be announced Dec. 15.

For more information, contact Jennifer Mankins at 295-5247 or Shari Morrison at 295-2843.

ESSAY CONTEST, $1,000 UP FOR GRABS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The Bill of Rights Institute in Washington, D.C., is hosting a nationwide essay contest for all high school students, with cash prizes of up to $1,000.

The Being an American Essay Contest explores the founding principles outlined in the Constitution, specifically, "How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?"

Three students from each of five geographic regions will win first-, second- and third-place prizes. Essays should be 1,000 or fewer words.

For more information, visit billofrightsinstitute.org/contest. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 15.