West school briefs: 'Music Man Jr.' debuts March 12 in Minnetonka

Meredith Willson's "The Music Man Jr." will be presented by the junior high students of Notre Dame Academy beginning March 12.

The performance is unique in that participation is a requirement of the school's junior high curriculum. Seventh- and eighth-grade students who otherwise might never volunteer for a role on stage find themselves cast in key and integral roles.

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. March 12 to 14 and 1 p.m. on March 15. All performances will be held at the school, located at 13505 Excelsior Blvd.

Go to www.nda-mn.org for ticket order forms and additional information.

Mayer Lutheran High School will host a school readiness forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the school's Fine Arts Center.

Topics for the evening will include "How to Keep School From Getting in the Way of My Child's Education"; "So Much To Do, So Little Time: Tips for Organizing My Disorganized Child," and"That's What Friends Are For: Ways to Promote a Healthy High School Social Life."

Presenters at the forum will include Principal Kevin Wilaby, admissions director Dan Perrel and executive director Joel Landskroener.

Sports reporter Michele Tafoya will emcee a fundraiser for St. David's Center for Child and Family Development on Saturday, March 7.

The Make Them Shine Gala for the Minnetonka organization is seeking to raise $325,000 to support early childhood education, early intervention and treatment, and services for individuals with lifelong special needs.

The event will be held at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus, 200 SE. Oak Street, Minneapolis. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The event will include wine and hors d'oeuvres, more than 150 silent-auction items, a dinner and a program featuring the stories of families who have been served by St. David's Center. An auction will follow. The festivities will continue with the Shine On After Party, featuring the band SWAG from 9:30 p.m. until midnight.

Tickets can be purchased at www.stdavidscenter.org/gala.