Plymouth

Online school hosts information session

MTS Connections Academy, a tuition-free, K-12 online public school, will host a free information session for families from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the Comfort Inn Plymouth, 3000 Harbor Lane.

Families will meet with faculty members, explore the school's curriculum and learn about the enrollment process. Other topics: How teachers interact with students in the virtual environment; personalized learning opportunities; college preparation; socialization; the role of the parent or other learning coach, and the use of technology.

To RSVP and for a complete event schedule, go to www.ConnectionsAcademy.com/MTSMCAevents.

Minnetonka

St. David's Center receives grant

The Million Dollar Round Table Foundation has awarded a $3,000 grant to St. David's Center for Child and Family Development to support a culturally responsive treatment program for Somali children with autism spectrum disorder.

St. David's Center launched its autism day-treatment center model in the Somali community one year ago. Today the program is at capacity, with children attending either a morning or afternoon therapeutic preschool.

Half of the staff are Somali women who have trained in St. David's Center's model in Minnetonka. Working with their colleagues, they provide intake services and classroom-based treatment to Somali children with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, as well as community education and outreach to reduce cultural barriers for those seeking treatment.

The center is located in northeast Minneapolis, near Somali neighborhoods and next door to a Somali-owned and operated child care.

KIM McGUIRE