School briefs: Local schools put out call for reading, math corps tutors

The North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District is encouraging people to apply to serve as tutors through the Minnesota Reading Corps or Minnesota Math Corps.

The positions require 11 months of service and include training, professional development opportunities and living stipends.

In a news release, the district said: "Whether you're looking to explore a new career in education, re-enter the workforce or simply want to work with kids, you're ready for the next thing." Tutors serve statewide, but the district is hoping to attract people who want to work with students in its elementary schools.

Math and reading tutors have included parents, grandparents, recent college graduates and midcareer professionals. All necessary training is provided and no licensure is required, the district said.

To learn more and to apply, go to minnesotareadingcorps.org or minnesotamathcorps.org.

The district said strong preference is given to people who can begin serving on Aug. 10.

The Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its Educator of the Year and Educational Support Person of the Year awards.

The chamber said the nominees can be educators, educational teams or other school employees. They must work at a public or private school in Cottage Grove, Newport or St. Paul Park, or at East Ridge High School in Woodbury.

Nomination forms are available on the South Washington County School District website or on the chamber's website.

The award winners will be announced at a spring banquet and annual meeting on May 16.

Last year, the chamber honored Park High School robotics team adviser Jim Huber.

High school students from Ramsey and Washington counties had their artwork displayed in St. Paul as part of the 57th annual Les Farrington Best 100 Juried Art Exhibition at the AZ Gallery in the Lowertown neighborhood.

According to news releases from the two districts, five students from Tartan High in Oakdale had seven works selected, and more than 20 students from South Washington County's three high schools — Park, Woodbury and East Ridge — were represented.

Heather Hatfull of Woodbury High captured the second-highest honor among senior portfolio winners, and collected a $500 award in recognition of her creativity and skill in drawing, a South Washington County news release said.

Altogether, students received $4,400 in award certificates and cash scholarships, according to the AZ Gallery.