School briefs: Stillwater survey finds residents happy with schools

More people are happy with Stillwater Area Public schools, according to a recent survey of hundreds of residents.

Ninety-one percent of the respondents last month rated the quality of the district as favorable, up from 71 percent in 2007. Residents said they liked teachers and the quality of education.

Some residents complained that classes were too large at the high school and the junior high schools. Many said they wouldn't be in favor of a bond referendum for construction or facility improvements unless it were small and tied to improvements in science labs at those schools.

The majority of the respondents said they were in favor of moving ninth graders to the high school and moving sixth graders into a middle-school setting.

Math Corps seeks volunteersSouth Washington County Schools is partnering with the Minnesota Math Corps to help struggling students in grades 4-8.

The Minnesota Math Corps is an AmeriCorps tutoring program. Open positions include both full- and part-time positions at Armstrong and Middleton elementary schools and Woodbury and Oltman middle schools. Volunteers are asked to commit to one year, beginning in August.

A living wage of approximately $550 will be given to participants biweekly, along with an education benefit of $5,500 for the year.

Fundraiser for disabled childrenThe William Anco Memorial 5K Race and Silent Auction will take place at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Chisago Lakes High School in Lindstrom.

The event was started by Park High School graduate Dennis Anco and his wife and children after their son, William, died from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Two of their other children also carry the condition.

To participate in the event, visit www.yrun.org to register. All proceeds will go to the Ancos and other families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy to help find a cure and obtain needed equipment. More information about Spinal Muscular Atrophy can be found at www.fightsma.org.

Consortium on bullyingThe Mahtomedi High School community will host a consortium on bullying at 7 p.m. Monday at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, at 900 Stillwater Rd. in Mahtomedi.

The program will include a showing of the Southern Poverty Law Center's film, "Bullied: A Student, a School, and a Case that Made History."