West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan

District introduces parent academy

Beginning this year, the district is launching a new Parent Academy Program at each school.

The first sequence is aimed at Spanish speaking parents, with English versions to come.

The program is based on the notion that students with parents who are involved in their education do better academically.

The Parent Academy is a six-session course beginning in October to help families better connect to their child's school.

Information covered is related to how school works, including procedures and resources. Interactive activities are planned to get parents talking to one another.Each free session includes dinner. Child care is provided. Participants are asked to register in advance and plan to attend all six sessions.The academy will start with a series for Spanish speakers at Garlough Environmental Magnet School (1740 Charlton St, West St. Paul) on Oct. 20 and 27, as well as Nov. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Each session runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Parents and guardians are encouraged to watch for information regarding English and other Spanish Parent Academy offerings, which are being scheduled throughout the year.

Anyone interested in learning more should contact Sarah Egberg at 651-403-7012 or sarah.egberg@isd197.org or Carmen Pineda at 651-403-7734 or carmen.pineda@isd197.org.

, 7575 150th St W, Savage.

"Know the Truth" is a nonreligious substance abuse prevention program created to educate middle and high school students about addiction and the consequences of their choices, as well as to support them in everyday struggles.

Young adults from the community will share their stories of substance abuse and how recreational use became addiction.

Information will also be presented by representatives of Scott County, the Savage Police Department and other local agencies.

Preregistration is requested; register by calling 952-226-0080.

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given at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Nov. 13.The awards honor Minnesota companies, organizations and people for technology innovation and leadership.The school was nominated for the recent construction of Opus Hall, the new STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) building. Since opening the hall, the school has doubled enrollment in physics classes and expanded STEM classes to students in younger grades.

Erin Adler