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Nethercutt announces Citizenship Tournament

The George Nethercutt Foundation announced on Thursday that they will be holding a Citizenship Tournament in the fall of 2013.

 

The tournament will feature self-paced activities that test student's knowledge of U.S. history, current events, economics, government and foreign policy. It is open to students in grades four, eight and twelve.

 

“I wanted to have the input of young people in policy making,” explains George Nethercutt about why he started his foundation back in 1996. He goes on to say that this tournament is a great opportunity to show students what it's like to participate in the civic life.

 

Nethercutt describes the tournament challenges as being things that will encourage students to be “more immersed in government”. The first round tasks could include things like interviewing a veteran, attending a city council meeting or writing a letter to the editor or to their congressman to see what response they get.

Mobius to host free teacher resource fair

Mobius to host free teacher resource fair

Mobius Science Center is hosting a free teacher resource day at the end of June. The event aims at making field trips to the science center in Downtown Spokane and easy and helpful experience for local teachers.

 

The teacher resource fair will feature exploration of the exhibit floor, a tour of the center, science and planetarium shows as well as hands-on field trip lessons. There will also be a question and answer portion about how to schedule field trips.

 

Don Riefler is the Director of Education and Programs at Mobius and says that the resource fair is chance for teachers to see what they have to offer.

 

“We hope this will expand our already considerable audience and make using our field trip and outreach resources easier for teachers,” explains Riefler. The Q & A will help explain how to schedule field trips and who to contact and provide information on the cost of a field trip to Mobius.

 

Wolverine Pride raises money and spirits

Wolverine Pride raises money and spirits

Westwood Middle School’s leadership class, Wolverine Pride, recently raised more than $1,200 dollars for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Wolverine Pride raised about one-third of the donations through a change drive at Westwood and raised the rest through various fundraising efforts, including going house to house and garnering donations from local businesses. Students took part in the Relay for Life of the West Plains on Friday, May 17. They didn't just walk, they participated in all kinds of events throughout the night such as Jazzercise, karaoke, and various field competitions. In addition, the students relayed around the track for 12 hours straight.

Solicitor falsely using EWU to collect money

Solicitor falsely using EWU to collect money

Eastern Washington University received reports today that someone is using the University as a rouse to collect monetary donations in the Spokane Valley.

Reports say the someone claiming to be participating in a fundraiser for the Communications Studies Program has been soliciting money door-to-door. However, EWU has not authorized a fundraiser and has no knowledge of one happening in the Communications Studies department or any other department on campus. 

Kindergartners learn about community service one bear at a time

Kindergartners learn about community service one bear at a time

Kindergarten students from Chester Elementary made a trip to the Build-A-Bear Workshop in the Spokane Valley Mall this morning. Instead of taking their new fluffy friends home, they donated them to children staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

 

The excursion was made possible by an Eastern Washington Community Outreach Program Grant. The COP Grants are given for up to $1,500 to cover the cost of service projects that build relationships between students, schools and the community at large. This is the fourth time that kindergarten teacher Denise Kennedy has applied for and been given a COP Grant.

 

LETEM Play expands beyond instruments to advocate music education

We first told you about LETEM Play in September, since then the non-profit started by two high school students has grown bigger than they creators could have ever imagined. Now, they are expanding and are offering more than just instruments.

 

LETEM- Life Enhancement Through Education in Music- was started by Katy Dolan and Philip Howard in February 2012. The Central Valley High School Juniors decided they wanted to share something they loved while making a difference in their community. LETEM provides instruments to students who can't afford them.

 

Now, a little over a year later, LETEM has branched off from just providing instruments. Dolan and Howard have also started providing music clinics to schools and groups that are trying to grow their music programs.