West metro school briefs: Perpich Arts High School admitting students for new program

Perpich Arts High School in Golden Valley is offering admission opportunities for this fall in its newest program, "artscience."

Using a different scientific theme each year as a jumping off point, artscience students explore the world and how to make it better, using multiple disciplines to do the research, analyze information, work in collaborative teams and create projects.

Students pursue ideas, using self-directed study.

In the past, artscience students have worked with graphic and furniture designers, horticulturalists, playwrights, biologists, physicians, photographers, scientists, musicians and dancers.

The application deadline for the fall program is Aug. 9. Interested students and their families may contact the admissions office at Perpich Arts High School at admissions@pcae.k12.mn.us or 763-279-4168 and 1-800-657-3515. The application form is at www.pcae.k12.mn.us/ahs/adminfo.html.

Admission review is Aug. 12. Classes begin Aug. 26.

Edina Public Schools is hosting a school board candidate information session for resi­dents interested in running for the Edina school board.

The meeting will be facilitated by current school board members, who will discuss expectations and responsibilities of being a school board member.

Topics to be covered include governance and the relationship between the school board and district administration, meeting formats, policies, committee structure and other issues.

Current members will share insights from their time serving on the school board and answer questions from meeting participants. Individuals who have already filed their candidacy or are considering running for the school board are encouraged to attend this free informational session.

Edina voters will go to the polls Nov. 5 to elect four school board members. The seats up for election are currently held by Randy Meyer, Regina Neville and Lonni Skrentner, as well as the seat recently vacated by Idith Almog. Each of the terms will be for four years — Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2017.

School board candidates must meet the following criteria: be at least 21 year of age; be an eligible voter; be a resident of the Edina School District for at least 30 days before the general election, and not be a candidate for any other elected office in the 2013 election.

The clerk's office is located in Suite 200 of the Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Road, Edina. The deadline to withdraw candidacy is 5 p.m. Aug. 15.

Bloomington Public Schools has hired Karen Cadigan as its new early childhood education specialist.

Cadigan will provide leadership for the district's early childhood education initiative, which will expand services to children from birth to age 3 who are at risk of not being prepared to enter kindergarten.

Cadigan also will work with district staff to design an assessment and data system to support personalized learning for teachers, program administrators and parents of children from birth to age 5.