Second graders study Russian history from teen made storybooks

ANTHEM - Jessica Koons' sophomore Social Studies class at Boulder Creek High School took a walking field trip to Anthem School March 16 to read books they created about The Romanov family to Kristi Martin's 2nd grade class. The House of Romanov was the second and last imperial family of Russia, which ruled Muscovy and the Russian Empire for five generations from 1613 to 1762.

Russia was ruled by the House of Oldenburg until 1917 and retained the Romanov surname. Story time was followed by a screening of the movie "Anastasia."

Soroptimist awards students for service

CCUSD - The Soroptimist International Club of Saguaro Foothills awarded two Cactus Shadows High School sophomores with scholarship money. The organization provided matching funds to the school's Key Club for their service work.

Briana Hartsock won $500 and had a matching check presented to the Scottsdale Dream Center located within the Assembly of God Church in Scottsdale. Laura Mannino received $250.

Zoo animals teach students about the ecosystem

TRAMONTO - Instead of students going to the zoo to learn about animals, the animals went to school to demonstrate human impact on the ecosystem. The 7th and 8th grade students at Sunset Ridge School in Tramonto met members of the traveling Phoenix Zoo on March 14.

The presentation focused on desert animals who were forced to adapt to human populations. Monogram Companies, a residential developer in the area, sponsored the presentation to educate students on the importance of the environment.

Travel to China, get college credit

VALLEY - A unique opportunity to study the global business environment of China on a two week tour of one of the world's largest financial business centers, including Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and Hong Kong, is part of five week course in which participants can earn two college credits.

Scheduled for mid May of 2006, the tour is open to the public and costs approximately $3,600 (including airfare). This Paradise Valley Community College class is IBS154: Pacific Rim Countries-International Business Environments.

Learning will focus on understanding Chinese cultural and social customs, as well as language, business practices and key factors involved in conducting business successfully in China.

Registrations and final payment will be accepted until April 1. Call (602) 787 6729 for information or to register. PVCC is at 18401 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix.

PVCC offers hands on ceramics in China

VALLEY - Students can study ancient artistic Chinese landmarks, participate in the creation of pottery at the studios of local artists, and receive three college credits in Art295GC through the Paradise Valley Community College Study Abroad Program.

The excursion, organized by David Bradley of the Fine Arts faculty, is from June 1 15 and costs approximately $3,700. Sites include the Great Wall of China, Tianenmen Square and the Forbidden City, all in Beijing; the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum, Xian; Yangtze River cruise to the Three Gorges Dam; Shanghai; and Yixing, the teapot capitol of China.

Students will study teapot design and construction while traveling with renowned ceramic artists Xiaoping Luo and his wife, Junya Shao.

Xiaoping is internationally known for his figurative ceramic sculptures shown in museums and private collections around the world, including the White House and the Smithsonian Institute. Together they are known for their unique interpretations of modern designs using traditional techniques and materials.

For information or to register, call David Bradley at (602) 787 6615 or e mail david.bradley@pvmail.maricopa.edu.

Rattlers make cheerful noise at national level

CCUSD - The Desert Arroyo Rattlers Cheerleaders placed first in their division during a national competition in Irvine, California, held March 10 12. They also won the high point Grand Champions against 12 other teams.

Coach Michelle Bialik led the 8th grade girls to victory. The team competed at the national level in 2005 and placed second in their division.

Gymnast flips for state title

CCUSD - Maddie Krentz, a 6th grader at Sonoran Trails Middle School, scored the highest in all of the age groups earning her the title of 2006 Arizona State Level 8 All Around State Gymnastics Champion.

She will represent the State of Arizona at the Regional Meet in California in April. The state chooses the top seven to represent it at regionals and made Krentz their number one pick.

Expert discusses ADHS with parents

TRAMONTO - Parents whose children suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can learn about treatment and management of the disorder during an informational seminar presented by Richard L. Gray, Ph.D. The discussion will cover ADHD's causes and nature.

Gray will offer practical strategies for dealing with ADHD and answer questions at the end of the presentation. The presentation and discussion will be held in the Media Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 29 at Sunset Ridge School, 35707 N. 33rd Lane. For more information, call (623) 445 7800.