School briefs: Photo contest aims to inspire reading in South Washington County

School is out but the reading continues, or at least that's the hope of the South Washington County School District.

Students and staff members are being encouraged to have photos taken of themselves reading this summer for the district's Facebook page.

The person whose photo generates the most "likes" will win a Barnes & Noble gift certificate, the district said in a news release.

Each of the reading contestants is being asked to say where the photo was taken and to send it to info@sowashco.k12.mn.us. Entries will be accepted through Aug. 25 and voting runs through Sept. 1, the district said.

The district's Facebook page is at www.facebook.com/sowashco.

Beginning in July, the district plans to again offer free meals to children this summer in partnership with the state Department of Education's summer food service program. Days of operation are July 14-17, July 21-24, July 28-31 and Aug. 4-7.

Meals will be available to children ages 2 to 18. They do not have to attend any of the three participating schools and can stop in on any day.

Breakfasts will be available at the three schools from 8 to 8:30 a.m. The lunches at Crestview are from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

A composer from Mexico will work with choirs at Park High School during the upcoming school year, the South Washington County School District said.

The artist, who was not named, is expected to write music specifically for local students as part of a program sponsored by the organization VocalEssence.

The district said in a news release that the program "aims to engage communities in the celebration and creation of music inspired by Mexican traditions."

The effort will culminate in a concert May 21, 2015, at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul.

A fundraiser to benefit needy students and creative teachers in the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District has been set for July 26.

Registration is underway for the 622 Education Foundation's annual family fun run and walk.

Foundation secretary Doug Ronsberg said in a school district news release that proceeds from the event will go to the foundation's Angel Fund program.

The event begins with a 5k run at 9 a.m. July 26 in the parking lot of Polar Arena, 2416 E. 11th Av., North St. Paul. A free kids' run will be held at 10 a.m., followed by a free toddlers' trot at 10:15 a.m.

People who register for the 5k before July 13 will receive a $5 savings and are guaranteed a free T-shirt. Family registrations also are available.