West metro school briefs: PACER shares its anti-bullying message

PACER shares its anti-bullying messageThe anti-bullying message is spreading to even-younger children. The PACER Center in Bloomington, a national parent center, has started puppet shows to teach children in first- through third-grade about bullying prevention in an interactive presentation. The "Kids Against Bullying" puppet show helps children understand bullying and how to respond.

Shows are also available for preschool and kindergarten students and first- through fourth-graders. Twin Cities schools can get more information by going to www.pacer .org/puppets or by calling 952-838-9000.

Middle schools host orientation meetingsBloomington's three middle schools will host orientation meetings at 6:30 p.m. Monday for parents of current fifth-grade students attending public, private or charter schools.

The meetings will be held at Oak Grove Middle School, 1300 W. 106th St.; at Hubert Olson Middle School, 4551 W. 102nd Av.; and at Valley View Middle School, 8900 Portland Av.

During the meetings, parents and students can learn about the middle school experience and see examples of the opportunities middle schools in Bloomington offer, including classes and how technology and careers are integrated into the curriculum, clubs and music and athletic offerings. Each of the schools also will provide information on the sixth-grade orientation camps held in August each year.

For more information about each school, contact Oak Grove Principal Brian Ingemann at 952-681-6600, Olson Principal Tom Lee at 952-806-8600, or Valley View Principal Benjamin Magras at 952-681-5800.

Jefferson, Kennedy staging one-act playsBloomington's Jefferson and Kennedy high schools will stage one-act plays at 7 p.m. on Friday in the Kennedy High School auditorium, 9701 Nicollet Av. S. The shows are 35 minutes in length and feature mature subject matter.

Jefferson students will stage "The Girl in the Mirror," about a 17-year-old girl who has tried to take her life and is now in a coma. The drama reveals what is going through her mind as she lies in her bed.

Both schools also will present their performances in the Minnesota State High School League's 2012 One Act Play Festival this month at Eagan High School.

Tickets for Friday's performances are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors, and they will be available at the door or may be reserved in advance by calling 952-681-5012 or visiting www.jeffersontheatrecom pany.org.

Valley View performs 'Seussical Jr.'Valley View Middle School students will perform "Seussical Jr." Thursday through Saturday in the Bloomington school's auditorium.

Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday at the school at 8900 Portland Av. Tickets are $7. To order them in advance, call 952-681-5980 or print a ticket order form at http://vvm.blooming ton.k12.mn.us and drop it off at the school. Tickets also will be available a half hour before each show. A free senior matinee will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday.

This event includes keynote speaker Molly Snuggerud, a registered nurse and family health manager with Bloomington Public Health. Participants can choose up to two classes to attend of the 24 classes available during the morning. A marketplace featuring local organizations will also be open during break times throughout the morning. The day will begin at 8:15 a.m. with check-in and coffee.

For more information about the event, call 763-475-3830.

The forum is sponsored by Wayzata Public Schools' PTAs and PTSO, Wayzata Liaison Committee, Wayzata Communities in Collaboration Council and Wayzata Public Schools.

Fundraiser supports education fundThe Edina Education Fund will hold a Show and Tell Luncheon on Monday to learn about the ways the nonprofit is supporting the school district's students.

The fifth-annual event will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 6820 St. Patrick's Lane in Edina, and will include demonstrations from students and live presentations. To register, go to www.edi naedfund.com or call 952-848-4224.