In a world dominated by iPads, Xboxs and HDTVs, the Spokane Valley Rotary Club is looking to teach children the value of a good book.

This year marked the third year the Rotary Club provided Spokane Valley elementary students with a free book. What started as a project helping just Broadway Elementary students has expanded to serving two schools in each of the three Valley school districts: Trentwood and Trent of East Valley; Orchard Center and Ness Elementary of West Valley; and Broadway and Opportunity Elementary of Central Valley.

“We make sure every child in those schools get a book,” Rotary member Kay Bryant, who spearheads the project, said. “What we want to do is put a book in the hands of every elementary student in the Valley.”

Bryant said she was inspired to do the project when she witnessed a mother walking with her children past a private book sale.

Registration begins on Thursday, March 7 at 8 a.m. for incoming kindergarten students in the Central Valley School District. Hundreds of young students are expected to enroll in kindergarten for the 2013/14 school year. Parents are encouraged to enroll early to select from the various options of morning classes, afternoon classes or all-day tuition-based kindergarten classes with extended child care. Options vary by school.

Central Valley schools will also begin accepting registration for new first grade students beginning March 7. Registration will take place in neighborhood schools during school hours after March 7 (call your school for registration hours). Parents should come prepared with up-to-date immunization records, original state-certified birth certificate and proof of residence using a current electric bill. Registration packets are available for parents to pick up and complete prior to the first day of registration.

For the eighth consecutive year, Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians will team up to reward deserving high school seniors with college scholarships. Five area students will be selected to receive a $500 scholarship based on achievement in four areas: scholarship, leadership, character, and community development.

“To be able to give back to the community by rewarding area students the chance to further their education, and to do it in partnership with the Spokane Indians, is nothing less than a home run,” said Kirk Quillin, Banner Bank Senior Vice President.

In the seven previous years that Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians have worked together to award the scholarships, 36 area students have received a total of $18,000 towards their college tuition.

“We've enjoyed having the opportunity to help students set out and begin achieving their goals in higher learning,” said Indians Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “To continue the scholarship program is an exceptional way for us and Banner Bank to keep giving back to the Spokane community.”