School briefs

METRO AREA

Minnesota Virtual High School, a Minneapolis online charter school, has invited the public to a series of information sessions throughout the state through May 31.

Offered through a partnership between Minnesota Transitions Charter School of Minneapolis and Advanced Academics Inc., Minnesota Virtual High School is a free online public high school that offers full and part-time education for state residents in grades 7-12.

The sessions are meant to help students and parents learn about the school's online program for the 2008-09 school year.

The school offers more than 90 interactive online courses taught by Minnesota-certified teachers, said Tony Scallon, Minnesota Transitions Charter School superintendent. Beginning the 2008-09 school year, the Virtual High School will provide a free laptop and Internet stipend to all full-time students.

The schedule of information sessions is as follows:

• 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, Country Inn & Suites, 2550 Freeway Blvd., Brooklyn Center.

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Fairview Community Center, 1910 W. County Road B, Roseville.

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17, Country Inn & Suites, 155 NW. Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids.

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 31, Burnhaven Library, 1101 County Road 42, Burnsville.

For more information, go to www.minnesotavirtualhighschool.com.

ST. LOUIS PARK

Children First will launch a coloring book featuring everyday "superheroes" from the community during its annual ice cream social from 2 to 5 p.m. on May 18 at Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive, St. Louis Park.

Michael Christiansen of Flight Advertising Creative Services has portrayed 15 St. Louis Park residents, educators and volunteers as superheroes in the book.

St. Louis Park High School seniors Sonja Johnson and Laura Powers helped select the superheroes from more than 120 nominees.

Attendees will receive free copies of the Children First coloring book and ice cream from Sebastian Joe's. Kosher cones also are available.

St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts and the Meadowbrook Drumming Circle with Stan Kipper and Chico Perez of the New Primitives will provide entertainment.

Go to www.children-first.org for more information, including a list of superheroes featured in the coloring book.

BLOOMINGTON

Oak Grove Elementary School will host a "grand slam celebration" at 6 p.m. May 15 at the school, 1301 W. 104th St, Bloomington.

The celebration commemorates Oak Grove's 40th anniversary, its recent National Blue Ribbon School Award designation and the dedication of its new playground.

Community members and past and current staff members can RSVP by calling 952-681-6891. For more information, go to www.bloomington. k12.mn.us.

PATRICE RELERFORD AND James Walsh